Here are the 10 best NBA teams RIGHT NOW:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein’s return provided Oklahoma City with a boost from the center position. 2-1 last week, and Oklahoma City looks ready to stay put as the top-ranked team. This week features games against Golden State and Sacramento. The Thunder should have no issues entering Week 16 in the #1 spot.
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. Cleveland’s four-game schedule features Detroit, Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas.
4. Boston Celtics
Now is the time for Boston to regroup. They’ve hit a rough stretch of late but still finished last week 3-1. The team is too talented to see an extended period of rough stretches. They start Week 15 versus Houston, followed by games winnable against Chicago, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. A perfect 4-0 is not out of the question.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
A fully healthy lineup has Memphis posting the NBA’s best offense. Their lineup had its way with opponents last week going a perfect 4-0. Week 15 is a tough test as their schedule features games against New York, Houston, and Milwaukee.
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 this capped off a 3-0 record last week. The Knicks look to keep moving forward with matchups against Memphis, Denver, and Los Angeles Lakers.
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. This week features contests against Detroit and Atlanta.
9. Los Angeles Clippers
Early into the season, it was hard to label the Clippers. One week, they looked tough, and the next, they looked overrated. The team continues to win and stay within the top 10 of power rankings. Week 15 features very winnable games against Phoenix, San Antonio, Charlotte, and Toronto.
10. 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. It remains to be seen how long the Timberwolves can keep pace before shoddy defense starts to cost them games.
