Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 40 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder held off the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 113-105 win in NBA Cup play.

Our insiders answer one big question on the top NBA teams with title ambitions and explain what they need to do to stay a contender.

The Portland Trail Blazers got a 127-123 vs. Warriors at Chase Center as Deni Avdija and Caleb Love showed stellar performance.

BOTTOM LINE: Washington aims to stop its 13-game losing streak with a victory against Chicago. The Bulls are 5-5 in conference games. Chicago is 3-1 in games decided by less than 4 points.

Tim Bontemps takes the pulse of the league on OKC's chase for 70 wins, the potential post-Trae Hawks and more first-month standout storylines.