These are the top 8 teams in the NBA right now:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City continues to dominate the league. Currently owning the league’s best record at 42-9, the young Thunder team shows no signs of slowing down. Led by league MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his 32.7 PPG not only leads the NBA, but he continues to shine day in and day out. The key to Oklahoma City winning the 2024-2025 NBA Finals will come down to health and continued consistency.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
They’ve not only been one of the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference but in the NBA. Cleveland has a favorable schedule the rest of the way, and they can win the NBA Finals by continued domination and winning close games as the playoffs start.
3. Boston Celtics
They cannot afford to drop winnable games. There have been several games where they did not show up in crunch time, and this must be fixed as they try and defend their NBA title. If they clean up the fourth quarters of close games, Boston can win a second-straight NBA Championship.
4. Denver Nuggets
Denver enters the week with the NBA’s fourth-best offense. They currently own the Western Conference’s third seed and have the chance to leap Memphis with tough defense. Denver can win the NBA Finals with improved defense and experience in the NBA playoffs.
5. New York Knicks
New York has been a top team offensively and defensively throughout the season. Their main issue is their record against the NBA’s top teams. Boston, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City have dominated the Knicks with a 5-0 record. The Knicks’ path to an NBA Championship is simple: beat the top teams in the NBA.
6. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have progressed throughout the season, and much can be attributed to the team’s rebounding ability. They do not give up many second-chance points defensively and have a knack for second-chance points on the offensive side of the glass. Memphis’ path to the NBA Finals, and championship, will come down to their ability to defeat Western Conference foes that are arguably the best in the NBA.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers sit in the 5th seed, in the Western Conference, with a 31-19 record. They’ve dominated bottom-feeder teams, and this has helped them maneuver around any slip-ups throughout the season. The trade for Charlotte center Mark Williams was rescinded and need to solidify the center position. If the Lakers are to win the NBA Finals, they must figure out a way to bring in a dominant center.
8. Houston Rockets
Houston hit a rough patch, losing six straight games before winning Sunday against Toronto. They are the team most in need of the All-Star Break. Houston’s path to a championship comes down to regaining their stout defense and continuing to win close games in the playoffs.
