In this week’s NBA roundup, the Charlotte Hornets continue their blistering run, Luka Doncic proves why he remains one of the league’s most unstoppable forces, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee looks increasingly uncertain.

Team of the Week: Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are on fire, stringing together six straight wins to improve from 16-28 to 22-28 and climb to 11th in the Eastern Conference—just outside the play-in tournament spots.

Last week alone, they went 4-0, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs. Offensively, they’ve been one of the league’s best, ranking sixth in offensive rating, and with their key players fully fit, the Hornets are hitting their stride.

A starting five of LaMelo Ball, Kon Kneuppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate has proven formidable, and this young roster looks set to be a dangerous contender down the stretch.

Underachievers of the Week: Dallas Mavericks

After showing signs of improvement, the Mavericks stumbled hard this week, losing four straight games to the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Hornets, and Houston Rockets. The losing streak has pushed them further from the play-in positions.

Coach Jason Kidd expressed his frustration following the week’s results:

“Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that bullshit… I build players, so I know what I’m doing. Criticism only makes me better, because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes in what I’ve done.”

Player of the Week: Luka Doncic

Exactly a year after his blockbuster move to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic continues to show why Dallas’ decision was disastrous.

Last week, Doncic posted:

• 46 points and 11 assists vs. Chicago Bulls
• 29 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
• 37 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists vs. Washington Wizards
• 30 points and 15 rebounds vs. New York Knicks

He leads the NBA in scoring (33.6 PPG) and ranks second in assists (8.8 APG), cementing his status as one of the league’s most dominant offensive talents.

Play of the Week: Peyton Watson

Denver Nuggets’ Peyton Watson wowed fans with an incredible dunk on Chet Holmgren during Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his athleticism even in defeat.

Story of the Week: Giannis Antetokounmpo

After 13 years in Milwaukee and delivering the franchise its first NBA title in 50 years, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo appears ready to leave the Bucks.

ESPN insider Shams Charania reports that Milwaukee is listening to offers for the Greek superstar, with the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets all showing interest ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.

Whether the move happens now or in the offseason, it seems Giannis’ era in Milwaukee is coming to a close.