On Facebook
On Flipboard
NBA power rankings: Path to a title for league's best 10 teams
Over a quarter way through the NBA season, we're finally confident enough to rank the top-10 teams in the league. Plus, we explain why each team can win an NBA title... and what might be standing in the way. (Statistics are through games of Dec. 17, 2023.)
1. Boston Celtics (20-5)
Why they can win it all: Boston doesn't have a weakness. Offseason addition Kristaps Porzingis (18.9 points, 1.6 blocks) is a splendid fit, Jayson Tatum is playing at an All-NBA level and the C's still have yet to lose at home (14-0). If this team isn't unbeatable, they're close to it.
Why they might not: How deep does Boston go? Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet have been reliable this season, but can they be trusted with regular playoff playing time? If one thing will bring about Boston's demise, it might be a bench that lacks a leader, but even that feels like a reach.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (19-5)
Why they can win it all: The Wolves have a defensive answer for every scheme. If a team has an aggressive wing, employ Jaden McDaniels or Kyle Anderson. Dominant big man? Rudy Gobert is back to DPOY form. Crafty point guard? Toss Nickeil Alexander-Walker his way.
Why they might not: Does Minnesota have enough scoring punch after Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns? Conley and Naz Reid are great, but not as volume scorers. McDaniels is a wonderful defensive player but hasn't blossomed into the offensive creator many expected him to be. We're confident in Edwards leading the charge, but is there enough consistency down the lineup to beat teams that are elite on both ends?
3. Denver Nuggets (17-10)
Why they can win it all: We saw the formula last season. Michael Malone can coach with anyone in the league, Nikola Jokic is still a transcendent offensive talent, Jamal Murray is a perfect combo guard and while Michael Porter Jr.'s shooting has taken a modest dip (still 38.5% from deep), we're not concerned about his shooting when the playoffs roll around.
Why they might not: Repeating is really hard — the last team to do it was the Golden State Warriors in 2017-18. Winning one is tough, and then doing it when everyone is hell-bent on knocking you off is even tougher. The pressure to repeat — plus the loss of Bruce Brown in the offseason to the Indiana Pacers— might be impossible to overcome. Christian Braun, Peyton Watson and, recently, Julian Strawther have done their best to replicate Brown's impact, but can they keep it up for 20+ playoff games?
4. Philadelphia 76ers (18-7)
Why they can win it all: The list is long. The Joel Embiid + Tyrese Maxey two-man game continues to be deadly, and both players' passing improvements result in a high-powered offense in Philly. Kelly Oubre has provided buckets off the bench. Meanwhile, Nicolas Batum and Patrick Beverley are filling gaps seamlessly. The Sixers have a net rating of 12.1, more than three points better than Boston's. They're simply crushing teams now.
Why they might not: Philly might need one more pure shooter on the roster. Just like last season, this is a good three-point shooting percentage team (fifth in the NBA, 38.1%) but not a high-volume three-point shooting team (21st in attempts, 32.5 per game). Plug Alec Burks into the minutes Marcus Morris is receiving, and Philly might look like a title favorite. Until a move that like takes place, (small) holes remain.
5. Milwaukee Bucks (19-7)
Why they can win it all: Well, they've done it before, and now they have Damian Lillard. Milwaukee looked a little shaky to start the season, but they were still winning games. Now the offense is clicking — the Bucks own the league's best three-point percentage (41.9) and field-goal percentage (53.7) in December — and the wins keep rolling in.
Why they might not: You'd think a defense that employs Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo would be league-average at worst. You'd be wrong. Milwaukee's defense has been bad all season, posting bottom-10 numbers in defensive rating, opposing fast break points, opposing points in the paint and opposing second-chance points. Milwaukee has the personnel to be great defensively, but that hasn't materialized yet.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder (16-8)
Why they can win it: Chet Holmgren has developed much faster than anticipated. Jalen Williams has done the same. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander somehow got better, Isaiah Joe is an elite floor-spacer (42.6% 3PT) and Mark Daigneault is one of the most respected young coaches in the NBA. OKC is built like a contender.
Why they might not: 2023 still might be too early for OKC. Theoretically, it has the pieces to go all the way, but none of the players on this roster have ever actually done it. Great things are in store for this core... someday.
7. Los Angeles Clippers (15-10)
Why they can win it: Remember when this experiment wasn't working? That's no longer the case. Kawhi Leonard looks like his old, All-NBA self, scoring 30+ in four of his past five games. As a team, the Clips were winning by stifling teams defensively, but now the offense (fourth best in December) is rounding into form, too.
