The season is well underway and we know which teams will be battling in the playoffs and which will be dwelling at the bottom of each conference. We also have an idea of which teams have been massively disappointing considering their expectations and the sides that will be hoping to compete in the play-in tournament for a shot at the postseason.
Following our breakdown of all the teams into tiers earlier in the season, we have an updated tier system that will show which sides will be respected as the season progresses while the rest need to work on their rosters and production on the court. Here are all 30 NBA teams ranked into the Best Team In Each Conference, Serious Contenders, Playoff Teams, Disappointments, Play-In Teams, and Lottery Teams.
Best Team In Each Conference
Boston Celtics (26-7), Minnesota Timberwolves (24-9)
The Boston Celtics are the best team in the Eastern Conference, and probably the favorite to win it all this season. Propelled by the exceptional performance of Jayson Tatum and the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics rank 8th in offense and an impressive 4th in defense. With the best “top-six” depth chart in the league, Boston has everything to not only be favorites to maintain their top seed but also stand as contenders to make a deep playoff run and potentially reach the Finals to win it all. If the Celtics find a way to bolster their depth with some more trades, there might be no chance for any other team in the league right now.
Shockingly unexpected is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ ascent to the top seed in the Western Conference, boasting an impressive 24-9 record. Anchored by a stifling defense that ranks 1st in the league, the Timberwolves have showcased prowess on both the perimeter and interior. Anthony Edwards is averaging 26.6 points per game, Rudy Gobert is a contender for Defensive Player of the Year, and Karl-Anthony Towns has been consistent (21.4 points per game on 40.1% from three). With the Big Three intact, the Timberwolves are also getting production from Mike Conley, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels so there is enough there to keep them at the number one seed this season.
Serious Contenders
Milwaukee Bucks (25-10), Philadelphia 76ers (23-10), Oklahoma City Thunder (23-10), Denver Nuggets (25-11), Los Angeles Clippers (21-12)
The Milwaukee Bucks boast an impressive roster with two of the world’s best players in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Supported by solid contributors like Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis, the Bucks have shown both excellence and inconsistency, standing at 25-10. Defending both Antetokounmpo and Lillard is nearly impossible at times and expect them to be in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Philadelphia 76ers, with an impressive 23-10 record, have exceeded expectations, propelled by the brilliance of MVP favorite Joel Embiid and the emergence of Tyrese Maxey, a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award. The strategic move to trade James Harden has allowed the 76ers to eliminate chemistry issues, positioning them as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. Even if the 76ers are behind the Bucks in the pecking order, they are a threat to make the Finals because Embiid is truly that dominant right now.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as a potential threat in the Western Conference quicker than anyone would have thought. Spearheaded by Chet Holmgren, a strong Rookie of the Year candidate, and the exceptional skills of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are steadily progressing and can beat anybody on any day. Holding a 23-10 record, it wouldn’t be surprising to them in the Western Conference Finals.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, currently at 25-11, are considered favorites to reach the NBA Finals. Boasting the reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and a roster built on consistency, the Nuggets exhibit a potent combination of skill and consistency, setting the stage for a deep playoff run, possibly culminating in a Western Conference Finals appearance. It won’t be as easy as last year, however, because many teams have improved in the West.
The Los Angeles Clippers are coming, ladies and gentlemen. They are one injury to Kawhi Leonard away from being a first-round exit, but if they are healthy, they are coming. Going 8-2 in their last 10 games, Los Angeles have found their rhythm around James Harden and have enough stars to win it all. However, it must be mentioned again that an injury to Leonard or even the injury-prone Paul George could end this season’s contention immediately.
Playoff Teams
Sacramento Kings (20-13), Miami Heat (20-14), New Orleans Pelicans (21-14), Indiana Pacers (19-14), Dallas Mavericks (20-15), Orlando Magic (19-15), Cleveland Cavaliers (19-15), New York Knicks (19-15)
Sacramento might be here to stay as a playoff team in the West. While they won’t sneak up on teams like they did last year, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are playing well enough to make sure they are a top-five seed in the conference. They might be lacking that third star to take them over the hump, but the Kings rank 8th in offense and can certainly go toe-to-toe with any of the title contenders.
