We are now in the month of December and things are starting to become more clear this NBA season. Now is the time where teams begin to separate themselves from one another and we are seeing that specifically in the Western Conference with the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. 

These are undisputedly the two best teams in the entire NBA and Christmas has come early for NBA fans as we got to see them face off in Phoenix on November 30 and we get to see them play again on December 3 in San Francisco! 

Then, we get to see the real Christmas Day game between these two on December 25, a game in which Klay Thompson may be back for the Warriors for the first-time since the 2019 NBA Finals. 

Aside from the two powerhouses out West, the Eastern Conference has plenty to offer as well, as 11 teams currently have 11 or more wins this season in the East. 

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The Nets, Bulls, Wizards and Heat lead the way at the top of the standings, but we should not be so quick to rule out the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks, who have not lost a game this season when Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo all play. 

Rookies are playing well, past champions are playing well and new stars of the league are beginning to emerge, which is why now is the best time to begin discussing some of the “end of the year” awards in the NBA. 

Rookie of the Year, Sixth-Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player are all up for grabs this season, so who has the early edge in these races? 

Let’s take a look at the top early candidate for each of the major NBA awards this season.