When it comes to basketball, being a perennial loser is like nailing a Christopher Walken impression—there’s a limit before it becomes your defining trait. Take the Philadelphia 76ers; they’re teetering on that edge, struggling with a 2-12 record despite high expectations.
In contrast, the Cleveland Cavaliers began the season on a high note but got their first taste of a setback against the Boston Celtics. Let’s not count out the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks; both are climbing the ranks with impressive winning streaks. Let’s see which NBA teams are dominating the court this season.
Cavaliers
The Cavaliers may have skipped the perfect season, but they’re still a force. Even when shorthanded, they nearly turned the game around in Boston. Following that, they rebounded hard, cruising past the Pelicans despite missing key players. Cleveland’s offensive and clutch ratings are unmatched, proving they’re currently the NBA’s top team despite one minor setback. The basketball teams odds are catching up with reality, and it looks like the Cavaliers will be heading to yet another NBA Finals.
Celtics
The champs are here. The Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, ended the Cavs’ 15-game streak with a thrilling game-winner against the Raptors. Though still fine-tuning their defense under Joe Mazzulla, their record speaks volumes. With Kristaps Porzingis back in practice, they’ve got their eyes on the prize—fully invested in the long game for another title.
Warriors
The Warriors have finally established a starting lineup under Steve Kerr, but losing De’Anthony Melton to an ACL injury is a heavy hit. Fortunately, their deep roster offers some cushion. Yet, they urgently need to address their free-throw woes, being last in the NBA at 69.5%. Improving here could change their game outcomes entirely.
Thunder
Playing without a center for a full game isn’t ideal, and after two tough losses, OKC struck gold with Isaiah Hartenstein. In his first game of the season, he delivered 13 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, earning a team-best plus-16 rating against the Blazers. Expect him to secure a starting spot soon.
Rockets
If the refs had caught Giannis stepping out of bounds on Monday, the Rockets would likely boast a seven-game winning streak. Despite that hiccup, they’re keeping pressure on the Western leaders. Known for stellar defense, they’ve now pushed their offense into top-10 territory—quite a leap from last season. The talent on this team is relentless.
Lakers
LeBron is ditching social media, which is paying off as the Lakers have racked up six consecutive wins. It’s not all about him, though—rookie Dalton Knecht is stealing headlines. With an average of 24 points and impressive 21-for-31 shooting from deep in the last four games, he’s filling LA’s bingo card one three-pointer at a time.
Knicks
With four straight wins, Knicks fans might be tempted to dream big, but Tom Thibodeau knows better. While scoring a jaw-dropping 132 points per 100 possessions, their defense still falters. Plenty of games may be won through sheer offensive power, but for postseason success, tightening their defense is crucial. Can they shift gears before the playoffs arrive?
Nuggets
Without Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets struggle offensively, notching just 101 points per 100 possessions. His absence reveals their dependency on his playmaking. Surprisingly, Jamal Murray didn’t capitalize on the scoring gap, maintaining a modest 19-point average and 43% shooting. It’s clear that Jokic’s impact is MVP-caliber, making his return eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
Mavericks
Losing to the Jazz might have been the wake-up call Dallas needed. They bounced back with three straight wins, highlighted by a victory in OKC without Luka Doncic. Even with Kyrie Irving dropping just 23 points, the Mavs impressed defensively, holding opponents to 101 points per 100 possessions. Jason Kidd must be thrilled with this newfound grit.
Grizzlies
Still missing Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have stayed competitive thanks to the return of Desmond Bane, who displayed solid stats with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists over four games. While he works to regain his deadly shooting form, Memphis remains in the top 10 both offensively and defensively. Clearly, Taylor Jenkins has them well-prepared.
So, Which Team Is the Best?
As we can see, this season is far from over, and every team has their strengths and weaknesses. It’s still anyone’s game, but the Cavaliers and Celtics are certainly teams to watch out for. As for the rest of the teams on this list, they all have the potential to make a serious impact in the NBA this season. Who do you think will come out on top?