The NBA is an exciting league that is full of ups and downs and unexpected twists. Teams come up the ranks just as fast as other teams fall. Last season’s number-one team, the defending champions a.k.a., the Denver Nuggets, doesn’t even make it into the top three when looking at the current top-performing teams in the league.
This makes it exciting to follow the NBA betting lines as you can never know for sure who the winners will be until the game is in its final minutes if not over. So, read on to discover which teams are the current top 6 in the NBA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder
Taking the number one spot on this list is the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that had a particularly impressive week this week.
The reason why is that they managed to demonstrate that their success extends beyond their MVP candidate player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander was absent this week but despite that, the team still played hard and secured both a victory against the Houston Rockets and dominate the Phoenix Suns.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t about to let his team have all the fun without him. When he returned, his next performance on the court was certainly one to behold.
One might even argue that it was his performance that brought the team their victory against the New York Knicks. As a result of this victory the Thunder reclaimed the top spot in the Western Conference with an impressive 52-22 record.
The Boston Celtics
In the number two spot, the close runner-up is the Boston Celtics. Despite their recent losses to the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics remain a dominant force in the Eastern Conference, having already secured the top seed with an impressive 59-16 record.
Coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged that the team has been experimenting with defensive strategies in these games, given their comfortable position in the standings. Their sights are clearly set on making it all the way to the playoffs, as shown by how the Celtics continue to fine-tune their performance in anticipation of the challenges ahead.
The Minnesota Timberwolves
Still close to the top, in fact, if the season were to end today this team would be on the podium; It’s none other than the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team certainly did have a strong performance this week. They secured a significant victory against the Denver Nuggets, particularly impressive considering the Denver Nuggets were last season’s defending champions.
However, on the other hand, a subsequent home loss to the Chicago Bulls threatened to halt their momentum but it seems difficult to stop this team completely as the team’s defense remains a formidable force.
The offense was a different story as one of their top offensive players, Karl-Anthony Towns, was sidelined. At the same time, it doesn’t seem like the team will drop from the top three anytime soon.
The Denver Nuggets
In the fourth spot is the Denver Nuggets. This week, their star player Jamal Murray, showed that his absence was felt dearly by the team. He was unfortunately off the court due to a knee injury. While he was away, the team lost twice on their home court both to Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves.
While they did win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, there wasn’t much cause for celebration as these losses caused the Nuggets to drop from the number one spot. This makes it clear to both fans and critics alike how integral Murray will be if the Denver Nuggets are aiming to reclaim their championship status.
The Denver Nuggets currently hold a 52-23 record. This puts the team solidly in second place in the Western Conference. They are only half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder which means it’s very much within the realm of possibility that they might catch up. Of course, it seems like this outcome hinges on whether or not their star players are injury-free and fit to play.
The Dallas Mavericks
Number five on this list with a record of 45-29, is the Dallas Mavericks. They have been on a hot streak, emerging as one of the most formidable teams in the league and their impressive performances include significant road victories over the Sacramento Kings and a win against the Houston Rockets, ending their 11-game winning streak.
A key factor in the Mavericks’ success has been Kyrie Irving’s stellar performance, averaging 12 points in the fourth quarter with 63% shooting. As the postseason approaches, it’s clear that the top seeds in the Western Conference are wary of facing the Dallas Mavericks.
The Los Angeles Clippers
Last but not least, the Los Angeles Clippers. Following a controversial victory in Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Clippers managed to secure additional road wins against the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets, indicating a possible shift in momentum.
Despite James Harden’s less-than-stellar efficiency, the Clippers’ defense has shown signs of improvement, moving toward respectability after a challenging couple of months. Currently holding a 47-27 record, the Clippers are working towards solidifying their defensive strategy as they approach the postseason.
To sum it all up
So there you have it, these are the top 6 teams in the NBA at the present moment. Of course, this order of teams could change with teams dropping off or making it onto the list following only a few fateful games.
