These are the top 10 teams in the NBA as we head into the season’s final 3 weeks:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City owns the best record in the NBA at 59-12. They’ve clinched the Western Conference’s #1 seed. The Thunder can reach the Finals and win, given their strong play throughout the season and long bench depth.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Coming into Week 23 with the NBA’s second-best record at 57-14, Cleveland looks the part of the best Eastern Conference team. Cleveland will need to get past Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals, and that could provide the momentum to win the Finals.
3. Boston Celtics
Health will be the key to a successful playoff run. If healthy, Boston can reach the Finals and claim a second-straight championship.
4. Golden State Warriors
The veteran squad will rely on health as the playoffs start. Assuming health, Golden State can reach, and win, the NBA Finals with their veteran core and history of recent playoff success.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron must be healthy as the playoffs begin. He will be the reason the Lakers reach the Finals and win. A healthy Lakers team can beat anyone.
6. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets hopes to reach, and win, the NBA Finals comes down to the availability and health of Nikola Jokic. If healthy, despite having to beat tough teams the entire way through the Western Conference, Jokic can lead them back to the finals.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Their window is closing to play themselves into a playoff spot and stay out of the play-in tournament. If Minnesota wins a championship, Anthony Edwards must play at an MVP level.
8. Houston Rockets
Houston has been strong all season. They will look to continue this trend in the playoffs and rely on all seven rotation players to win an NBA championship.
9. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers playoff run can go as far as Kawhi Leonard can take them. Even if Kawhi is at the top of his game, though, the Clippers will be in tough against the Lakers, Warriors, and Thunder.
10. New York Knicks
The Knicks need a healthy Jalen Brunson for a deep playoff run. If they have him, they can beat anyone, although both the Celtics and Cavs will be tough outs.
