Here are the top 10 NBA teams right now. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments!
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland owns the NBA’s best record at 54-10, clinched a playoff spot, and has a 14-game winning streak. They’re going to be a dreadful matchup for any opposing playoff team. Will a lack of experience hinder them at any point during the playoffs?
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City has played the NBA’s top defense for most of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to carry the team and is the MVP front-runner. Their lack of playoff experience could be a factor, but the Thunder should find themselves in the Western Conference Finals.
3. Boston Celtics
Boston is destined to see an uptick in performance as the playoffs start. Their playoff experience should not be ignored, and they are searching for a back-to-back championship. Will Boston be the team to knock off Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals?
4. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have moved into the Western Conference’s 2nd seed. They’ve played well of late, but their main objective is entering the playoffs with a healthy roster. If they reach the Western Conference Finals and win, they can be the favorite in the Finals.
5. Denver Nuggets
The veteran squad is playing well, but minor injuries are hitting the roster. Denver should be a veteran squad expected to increase their production as the playoffs start.
6. Golden State Warriors
The acquisition of Jimmy Butler has righted the ship in Golden State. The Warriors are 11-1 since Butler arrived and currently sit in the Western Conference’s 6th seed. Butler will be heavily relied upon come playoffs, or an early exit will occur.
7. New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson is set to miss two weeks with an ankle injury. New York needs a healthy Bruson in the playoffs, or this team will fall short in their quest for an NBA championship.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert is off the injury list, and the Timberwolves finally have a healthy roster. Should they finish as a play-in team, Anthony Edwards will be the driving force to move Minnesota through the play-in tournament.
9. Indiana Pacers
Indiana is holding onto the East’s 5th seed, and while they will be a tough playoff matchup, their lack of experience could be the reason they stumble. However, the stars must perfectly align for the Pacers to win the NBA Finals.
10. Memphis Grizzlies
A fully healthy roster can carry this team far. However, they played over the weekend without Jaren Jackson Jr., and his absence was reflected in the team’s inability to dominate the paint. A loss of any core player would cause the Grizzlies to fail to reach the conference finals.
