With 15 weeks complete in the regular season, the title contenders have begun to separate themselves from the pack. In the Eastern Conference we have the Boston Celtics leading the way, 5 games ahead of their nearest competitor. The West has been much tighter, with the top four teams all within 1.5 games of each other.
A number of lower seeded teams have also begun to find their groove, like the sixth seeded Phoenix Suns, winners of 8 of their last 10 games. In the East, the New York Knicks have also been in good form, riding an eight game winning streak.
The Lakers have been disappointing so far, stuck around .500. If they want to have any chances of making the post season without the play-in, they will need to make a move soon. The Golden State Warriors have also been a bust so far this season, sitting in 12 place in the Western Conference.
Below you can find a list of our picks for the top 10 teams up to this point.
- Los Angeles Clippers- A
The Clippers only get an A and that’s what makes them such a scary team. They still have room to improve both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Expect them to be among the top teams if they can stay healthy.
- Boston Celtic- A+
The Celtics have separated themselves as the team to beat in the East. With stars Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown looking hungry for a title, this could be Boston’s year to take it all. The main challengers for the Celtics seem to be the Bucks, 76ers and possibly the Miami Heat.
- Denver Nuggets- A-
Despite being only the fourth seed in the West, the reigning champions still have the players to win it all again. Jokic is having another MVP-type season and Jamal Murray has been at his best as well.
- Philadelphia 76ers- A-
Joel Embiid is looking like he will add another MVP trophy to his collection this year, averaging over 35 points per game. The Sixers do however look like they are one player short of challenging the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.
- Milwaukee Bucks – A-
There is no doubt that the addition of Damian Lillard in the offseason has boosted the team’s ability to score. What it may come down to however is whether the Bucks can defend in the playoffs.
- Oklahoma City Thunder – A
It seems that the Thunder will go as far as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can will them. The young team has been amongst the top teams in the West this whole season and should stay that way.
- Minnesota Timberwolves- A
The Timberwolves have taken over the top position in the Western Conference and don’t look like they will give it up anytime soon. The only downside to the team seems to be a lack of playoff experience which may haunt them down the line.
- New York Knicks- A-
The Knicks have been on a tear as of late, winning eight of their last 10 games. They did however take a big setback with the injury of star forward Julius Randle this week. It’s unclear how long he will be out for and whether the team can keep up this pace without him.
- Phoenix Suns- B
Phoenix has definitely underperformed this season but have been looking to make up for it in the past few games. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker both in prime form, they should be able to compete with any team in the league. Expect the Suns to make their way up the conference standings as the season progresses and end up in the top 4.
- Cleveland Cavaliers- B+
Cleveland have played above expectations this season and are currently sitting in the 4th spot in the East. Donovan Mitchell has been great as well as center Jarret Allen and point guard Darius Garland. While the team still isn’t considered a contender, they definitely have the potential to cause an upset or two come playoff time.
Read Also:
