With only a few weeks until the playoffs begin, the NBA has been facing a multitude of new and usual teams who are experiencing success. Now, let's break down each of the top 3 teams from each conference and their own NBA championship chances.
(odds via Fox Sports)
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics: +210 odds to win championship
Seen throughout this season, the Boston Celtics are once again the face of the Eastern Conference and the NBA. With newcomers of Kristaps Porzingus and Jrue Holiday, the explosiveness and ability of this team is not to be underestimated. Being top ten in both pull-up and catch and shoot, the Boston Celtics continue to impress everyone with their ability from beyond the arc and the mid-range. However, at this point in time they seem to be facing the Miami Heat first round, and almost everyone knows how that could go. Yet, if they break through the first round there is no debating, this is Boston's title to lose.
Milwaukee Bucks: +700 odds to win championship
Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks never seem to go away. Although they trail the Celtics by a whopping 8.5 games, this team is diverse with talent and has a multitude of ways to prevail at the basket. This team is highlighted by two stars of the NBA: Damian Lillard, the high ability point guard who can shoot the lights out on any given night, brings the intensity and range which separates the Bucks from the average category. Joining him is Giannis Antetokounmpo, the long reaching and strong freak of a basketball player. With this duo, there is no doubt Milwaukee can make a deep postseason run.
Cleveland Cavaliers: +2500 odds to win championship
Ever since Lebron James left, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been fighting to return their reputation as a dominating force in the Eastern Conference, and it seems as though they have done that. Led by explosive guards like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell and helped by Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen in the post, this Cavaliers team is not one to forget. Although they sit a staggering 9.5 games back from the Celtics, this team and their all around ability to create gives them an extremely high chance of success.
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder: +1800 odds to win championship
Although they are young, this Thunder team poses a severe threat to the Western Conference this coming postseason. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this team is coupled with an array of shooting guards and lengthy forwards. They have battled with Minnesota and Denver all year for the one seed, yet at this point they sit ahead. Despite such a prosperous future, there still stands the question of their experience still stands tall. This team is new to the top of the league, and how they will handle such momentous tasks like taking down the Nuggets or the Clippers.
Denver Nuggets: +42o odds to win championship
Being the reigning champions and second place in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets never seem to go away. Having recently taken down the Boston Celtics and only sitting in second by half a game, the Nikola Jokic led Nuggets are not the most talented or the most experienced, but they are the best combination of both. Although they only house one All-Star, guard Jamal Murray still shows that he is a top talent and not to be forgotten. As Jokic continues to swing the ball around and create shots, the Denver Nuggets stay hungry for a back-to-back campaign, and not many are in their way.
Minnesota Timberwolves: +3200 odds to win championship
Currently in a rut, this Minnesota team started off hot this season. Young star Anthony Edwards continues to play at a high level, almost imitating Michael Jordan in a way. They play off of explosiveness and big plays, Veteran and all-around scorer Karl-Anthony Towns having a multitude of nameworthy games this season, even scoring as much as 62 points earlier. However, recently facing a left meniscus tear, the chances of this team going deep in the postseason has drop tremendously, without any idea for how they will perform in the coming weeks.
~Tyler Rath
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