NBA Top 10: March 22
The NBA regular season is almost behind us, so let’s take a look at the Top 10 NBA teams with just a few games left before the playoffs.
10. Memphis Grizzlies
Everyone’s least favorite team this season is still an undeniably good roster. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane have been largely responsible for the Grizzlies’ impressive 5-1 stretch without Morant on the floor. This team is hot at the right time, and could easily end with 50 wins, and as the second seed in the West.
9. Miami Heat
Death, taxes and the Heat making noise at the end of the season.
Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler are scoring the ball effectively and efficiently. The Heat will face the Knicks twice and the Nets once in their next four games. Win, and they are that much closer to a guaranteed playoff spot. Lose, and they could be the East’s most dangerous play-in team.
8. Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker has been blazing hot in March - 34 points on 57/45/84 is absurd.
The Suns have been on a bit of a slide as of late, losing four of their last five. However, Kevin Durant is still out. When he is back in the lineup come playoff time, no one wants to see Phoenix in the postseason.
7. New York Knicks
Julius Randle has gone from the most overrated, inefficient player in the league to a true star. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart have been absolutely phenomenal as well.
The Knicks are at worst a six seed, and at best a four seed. The playoff experience is a concern, but regardless this has been an amazing season of basketball for the Knicks.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs find themselves outside the top five due to a really poor performance in their last nine matchups against top seven teams in the east - winning just twice. However, it’s hard to ignore the numbers
Top ten in offensive rating, first in both defensive and net rating, and a bonafide star to close games in Donovan Mitchell. This team is ready for the playoffs.
5. Sacramento Kings
LIGHT. THE. BEAM.
Sacramento is the most entertaining offense in all of basketball right now. De’Aaron Fox has taken the torch from Damian Lillard as the league’s premiere clutch shooter, with an absurd 185 points on 53.9 FG% in the clutch. Continued strong play from the Kings is bringing them back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
4. Boston Celtics
It really feels weird not having them higher, but the C’s have slid to third in the East. The biggest issue has been their offense not living up to their own high expectations.
Both Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart have seen noticeable dips in their efficiency, but they certainly aren’t too concerned. They have seen the Finals, and are set on making their return this season.
3. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is really good at basketball. The Nuggets’ front office has found the right blueprint of a roster to put around him, as the Serbian giant looks to add a third-straight MVP to his trophy case.
This feels like a very big year for the Nuggets, as the West is the weakest it’s been in years. If this team doesn’t make it to the Western Conference Finals at the least, a storm could be brewing in the mountains.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
The hottest team in basketball simply refuses to cool off. Joel Embiid is officially the favorite for the MVP, and the offensive weapons around him have created a juggernaut in the East.
The team is first in 3-point percentage (39%) with seven players shooting at least 38% from beyond the arc (min. 300 attempts). This is the year for Philly to make some noise, or Doc Rivers will be sent on a one-way trip out of town.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks heard all the noise, that the Celtics and the 76ers are better teams in the East, and took it personally. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in basketball, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez are playing fantastic and Khris Middleton is finally returning to healthy form. No team is scarier heading into the playoffs than the Bucks.
Nolan Collery is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email njc5848@psu.edu.
