These are the top 8 teams in the NBA right now:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City continues to run away with the Western Conference with a 9.5-game lead on Memphis and Denver. Anything but a trip to the NBA Finals would be a letdown, given the continued domination. If the Thunder dominate the playoffs, they will end the season with their first NBA title.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
They’ve stayed consistent throughout the season, and the trade deadline acquisition of De’Andre Hunter has helped solidify their defensive presence. If Cleveland stays healthy and Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ty Jerome continues his hot play, they can enter next season with a championship banner raised to the rafters.
3. Boston Celtics
Boston is ironing out any deficiencies as they prepare for the playoffs. Entering the playoffs and firing on all cylinders will make Boston a tough matchup for any opposing team. Boston’s chances of a repeat come down to health and winning close games throughout the playoffs.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Doncic continues to become better acclimated with his Lakers teammates and Saturday’s route of Denver saw his best game as a Laker with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. If Los Angeles can keep LeBron and Luka healthy throughout the playoffs, the Lakers can find themselves in the Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City. Overcoming the Thunder can lead them to an NBA championship.
5. Denver Nuggets
Denver continues to dominate teams with a .500 record or worse. This helps them in the standings, but they must play well against fellow playoff teams. Their experience and Nikola Jovic will carry them through the playoffs. Denver can be crowned NBA champions for a second time, dominating their playoff opponents with an uptick in defense.
6. New York Knicks
New York has fallen back a little due to their defense taking a step back. They need to solidify their defense as the playoffs start. New York’s NBA championship hope comes down to winning playoff games by lockdown defense.
7. Indiana Pacers
Indiana continues their torrid pace since the calendar changed to 2025. Winners of seven of their last ten games, the Pacers’ youth continue to be a tough matchup as the season winds down. Yes, the Pacers lack playoff experience, but they will be an underdog that can win a championship by outpacing their opponents and winning close playoff games.
8. Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has taken a step back defensively. Their offensive production continues to match their opponents, and role players, like Jaylen Wells, have stepped up throughout the season. The Grizzlies can win the 2024-2025 NBA Finals with their offensive output and finding a way to increase their defensive efficiency.
