The Best NBA Teams Right Now
The 2022-2023 NBA playoffs are set to begin on April 15 and with little over two months to go, the NBA odds are starting to heat up. The Golden State Warriors – the most recent winners – were many people’s favorites at the beginning of the season but somehow find themselves languishing in 7th place in the Western Conference.
Who will emerge victorious at the end of the NBA playoffs and take the Golden State Warriors crown is anyone’s guess. What we can say confidently though is that the eventual NBA playoff winner is more than likely to be one of these in-form teams…
Memphis Grizzlies
Head Coach: Taylor Jenkins
Star Player: Ja Morant
League Standing: 2nd in Western Conference
The problem for the Memphis Grizzlies is that they always seem to be planning for some bright future without ever really focusing on the here and now. Just like in season’s gone by, the Grizzlies have proved to be one of the best regular season teams in the country, but will this translate into playoff success?
No-one really knows. At the time of writing, the Grizzlies are all but guaranteed to make the playoffs where they will most likely meet the Golden State Warriors. If all things go to form then the Grizzlies should win that encounter but many predict that is where the Grizzlies season will eventually end.
If they are to prove the doubters wrong and go all the way, they will be looking to superstar Ja Morant to carry them over the finishing line.
(If the Grizzlies were to go all the way in the NBA playoffs, it would bristle the feathers of more than a few people.)
Philadelphia 76ers
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
Star Player: Joel Embiid
League Standing: 3rd in Eastern Conference
With the Philadelphia Eagles looking good ahead of Super Bowl LVII and Doc River’s 76ers playing well in the NBA, 2023 could be a year to savour for the good people of Philadelphia.
The 76ers second round playoff loss from last season will still play on the minds of fans, but there’s a whole different outlook to the 76ers this time round. Joel Embiid is back in the MVP conversation, averaging 33.5 points and 10.1 rebounds on 53.4% shooting.
James Harden is back out on the court knitting everything together and Doc Rivers is looking like the championship winning head coach we all know he is. Whilst we mightn’t be confident enough to back them outright, we certainly wouldn’t bet against the 76ers.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Head Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff
Star Player: Donovan Mitchell
League Standing: 5th in Eastern Conference
If you’re looking for a rogue pick to go all the way in the NBA playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers are just that. Sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers have undoubtedly performed well so far this season, but are seen by many as a team devoid of real stars.
Donovan Mitchell is the Cavaliers only representative in the All-Star game after Darius Garland was snubbed. Cavs fans will be hoping that Garland uses that slight as motivation to propel himself and his team into the reckoning come the playoffs.
(Regardless of their chances in the playoffs the Cavaliers have provided a number of feel good stories this season.)
Denver Nuggets
Head Coach: Michael Malone
Star Player: Nikola Jokic
League Standing: 1st in Western Conference
When you’re looking for star quality to step in and take the place of the Golden State Warriors you needn’t look further than the Denver Nuggets. Under the guidance of Michael Malone they have been imperious thus far in the regular season.
Nikola Jokic is, quite naturally, the headline stealer when it comes to the Denver Nuggets but it’s important to note that they have quality all over the court and not just in the form of their Serbian superstar.
Jamal Murray is one who is coming into form, recently netting 34 points against the Los Angeles Lakers and leading by example. The prospect of facing an in-form Murray and Jokic is something that’s likely to instill fear into the hearts of any of the Nuggets potential playoff opponents.
Boston Celtics
Head Coach: Joe Mazulla
Star Player: Jayson Tatum
League Standing: 1st in Eastern Conference
If the sportsbooks are to be believed it’s the Boston Celtics world and we’re all living in it. According to everyone and anyone, the Celtics are all set to put last season’s playoff heartache to one side and brush all comers aside this time round.
That said though, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for Joe Mazulla and the Celtics this season. In their recent loss to the Suns, Jayson Tatum’s dedication was called into question with several pundits accusing him and his teammates of complacency.
That attitude will need to be cast to one side if they are to go one better and take the Warrior’s playoff crown.
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