Why they might not: The entirety of Leonard and Paul George's tenures in L.A. has been volatile. Then the team added perhaps the most volatile player in the league. Health will always be a question, and James Harden's playoff struggles also will be a question until he puts those narratives to rest. It could all click this season, but it could have clicked every season for L.A., but it hasn't yet. Is Harden going to be the player who gets a team over a postseason hump? We'll believe it when we see it.
8. Orlando Magic (16-9)
Why they can win it: This team just keeps throwing guys on the floor and it works every time. What this team lacks in superstar production it makes up for in real bench depth. Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Joe Ingles, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Wagner make up a balanced bench unit that's second in the league in points per game (45.1).
Why they might not: Losses to Boston on Friday and Sunday show Orlando isn't quite ready to compete with the top-tier teams yet. The future is blindingly bright, but the Magic's youth becomes apparent every once in a while and reminds us that rebuilds take a long time and patience is still key in Orlando, much like in Oklahoma City.
9. Dallas Mavericks (16-9)
Why they can win it: Luka Doncic is putting up silly numbers. Yes, he usually is, but his production this season is outrageous even for his standards (32.7 points, 9.1 assists, 8.3 rebounds, career-high 37.9% three-point shooting). Dallas is also getting high-level play from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Grant Williams and surprisingly good play from Dante Exum.
Why they might not: When the playoffs roll around, Exum and Dereck Lively II will be hugely important. Based on what we've seen from them, that's not a problem. But how much can we trust what we've seen from them so far? Lively II is still a rookie and Exum is playing better than he ever has. Overall, Dallas is such an oddly built roster that matching up with Denver, Minnesota or the Los Angeles Clippers might be tricky.
10. Houston Rockets (13-10)
Why they can win it: This team gets after it defensively. Dillon Brooks talks a lot but (mostly) backs up that talk on defense. Tari Eason is developing into an All-Defense level player. Jabari Smith Jr. is long and athletic. This team takes pride in its defense, and that shows on a game-to-game basis.
Why they might not: There's just not enough star power on offense. Fred VanVleet is doing wonders when compared to Houston's offense last season, but there's not a reliable No. 1 shotmaker on this team. They're average in most shooting categories, and they slow the ball way down (third-slowest pace). Houston just doesn't have enough creation ability throughout its roster to survive a long series against elite teams.
More must-reads:
- NBA roundup: Celtics tackle Magic, improve to 14-0 at home
- Celtics star comments on team's 'biggest' win of the year
- The 'Highest-paid NBA players on every team' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Could Warriors actually get LeBron James before he retires?
NBA insider Marc Stein recently shook things up: he said the Golden State Warriors “will remain in the mix” for LeBron James if he ever looks to take his final bow somewhere other than L.A. Stein noted that Golden State showed interest in James during the February 2024 trade deadline and could keep doors open if he decides on a last hurrah with a fresh franchise. With James' contract up after the 2025-26 season and his Lakers role shifting toward Luka Doncic’s era, the possibility is more than just fan talk. But before Warriors fans dream of Curry and James reuniting, there are plenty of obstacles to consider. First, James still has a full no-trade clause. He has never expressed a desire to join Golden State, and there’s no indication he’s asked for a trade before. The Lakers have been positioning wisely — they’d rather keep him than risk losing him for nothing via buyout. That means any move would require James' blessing and likely the Lakers’ approval, too. Second, building a roster to support that dream would be tricky. Pruning contracts to make salary space or offering key role players like Jonathan Kuminga or draft capital would be painful. Golden State doesn’t have enough movable assets to package for James without betting on extended extensions or internal sacrifice — something Stein noted makes the reality of a deal slim. But beyond logistics, there’s the human side. James has deep ties to L.A. — his family is settled, his business ventures are there and unless he wants to reshape his legacy for farewell theater, it’s hard to imagine he’d willingly leave that. Still, Stein also mentioned that the Mavs, Knicks and Warriors all remain possibilities if a buyout or trade ever happens. Let’s say it becomes a thing. Would it make sense? Sure. A James/Curry reunion would instantly vault the Warriors back to championship favorite status — even if both stars are past their prime. The organization still carries enough culture and experience to provide a worthy platform. And James, always the competitor, may want to finish on a different note than simply fading in L.A. Still, realism wins: financial and roster hurdles alone make this a long shot. The Lakers aren’t giving James away, and Golden State would need a significant sacrifice to swing the deal. Plus, the longer it takes, the less athletic its existing roster becomes, making it harder to fit James into a modern, flexible system. In the end, Stein’s report puts a spotlight on something otherwise ignored: the possibility exists. But between logistics, loyalties and salary constraints, the odds feel way too slim to take seriously right now. Fans may hope for one final “Splash Brothers” encore, but the real hard work would be on the ownership and front office to make something that breaks the confines of a farewell fantasy plausible. Sure, the Warriors haven’t closed the door. But unless something major shifts, this feels more like background noise than a legit storyline.