Do not count out the Miami Heat who always seem to find a gem in the draft. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a new face who has managed to help out the Heat this season, posting 13.8 points per game. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro might not be going anywhere, and there is enough talent there to keep the Heat on the radar when looking at a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup.
The New Orleans Pelicans showcase the dynamic duo of All-Stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, while contributors CJ McCollum and Herb Jones are doing their best to make the team relevant. Holding an impressive 21-14 record, we could be seeing the Pelicans start to reach their potential although as we have been saying for years now, it all depends on Zion’s health and weight management.
The Indiana Pacers, led by the exceptional playmaking of Tyrese Haliburton, currently averaging an impressive 24.9 points and 12.7 assists per game, stand as wild cards in the Eastern Conference. While a few pieces away from making a deeper push, the Pacers have the potential to surprise as they continue to evolve throughout the season and have done enough to prove they belong in the playoffs with the number one-ranked offense.
Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate but that doesn’t mean the Mavericks are the team to beat in the Western Conference. Kyrie Irving has managed to stay low-key and just play basketball which has helped the team, but the Mavericks need a little more to compete with the best the West has to offer. Currently 20-15, Dallas has been solid but otherwise unspectacular when looking at the teams above them.
Nobody expected the Orlando Magic to be this good but they are. Holding a 19-15 record in the East and sporting some talented youngsters Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, it would be a blessing for Magic fans to see their team in the playoffs. They belong there after their strong start to the season and head coach Jamahl Mosley deserves a ton of respect for maximizing the production of his players.
The Cleveland Cavaliers boast a lineup featuring multiple All-Star-caliber players, including Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Currently 19-15 in the East, nobody is truly respecting the Cavaliers enough to consider them a threat beyond a first-round exit. The most important part of Celveland’s season is deciding what to do with Mitchell who could be looking to leave and solidify his future elsewhere.
New York finally made a big trade and while OG Anunoby isn’t a superstar on the level of Walt Frazier or Carmelo Anthony, he will be an upgrade on the wing. The question is: can New York find a trade for a legitimate superstar that catapults them to the top of the East one day? The Knicks do not have to pay RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley anymore which means they have some space to maneuver with regards to a blockbuster deal that could include Julius Randle.
Disappointments
Phoenix Suns (18-16), Los Angeles Lakers (17-18), Golden State Warriors (16-18)
The Phoenix Suns are not an elite team and that means they have underperformed. Currently 18-16, the Suns have been average at best despite the presence of superstar Kevin Durant (29.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists per game) and Devin Booker (26.7 points per game). Bradley Beal has only played 10 games this season and there is doubt about whether he can stay healthy for a period of time as he approaches 31 years old. Without much depth and two guys carrying the load, the Suns are not winning an NBA title as currently constructed.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been a massive disappointment because they somehow made the Western Conference Finals last season. LeBron James has begun to show signs of Father Time and the rest of the roster has performed below expectations (especially Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura). Anthony Davis has been a force, averaging 25.2 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, but he has not managed to keep the Lakers above .500 at this point. The Lakers rank 19th in offense and 16th in defense so expect them to be in a play-in spot again as they aim to surprise teams en route to another hopeful Western Conference Finals appearance.
Is the Golden State Warriors dynasty over? The answer is likely yes. Stephen Curry is still a star (27.7 points per game), but the rest of the core has underperformed. Draymond Green is not expected back soon, Klay Thompson is on an expiring deal, and Andrew Wiggins has been a disappointment (12.5 points per game on 29.9% from three). Thinking a 38-year-old Chris Paul would make a major difference was a facade, as they just wanted out of Jordan Poole’s deal. It has to be said that the Warriors might be a play-in team this season.
