In the NBA, there are many great teams, and players. But who is the best? Below are my top ten favorite teams to win the NBA in the 2023-24 season. It may be too early to tell, because we’re not even at the All-star break yet, but the Celtics, Thunder, Clippers, and Bucks are my favorites.

#1 Boston Celtics

Currently 1st in the Eastern Conference, they have a record of 38-12, which is the best across the NBA. in the off-season, they acquired “unicorn” Kristaps Porzingas, who has been averaging 20 ppg, 7 rpg, and 2 apg. Jayson Tatum has been averaging 27 ppg, a step down from last year, 8 rpg, and 5 apg. Jaylen Brown was extended to a 304 million dollar contract during the off-season, where the Celtics also traded reigning 6th Man of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon, and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. Jrue Holiday was also acquired during the off-season, making for a great defensive and offensive team.

#2 OKC Thunder

The Thunder is the 2nd youngest team on average, and they are currently tied 1st in the Western Conference, with a 35-15 record. They have a bright future, so even if they don’t win this year, they are still my favorite for the years to come. Led by All-star guard and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they are in the top 5 of 6 different team stats.

#3 LA Clippers

After they added James Harden, they have won 30 games and lost 13. They are first in the Power Rankings, but 3rd in the Western Conference. Will an All-star Caliber roster consisting of Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden be enough to get them to the NBA Finals? Maybe. Will it be enough to win? No. Maybe if this were 5 or 6 years ago when all of these players were in there prime.

#4 Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are coming off a Finals victory over the Miami Heat. They have a top three player in the league in Nikola Jokic. This team is a solid squad, currently sitting at 4th in the Western Conference, only behind the T-wolves, Thunder and Clippers. Nikola Jokic is the 2nd favorite to win the MVP award, only behind Joel Embiid, who may not even play enough games to qualify for the award.

#5 Minnesota Timberwolves

Currently tied 1st in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves have a 35-15 record. They are led by the defensive focused, All-star trio of Anthony Edwards, Karl Anthony-Towns, and DPOY Rudy Gobert. They have the second lowest defensive field goal % of all the NBA teams, only behind the Boston Celtics.

#6 Milwaukee Bucks

They fired their coach, Adrian Griffin despite having a 30-13 record. Since then, they hired Doc Rivers, a coach who won a title with the Celtics in 2008 and have gone 3-4. Led by All-star duo Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, they are 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

#7 Philadelphia 76ers

The ‘6ers are currently 5th in the Western Conference with a record of 30-18. Embiid, their star player has only played 34 of those 48 games. But he has been averaging 35 ppg in those 34 games, one of which he dropped 70 against Rookie of the Year favorite Victor Wembamyama.

#8 Cleveland Cavaliers

Currently 3rd in the Eastern Conference, this team is led by former All-stars Donavon Mitchell and Darius Garland. Jarrett Allen helps get boards and Evan Mobley adds in 16 ppg. This team led by the former Utah Jazz guard is 18-4 in the last 22 games. The team is 31-16 overall.

#9 New York Knicks

4th in the Eastern Conference at 32-18, the Knicks have been having a great year. Led by Jalen Brunson, they are 8th in the Power Rankings. Jalen Brunson has been averaging 27 ppg, and 7 apg, whereas his teammate, Julius Randle, has been averaging 24.0 ppg, 9 rpg, and 5 apg. They went on a nine-game win streak, which ended in Crypto.com arena against the Lakers.

#10 Phoenix Suns

With great potential comes expectations. The trio of former MVP Kevin Durant, 3 time All-stars Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal have led “The Valley” to 6th in the Western Conference at 29-21. In the off-season, they acquired notable guard Bradley Beal in a three-team trade that sent Chris Paul to the Warriors and Jordan Poole to the Wizards.

The article may be done, but the question still remains. Who do you think will win the NBA title? Leave your guesses down below. (Records and stats are from 2-7-24)

Sources: NBA, ESPN

Warriors Pen

Top 10 NBA teams to win the Title 2023-24