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NBA: Top 8 Teams Right Now

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4 days ago

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

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City finished the season with the NBA’s best record. They are the clear favorite to reach the Western Conference Finals and have one of the best odds to 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

The Cavaliers finished the season with the NBA’s second-best record and have the best odds to reach the Eastern Conference finals. Cleveland and Boston are the favorites to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, with the winner likely to face Oklahoma City in the NBA 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)

The veteran Celtics team enters the playoffs with a second-straight championship in their sights. Their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis are poised to carry the team to the Eastern Conference Finals.

4. Houston Rockets

Houston enters the playoffs as the Western Conference’s #2 seed. They await the play-in tournament results and will face the #7 seed. One of the better defensive teams in the NBA, Houston will rely on stout defense to carry them throughout the playoffs.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer during a 104-96 win over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on November 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, 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 Harry How/Getty Images)

Los Angeles will face Minnesota in the first round and have their work cut out for them. The Lakers/Timberwolves first-round matchup is intriguing as Los Angeles will face a tough test as they may not have an answer for Minnesota big men Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid.

6. New York Knicks

New York begins their championship quest against Detroit. The Knicks played steady offense throughout the regular season. Combining their offense and tough defense could prove too much for Detroit.

7. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers’ first-round series against Denver will be a must-watch. The Clippers can go as far as Kawhi Leonard can take them.

8. Denver Nuggets

Mike Malone was relieved of his head coaching duties before the end of the regular season. It was a shocking move by the front office and the Nuggets will either enter the playoffs highly motivated or see a disruption in chemistry that sees them fall early in the playoffs.

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