#1: Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have the best record in the NBA right now, led by MVP caliber player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis does have some help from 2nd time all-star Jrue Holiday. They have a record of 52-20, and are 25-5 in their last 30. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 10%
#2: Boston Celtics
The Celtics are second in the nitty gritty eastern conference, at a 50-23 record. They are led by 2 time all-star Jaylen Brown and MVP caliber player Jayson Tatum. Together they have led the Celtics to the 2021-22 finals, but ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors in 6 games. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 122%
#3: Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are 1st in the Western Conference, at a 49-23 record. They are led by MVP caliber player, playmaking center, Nikola Jokic. 3.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies, they have already clinched the NW division title. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 12%
#4: Philadelphia 76ers
3rd in the Eastern Conference, this team has a league-high 2 MVP contenders. Led by MVP-ladder leader Joel Embiid and 9th place James Harden, they have a record of 49-23, 0.5 games away from the Boston Celtics in 2nd place. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 13%
#5: Phoenix Suns
With recently requiring superstar Kevin Durant, the Suns have a bright future ahead, with a few championships in sight. 4th in the Western Conference with a 38-34 record. Since KD started playing on the Suns, they’ve had a 5-5 record. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 5%
#6: Memphis Grizzlies
2nd in the Western Conference, this team is led by all-star starter Ja Morant, an explosive, young guard who plays alongside potential DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. Jaren Jackson Jr. was a 1st time all-star this season. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 10%
#7: Sacramento Kings
3rd in the Western Conference, they are led by 1st time all-stars Domantos Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. They have the best offense in the league averaging 120.9 points per game and have the league/season high points 176. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 5%
#8: Cleveland Cavaliers
Currently 4th in the Eastern Conference, this team is led by 3rd time all-star and first time all-star starter Donavon Mitchell, who has been a standout in the “Land” since he got traded out of Utah. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 14%
#9: New York Knicks
5th in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are in a time of prosperity. MVP candidate Julius Randle and underrated star Jalen Brunson have led the team to a 43-33 record. Just 2 years ago, they had finished 4th in the Eastern Conference, but got 1st rounded by the Hawks. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 5%
#10: Golden State Warriors
Led by all-star Stephen Curry, they have the 6th best record in the Western Conference, but have the 4th worst Road game record at 9-29. They still have an overall 38-36 record. A slight disappointment after last year’s championship winning team. Odds to win the NBA Finals: 1%
#11: Minnesota Timberwolves
Currently riding a 4 game win streak, they are 6th in the Western Conference. Their end of season boost may carry momentum over to the playoffs and help them power over the tough Kings, Grizzlies, and Nuggets. Led by 1st time all-star Anthony Edwards and crazy frontcourt duo of Rudy Gobert and Karl Anthony-Towns, they have a 39-37 record. Odds to win the NBA Finals: <1%
#12: LA Clippers
5th in the Western Conference, they have an opportunity to step out of the Lakers shadow as the “Other LA team”. Led by 8 time all-star Paul George, 2 time DPOY winner Kawhi Leonard, and former MVP Russell Westbrook, they have a 40-36 record.Odds to win the NBA Finals: 1%
#13: Miami Heat
7th in the Eastern Conference at 40-35, they are led by 2 time all-star and DPOY candidate Bam Adebayo. Jimmy Butler took a step forward from last season when he averaged 21.4 points to where he now averages 22.8 points. Not named to an all-star team, Jimmy is still a defensive force, being 2nd in steals at 1.9. Odds to win the NBA Finals: <1%
#14: Oklahoma City Thunder
Led by 1st time all-star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this team is changing the narrative for young teams. Most young teams are tanking for “Unicorn” VIctor Wembamyama, this team is a serious play-off contender. 10th in the Western Conference, Shai is that guy. He could lead the Thunder to the NBA Finals this year, if everything goes right. Odds to win the NBA Finals: <1%
#15: Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks lost depth when they made a blockbuster trade for Kyrie Irving. Kyrie hasn’t yet found his place on the team, because with Kyrie they are 6-13 with Irving on the team. Irving is known to make teams have a downfall, but the Mavericks are hoping to break his streak. They are 11th in the Western Conference at 37-39. Odds to win the NBA Finals: <1%
And there you have it! My top 15 teams to win the NBA this year. The NBA will be a completely different place next few years with multiple superstars starting to emerge.
Odds from nbarankings.theringer.com
Standings and stats from nba.com
