PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to Chris Paul #3 after Booker hit a three-point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 02, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-100, The six teams competing for the NBA championship. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
With the league now taking a short hiatus for NBA All-Star weekend, it’s time to have a look at the genuine contenders for the NBA championship.
Although we’ve learned plenty from approximately 60 games of data for each team, the current standings aren’t necessarily a total reflection of who we may see at the pointy end of the playoffs.
While there’s a host of teams who may view themselves as genuine title threats, there are only six teams that have a real chance at lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Some are the obvious best teams in the league, while others have some work to do, but hold the talent and firepower to be more than capable of winning it all.
The six teams competing for the NBA championship: Phoenix Suns
With a 48-10 record, the Suns have been the most dominant team in the league by far. With an All-Star backcourt in Chris Paul and Devin Booker, an imposing big in Deandre Ayton, and high-level two-way role players in Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Johnson, there are no major weaknesses in the Suns’ arsenal.
They currently hold the third-best offensive and defensive rating in the league, outlining their elite play on both sides of the ball. They may sit as the ‘safest’ pick for the title, especially given the experience they gained on the way to their NBA Finals berth last season.
usual thunderous form</a>. The Bucks have been slightly below par this season, sitting with a 36-24 record, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p>Perhaps that’s got to do with a greater priority on the postseason following the drought-breaking title last season. Either way, they’re just 2.5 games back and shouldn’t be counted out from making a run at the one seed.</p>
<p>Wherever they finish, Milwaukee appears to be an imposing threat for anyone as long as Antetokounmpo remains fit and healthy.</p>
<h2><strong>The six teams competing for the NBA championship: Brooklyn Nets</strong></h2>
<p>Ever since Kevin Durant went down with a knee injury, turmoil has plagued the Nets both on and off the floor. Harden was traded, Kyrie Irving remains a part-time player, and the team has slipped to 31-28 and eighth in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p>Yet Durant’s greatness has to stick in the mind somewhere. He almost single-handedly beat the Bucks last season, falling agonizingly short with no Irving and a very hobbled Harden.</p>
<p>Say what you want about Ben Simmons, but he at least brings a defensive element the Nets severely lack. Brooklyn may never get it together in time, however, their immense upside means they need consideration despite a likely inclusion in the play-in tournament.</p>
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