'Very Dangerous:' Yankees’ Trade Addition Makes Feelings Clear After Rays Game
The New York Yankees haven't gotten superstars as Thursday's Trade Deadline approaches, but they did add depth that could change the course of their season. They acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario over the past week, the former of whom has already made his presence felt. McMahon recorded hits in his first three games with the team before going 0-for-4 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. However, the 30-year-old went 2-for-4 with an RBI against them on Wednesday, including a walkoff single to center in the 11th inning. McMahon opened up about his experience with the team so far postgame, via SNY. "It just feels good to come through for the team," he said. "Everyone matters in this chase, so just happy to come through." "It's a lot of fun being here and being in this clubhouse," he continued. "It's a very dangerous team. I've seen it from afar, playing against them..." New York was down 1-0 from the third inning until the eighth, when Trent Grisham hit a solo homer to right. Giancarlo Stanton followed up with an RBI single, giving the team a 2-1 lead. Closer Devin Williams then blew the save in the ninth inning after allowing two runs, but Anthony Volpe tied the contest in the bottom frame with a solo homer to left. After that, Tampa Bay's Jonathan Aranda hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th before Cody Bellinger hit an RBI triple to center in the bottom frame. New York reliever Tim Hill then threw a scoreless inning in the 11th, and McMahon followed up with his walkoff single. The Yankees have now won three of their last four games.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman offers massive Connor McDavid update
One of the major storylines heading into the 2024–25 season is the uncertainty surrounding Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton. The 28-year-old superstar is entering the final year of his contract, and while a departure still feels unlikely, the mere possibility of him reaching free agency next offseason has sparked plenty of speculation. But don’t count Oilers general manager Stan Bowman among the concerned. According to a TSN report, Bowman said that extension talks with the team’s franchise player are progressing. Speaking with "Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer" on CHED 880 Edmonton, Bowman said he is “very encouraged” by the initial discussions he’s had with McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver. “I’ve had really good conversations with Judd since the season ended, and I’ve tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it’s important,” Bowman said. “You know, a lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline. So, we haven’t had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we’re very encouraged by all the conversations I’ve had to date. And when the time comes, the time comes.” McDavid, who has one year left on his deal that comes with a $12.5M AAV, became eligible for an extension on July 1. While there is speculation on what McDavid’s next contract would demand annually, it’s fair to assume he’ll seek to at least match teammate Leon Draisaitl’s deal that comes with a $14M AAV over the next five seasons. In 67 games last season, McDavid recorded 26 goals and 100 points, marking the seventh 100-point campaign of his already illustrious career. He added a league-high 33 points in the postseason — the second consecutive year he led all players in playoff scoring — but he and the Oilers were once again defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite the disappointment, along with McDavid’s postseason admission to the media that he was in no rush related to extension talks, Bowman believes an extension with his captain is imminent. “He’s a huge part of everything we do here, and so I don’t have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and. And hopefully get that wrapped up,” he said.
Still Shopping: Maple Leafs Linked to 30-Plus Goal Wingers
Rumors linking the Toronto Maple Leafs to Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t going away. This time, it’s Sonny Sachdeva of Sportsnet who has Toronto listed among five potential landing spots for the 30-plus goal wingers — along with Detroit, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Buffalo. The early free-agent frenzy has settled, but the Maple Leafs still find themselves with a lingering void in their top six. After trading Mitch Marner to Vegas earlier this summer, the Leafs have added capable depth pieces like Nic Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli — but none come close to replacing Marner’s elite production. General manager Brad Treliving has some cap space to work with, and speculation is that he’ll dip into the trade market to round out his roster. Whether that happens this summer or at the deadline remains to be seen, but the Pittsburgh Penguins will enter the conversation as talks heat up. Penguins and Maple Leafs Make Logical Trade Partners In the midst of a rebuild, Pittsburgh has two veteran wingers who could be on the move: Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. Both are coming off career-best seasons, despite playing on a struggling Penguins team. Rakell notched 35 goals and 70 points, while Rust posted 31 goals and 65 points — production that would make either a welcome addition in Toronto’s top six. For the Leafs, Rust might be the better stylistic fit. He can play up and down the lineup and fill multiple roles, giving head coach Craig Berube options with John Tavares or Auston Matthews. Treliving has already shown a willingness to make major moves this summer, and with names like Andrew Mangiapane and Jack Roslovic (Mangiapane went to Edmonton and Roslovic remains unsigned) previously linked to Toronto, it’s clear the club is still in the market for another offensive weapon. If the Penguins are ready to part with one of their proven scorers — and the Leafs are open to moving a contract like David Kämpf’s to help balance the books — a mutually beneficial deal may be in reach.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
