True Title Contenders
As the NBA season enters its final stretch, the path to the championship is becoming clearer, with teams either stepping up their game or finding themselves relegated to also-rans. The Boston Celtics, with a record of 42-16, are a prime example of a team reasserting their dominance. After a brief lull, the Celtics have returned to their championship-caliber defense, ranking in the top 10 in the league over their last 10 games. Offensively, the ball movement has improved, and more field goals are coming via assists. Upcoming tests against Cleveland and Denver will be crucial in determining their playoff readiness. The Cleveland Cavaliers, with a 48-10 record, have secured the No. 1 seed in the East and boast MVP-caliber players like Donovan Mitchell and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Evan Mobley. A win against Boston on Friday could solidify their status as a legitimate contender. The Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the league with a 46-11 record, have a dangerous lineup with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein on the court. However, the loss to the Timberwolves raises questions about their playoff resilience, especially when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is double-teamed.
Second Tier Contenders
The Los Angeles Lakers, currently 35-21, have been rejuvenated by Luka Doncic’s offensive presence, but it’s their defense that has propelled them to fourth in these rankings. In the last 15 games, the Lakers have the best defensive net rating in the league, allowing LeBron James to focus more on defense. The Denver Nuggets, with a 38-20 record, have struggled against top teams, but their recent nine-game winning streak shows their potential. The upcoming tests against Milwaukee, Detroit, and Boston will be critical in gauging their true strength. The Golden State Warriors, at 31-27, have found their defensive groove since Jimmy Butler’s arrival, posting the best defensive rating in the last seven games. This has made them a formidable first-round opponent. The New York Knicks, with a 37-20 record, have hit a rough patch, losing 60 points combined to Boston and Cleveland, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities. Despite these setbacks, the return of Mitchell Robinson could provide a boost.
Playoffs or Bust
The Indiana Pacers, currently 32-24, have found their stride, going 10-5 in their last 15 games. However, their defense, especially in the paint, remains a concern, as evidenced by the 74 points the Nuggets scored there. The Memphis Grizzlies, with a 38-20 record, have struggled on their recent road trip, particularly on defense, which is critical for their transition game. The Houston Rockets, at 36-22, have seen a positive impact with the return of Jabari Smith Jr. and the continued growth of Amen Thompson, who averages 16.3 points and 9.2 rebounds in his last 20 games. The Milwaukee Bucks, at 32-25, have been hit hard by the suspension of Bobby Portis and the struggles of Kyle Kuzma, who needs to improve his shooting to help the team. The Minnesota Timberwolves, with a 32-27 record, face a tough decision with the return of Julius Randle, whose presence could disrupt the chemistry of their current starting lineup.
Play-In Hopefuls
The Detroit Pistons, at 32-26, are one of the feel-good stories of the season, winning more games this year than in the past two combined. They are just one game behind the Pacers and Bucks for the No. 4 seed. The Los Angeles Clippers, with a 31-26 record, are struggling out of the All-Star break, with key injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ben Simmons. Their hold on the No. 6 seed is tenuous, and they need to improve their defense. The Sacramento Kings, at 29-28, have had a Jekyll and Hyde performance after the All-Star break, needing wins to secure their play-in spot. The Orlando Magic, with a 29-31 record, have shown promise with Cole Anthony stepping up in the absence of Jalen Suggs. The Dallas Mavericks, at 31-28, have found a silver lining in Max Christie, who is averaging 14.7 points and 44.2% from 3-point range since the Luka Doncic trade. The Miami Heat, at 26-30, have struggled since the trade deadline, going 1-6, and are likely locked into the play-in tournament.
Capstone Contenders
The Atlanta Hawks, currently 27-31, have been a roller coaster, but Trae Young’s February performance (30.3 points and 11.9 assists) provides hope. The Phoenix Suns, at 27-31, are in a critical phase, with Mike Budenholzer trying different lineups to turn things around. The Chicago Bulls, with a 23-35 record, have shown flashes of improvement, with Matas Buzelis starting to show promise. The Portland Trail Blazers, at 25-33, have been playing top-10 defense in February, giving fans reasons to be optimistic about their future. The Brooklyn Nets, with a 21-36 record, have been surprisingly competitive, thanks to Jordi Fernandez’s coaching. The Toronto Raptors, at 18-40, have the fifth-worst record but the easiest remaining schedule, and they have been playing teams tough.
Capturing the Cooper Flag
The Philadelphia 76ers, with a 20-37 record, have shown no sign of competing and may be on the path to tanking, with Joel Embiid’s knee injury and Eric Gordon’s season-ending wrist surgery. The New Orleans Pelicans, at 15-43, have Zion Williamson, whose jaw-dropping athleticism remains a highlight. The San Antonio Spurs, at 24-32, are focused on the health and well-being of Gregg Popovich, while the team struggles without Victor Wembanyama. The Utah Jazz, with a 14-43 record, are evaluating young players like Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski. The Charlotte Hornets, at 14-43, have struggled on their current road trip but had a notable win against the Lakers. The Washington Wizards, with a 10-47 record, have seen a bounce-back year from Jordan Poole, who is averaging 21 points and 4.8 assists.
