There are plenty of fantastic teams in the NBA right now, and as the trade deadline approaches, the great teams are expected to get even better. For now, as things stand, these are the 10 teams with the best chance to win the NBA Championship right now.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein’s return provided Oklahoma City with a boost from the center position and they look ready to stay put as the top-ranked team.
2. Houston Rockets
Two wins versus Cleveland and Houston not only moves up in the power rankings but knock Cleveland out of one of the top two spots for the first time this season. Houston continues their strong play and shows no signs of slowing down.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland hit a bump, dropping two straight games to Houston. However, they are still one of the strongest teams in the league and should not be counted out to quickly jump up the standings.
4. Boston Celtics
Now is the time for Boston to regroup. They’ve hit a rough stretch of late but the team is too talented to see an extended period of rough stretches.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
A fully healthy lineup has Memphis posting the NBA’s best offense. Their lineup had its way with opponents.
6. New York Knicks
The Knicks continue to fare well this season, but when they hit rough patches, it’s usually due to their defense taking a step back. Their defense has fared well recently, and the Knicks look to keep moving forward.
7. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets continue to post one of the best offenses in the league, but their defense has still been a question mark. It goes without question that defense will be a focus as the season continues, and improved defense should see Denver jump into the top five in the upcoming weeks.
8. Indiana Pacers
Indiana continues strong play with their young roster. They’ve shown great improvement since the calendar flipped and found themselves inside the top ten for the first time this season.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Naz Reid has been the bright spot for a Timberwolves team that has seen inconsistent defense. Reid has picked up the slack offensively and hid defensive efficiencies at times.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers are now seven games over .500 and just made a huge trade to acquire one of the best players in the NBA. Pairing him with LeBron James might just be what it takes to get the Lakers over the hump.
