CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 10: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 10, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 128-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
These are the top 8 teams in the NBA right now:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Mar 27, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) is interviewed by a reporter after their team won a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City owns the best record in the NBA, and they have 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
Mar 27, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) celebrates his three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on February 22, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives in for a layup against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of the West semifinal game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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
DENVER, CO – APRIL 07: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on April 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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
Mar 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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
Mar 27, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) goes to the basket against Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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.
