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NBA: 10 Teams That Can Win The NBA Championship

Staff

Published

5 days ago

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sit with the MVP and Larry O’Brien trophies during the Boston Celtics Victory Event on June 21, 2024 following their 2024 NBA Finals win at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

These 10 NBA teams are best built to win the NBA Finals in 2025:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Mar 27, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) is interviewed by a reporter after their team won a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

They’ve clinched the Western Conference’s #1 seed. The Thunder can reach the Finals and win, given their strong play throughout the season and long bench depth.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 27, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Thunder defeated the Cavaliers 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Cleveland looks the part of the best Eastern Conference team. Cleveland will need to get past Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals, and that could provide the momentum to win the Finals.

3. Boston Celtics

Health will be the key to a successful playoff run. If healthy, Boston can reach the Finals and claim a second-straight championship.

4. Golden State Warriors

The veteran squad will rely on health as the playoffs start. Assuming health, Golden State can reach, and win, the NBA Finals with their veteran core and history of recent playoff success.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer during a 104-96 win over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on November 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LeBron must be healthy as the playoffs begin. He will be the reason the Lakers reach the Finals and win. A healthy Lakers team can beat anyone.

6. Denver Nuggets

DENVER, CO – APRIL 07: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on April 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

The Nuggets hopes to reach, and win, the NBA Finals comes down to the availability and health of Nikola Jokic. If healthy, despite having to beat tough teams the entire way through the Western Conference, Jokic can lead them back to the finals.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

Their window is closing to play themselves into a playoff spot and stay out of the play-in tournament. If Minnesota wins a championship, Anthony Edwards must play at an MVP level.

8. Houston Rockets

Houston has been strong all season. They will look to continue this trend in the playoffs and rely on all seven rotation players to win an NBA championship.

9. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers playoff run can go as far as Kawhi Leonard can take them. Even if Kawhi is at the top of his game, though, the Clippers will be in tough against the Lakers, Warriors, and Thunder.

10. New York Knicks

The Knicks need a healthy Jalen Brunson for a deep playoff run. If they have him, they can beat anyone, although both the Celtics and Cavs will be tough outs.

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