Play-In Teams
Houston Rockets (17-15), Utah Jazz (16-19), Brooklyn Nets (15-20), Atlanta Hawks (14-19), Chicago Bulls (15-21), Toronto Raptors (14-20)
The Houston Rockets have undergone a significant transformation under coach Ime Udoka, leveraging the talents of newcomers Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks and forming a second-ranked defense in the NBA. However, with so many good teams in the West, Houston is currently in a play-in spot even if Alperen Sengun will likely be a first-time All-Star this season. The Rockets are a much better team but might need one more star to become a perennial playoff side.
The Utah Jazz, with Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Keyonte George in their ranks, show glimpses of promise but face an uphill battle to secure a play-in spot. While the potential is evident, the competition in the Western Conference poses a significant challenge and it could mean Utah decides to make shocking trades before the February trade deadline if their record does not get close to .500.
Brooklyn find themselves treading the line of mediocrity, relying on the talents of Mikal Bridges to keep them afloat. Despite currently holding a record below .500, the Nets might still find a way into the postseason through the play-in tournament. There are enough supporting pieces, including Cam Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Nic Claxton, to compete with teams, but nobody fears Brooklyn regardless.
Trae Young is doing his thing as usual, averaging 28.2 points and 11.3 assists per game as he looks to make his third All-Star Team. However, the team lacks the necessary pieces to ascend to the upper echelons of the league and cannot seem to find a way out of a play-in spot over the past few seasons. Perhaps a trade for available stars such as Pascal Siakam or Zach LaVine would help, because this core is not working out.
Finally, the Bulls will always be a play-in spot because Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are talented scorers who not only provide offensive firepower but can take any defender one-on-one. However, LaVine is on the trading block and DeRozan is 34 years old, meaning this core could be broken up soon. Expect trades to happen at some point because Bulls fans do not want to settle for a play-in exit again.
The Toronto Raptors, anchored by Pascal Siakam and the promising Scottie Barnes, are valiantly attempting to stay competitive with a below-.500 record of 14-20. The team traded OG Anunoby and brought in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, so they have more bodies to try to remain competitive. The problem is, if Siakam is traded to make room for Barnes’ growth, a rebuild could be on the horizon.
Lottery Teams
Memphis Grizzlies (11-23), Portland Trail Blazers (9-24), Charlotte Hornets (8-24), Washington Wizards (6-27), San Antonio Spurs (5-29), Detroit Pistons (3-31)
The Memphis Grizzlies had to endure the absence of the dynamic Ja Morant for 25 games to start the season and their record took a massive hit. The team’s lottery prospects hinge on their ability to secure victories now that Morant is back, but at 11-23, it is a long way back this season unless Morant can spearhead a miraculous comeback to become a playoff team which could be unlikely.
The Portland Trail Blazers are right in a rebuilding phase, centering their efforts around Deandre Ayton, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe. Scoot Henderson has failed to impress this season, averaging 12.2 points and 4.9 assists per game this season, but his talent is there and the Trail Blazers hope losing enough games could place them in a race to draft a top-three pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
LaMelo Ball is doing his thing individually (24.7 points and 8.2 assists per game), but the Charlotte Hornets are not a good team. Despite the promising performance of rookie Brandon Miller, the team faces a developmental curve, requiring time for their young talents to mature and contribute more consistently. So far, the Hornets have an 8-24 record and face another campaign in the lottery.
On the other hand, the Washington Wizards could be in trade talks, with Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma possibly on the block, signaling a potential shift in their roster composition. Kuzma is averaging a career-high 22.8 points per game this season and it seems the Wizards want multiple draft picks to trade him, meaning Washington might blow up their roster even more before the trade deadline.
San Antonio, led by budding superstar Victor Wembanyama, faces the perennial struggle of a team that has yet to be ready to contend. While Wembanyama’s potential is evident, the Spurs may need to explore trades to acquire a franchise point guard or playmaker because there is not enough leaders right now. Wembanyama could win Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, but that could be the only bright part of this season.
Finally, the Detroit Pistons, languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, have struggled immensely, winning three games and tying the NBA record for most consecutive losses with 28 this season. Cade Cunningham has been solid (23.2 points and 7.5 assists per game), but the team has been embarrassingly bad and it might be a few years before we start seeing the fruits of Monty Williams’ labor in Detroit.
