The teams at the top of the Eastern and Western Conferences are starting to see competition for the top spots. Detroit and Oklahoma City had comfortable leads, but Boston, New York, and San Antonio are ready to give the top dogs a run for their money. With around 17 games left, it’s time to get the popcorn ready. Here are the top 10 NBA teams right now as the final stretch of the season heats up.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are begging the Suns to overtake them. Los Angeles has hit a rough stretch over the past 10 games, but Phoenix hasn’t jumped at the opportunity to get out of the play-in tournament. Los Angeles will get into the playoffs but suffer a quick exit.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland’s hot stretch has been led by the team’s offense. Cleveland’s offense ranks 3rd in efficiency. The Cavaliers have put their slow start to the season behind them.
8. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have dropped close games of late. However, keeping Nikola Jokic healthy is the most important objective as the regular season closes out. No matter what their seed is, the Nuggets will be a tiring matchup for opposing playoff teams.
7. Houston Rockets
The Rockets have relied on lockdown defense throughout the season. They are a nightmare matchup for opposing teams, and this isn’t changing anytime soon. If an upset occurs in the playoffs, it will likely be at the hands of the Houston Rockets.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is as hot as any NBA team. They’re winning on a nightly basis and are finding their stride right before the playoffs. The Timberwolves have a tough patch to reach the Western Conference Finals.
5. New York Knicks
The Knicks are chasing Boston and Detroit, but each team continues to win. They’re heading toward the Eastern Conference’s 3rd seed. There’s no reason they cannot reach the Conference Finals for a second consecutive season.
4. Boston Celtics
Boston has no regular-season games remaining against Detroit. If they are going to unseat them atop the Eastern Conference, they will have to do so by winning and hoping Detroit hits a rough patch. The Celtics and Pistons would make a must-see Eastern Conference Finals.
3. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are the league’s hottest team. Their stretch of victories over the last 10 games has moved them within four games of Oklahoma City. The remaining games may see San Antonio overtake Oklahoma City for the top spot in the Western Conference.
2. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are refusing to slow down. They’ve stayed atop the Eastern Conference for the entire season. It will be a letdown if they do not reach the Conference Finals.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Yes, their lead on the conference has shrunk, but they’re the defending NBA champions. The Thunder’s main objective is to have the entire roster healthy for the playoffs. The Thunder will be in the Western Conference Finals.
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