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
The Thunder continue their torrid pace. Their depth could be the reason they win the NBA Finals.
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 enters Monday 60-15 and firmly sits in the Eastern Conference’s #1 seed. The Cavaliers should find themselves in the Eastern Conference Finals, and their depth should be the deciding factor in winning an NBA championship.
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)
Boston’s playoff experience can carry them to the conference finals. This will also be the reason why they win the NBA Finals.
4. Houston Rockets
Houston continues to play well as the season comes to an end. Their combination of consistency and defense can be the reason they win an NBA Championship.
5. 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)
Golden State continues to hold the Western Conference #6 seed. To win the championship, Golden State will rely on its veterans to stay healthy throughout the playoffs.
6. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic returned after a five-game absence. Jokic will be the reason the Nuggets reach the NBA Finals and win.
7. 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)
The Lakes are holding onto the Western Conference #4 seed. If the Lakers are to win the championship, LeBron James will need to stay healthy.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid continue to power Minnesota’s frontcourt. Their continued strong play, and Anthony Edwards leading the way, can be the reason the Timberwolves reach and win the NBA Finals.
9. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers find themselves in the play-in tournament. They will heavily rely on their consistent offense to lead them through the play-in games.
10. New York Knicks
The Knicks have clinched a playoff spot. Moving forward, they will make sure they enter the playoffs healthy. Their defense can lead them to a championship.
