December 7, 2025 — A collection of updates from around the NBA’s Central Division highlights Isaiah Stewart’s growing defensive reputation, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s public stance on his future, an important Indiana Pacers victory, and continued turbulence for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Stewart Drawing Defensive Player of the Year Buzz
Detroit Pistons reserve center Isaiah Stewart is averaging 2.0 blocks in just 22.5 minutes per game and has already posted five outings with at least four blocks. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff called Stewart “the best defensive center in the league and it’s not close,” while star guard Cade Cunningham went further, labeling him “the best defensive player in the league” and lobbying for a Defensive Player of the Year award.
Rookie wing Ausar Thompson praised Stewart’s relentless approach, saying, “There will never be a shot that goes up that Stew doesn’t contest.” One obstacle to award consideration is the league’s 65-game, 20-minutes-per-game threshold. Stewart has appeared in six games below the 20-minute mark, leaving him only 11 more such games before becoming ineligible for postseason honors.
Antetokounmpo Reiterates Loyalty to Bucks
Amid persistent trade speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo told NBA on Prime’s Chris Haynes, “There are people who see a door, who want to hurry up and escape through that door. I see a wall and I want to run through the wall and make things work.” Haynes reported that the two-time MVP’s sole focus is regaining full health and supporting the Milwaukee Bucks. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports added that any potential trade discussions would likely wait until the offseason.
Siakam Powers Pacers to Needed Road Victory
The Indiana Pacers secured a rare road win Friday in Chicago, defeating the Bulls behind Pascal Siakam’s 36 points, 10 rebounds and five three-pointers. Head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged his club’s nightly talent gap, stating, “A lot of elements right now have to be in place for us to be an effective road team against a team like Chicago.” After a 2-16 start, Indiana has now won three of its last five contests.
Cavaliers Booed During Home Loss
The Cleveland Cavaliers were met with boos at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse during Saturday’s defeat to a short-handed Golden State Warriors squad, their fifth loss in seven games. Guard Donovan Mitchell said, “We can’t keep getting in this position… There’s no switch to flip.” Head coach Kenny Atkinson echoed the sentiment, noting, “We need a reset right now to rest our bodies and get our principles.”
Central Division teams will return to action this week, with Detroit hosting Charlotte on Monday, Milwaukee visiting New York on Tuesday, Indiana traveling to Philadelphia on Wednesday, and Cleveland facing Boston on Thursday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
