PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns are without Devin Booker due to his groin injury, and as a result the team's placement across NBA power rankings has varied.

The Phoenix Suns return to the grind on Monday night as they take on the Timberwolves, in an anticipated matchup after Phoenix’s one-point victory over Minnesota late in November.

All eight teams left in the running for the NBA Cup are now playing for a shot at going to Las Vegas for the tournament semifinals, along with a chance of picking up more than $500,000 per player as a reward for claiming the title.

The Phoenix Suns face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Dec. 10.

Some of it, the continued dominance of the Thunder and Nuggets, and the struggles of the Nets and Wizards, was to be expected. However, there are a few teams that have really stood out with surprising starts to the 2025-26 NBA season. Some for better reasons than others.

With picks four, 29, 33, and 34 (thanks to a draft-day trade with the Phoenix Suns), the Charlotte Hornets were able to select Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion

NBA Cup knockout stage games start on Dec. 9. So, who is playing for the in-season tournament title, and how will the games pan out?