NBA Top 10: March 30
As we get closer towards the last few games of the regular season, we are starting to see who are the real contenders to bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 teams across the league as we head into the last week of the regular season.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (55-21)
Milwaukee is still currently first in the East with a 54-21 record, but hosting both Philadelphia and Boston this weekend will be a huge test.
The Bucks have been in this position before and they know it’s going to come down to the supporting cast taking enough pressure off of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Khris Middleton has been great as of late, which is a great sign for a team who will need a number two if they want any chance to win the NBA Finals once again.
2. Boston Celtics (52-24)
Boston needs to forget about being the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and make sure the Sixers do not jump them before the postseason begins.
The Celtics’ 20 point loss to the Wizards the other night showed glaring problems this Boston team still has. All things are pointing to a rematch for a trip back to the Finals for the Bucks, Boston can’t handle a Wizards team without Bradley Beal they might be on upset alert at the start of these playoffs.
3. Denver Nuggets (51-24)
Denver’s little slump has quickly been forgotten about as the Nuggets are on a four-game win streak, including a big win against the Sixers helping Nikola Jokic’s MVP case against Joel Embiid.
The Nuggets currently have a 3.5 game advantage over the Grizzlies, and once they clinch the number one seed, look for them to rest Jokic and Jamal Murray before the first round.
4. Memphis Grizzlies (48-28)
The Grizzlies suffered a tough loss to the Clippers on Wednesday night. Before that, the team was on a seven game win streak which seemed to take the spotlight away from Ja Morant’s off the court issues.
With a possibility of playing the Lakers or Warriors in a first round matchup, Memphis needs to get Steven Adam’s back in order to have a chance of making a western conference run.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-29)
The Cavs have made the postseason for the first time since 1998 without LeBron James. This has been an amazing season for a young team looking to make noise in the Eastern conference.
Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland may be the best backcourt in the league, and Cleveland is going to ride both of them as far as they can take it.
6. Philadelphia 76ers (50-26)
The 76ers in many’s eyes are the team that can dethrone Boston or Milwaukee in the East.
Seeing Doc Rivers sit Joel Embiid the other night against Denver shows that this team is committed to winning in the postseason. A Sixers finals appearance is long overdue, this is a big year in terms of keeping this group together.
7. Sacramento Kings (46-30)
The longest postseason drought in all of sports was broken this week by this Sacramento Kings team. What this roster has done in the Western Conference won’t be forgotten about.
De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk make this one of the most fun teams to watch in the NBA. The Kings are currently on a four-game win streak which is a good sign with a tough first round matchup coming for a young team.
8. Phoenix Suns (41-35)
The Suns have quietly won their last three games looking very capable of winning a title with Kevin Durant in their lineup. Head coach Monty Williams still has the best roster in basketball with this crew.
Seeding doesn’t matter for a team like Phoenix, they are going to be one of the hardest outs of the postseason for any team. It’s just about getting into the postseason healthy now for the Suns.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (41-36)
The Clippers exploded on Wednesday night beating a flaming hot Grizzlies team. Russell Westbrook scored 36 points leading Los Angeles to a win without Kawhi Leonard or Paul George.
These Clippers are one of the most dangerous teams in the league. They have a tough hard nosed roster that is going to bully some teams into long series. Head coach Ty Lue’s experience makes the Clips a sleeper to keep your eye on in the West.
10. Golden State Warriors (40-37)
Golden State had a huge come from behind win against the Pelicans on Tuesday. This Warriors team is currently the last squad out of the play in sitting in the six seed.
Golden State needs to stay out of the play-in to avoid playing a tough first round matchup against the Nuggets or Grizzlies. It may see a little playoff preview on Sunday when it plays Denver.
The Warriors core is now a bit older so the less games the better but once they are officially in the postseason no team should be taking this dynasty lightly. They still remain a heavy favorite to come out of the West.
Sam Kirk is a junior broadcast journalism major. To contact him, email sjk6325@psu.edu.
