The NBA season is quickly winding down, and the playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Although there are a number of teams that will move on to the playoffs, there’s only a few that will truly be able to lay claim as a contender to win the NBA Finals. Below I’ve listed four teams that I think have the best chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the 2023 NBA season.
Milwaukee Bucks
First on my list is the number one team in the nation, the Milwaukee Bucks, who have compiled an extremely impressive 50-19 record this season. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, the Bucks have one of the most complete rosters in the NBA.
Although they don’t have the most efficient offense, Milwaukee has the number one ranked team in both defensive efficiency and rebounds per game, which speaks to their size and prowess on the boards. The Bucks are the clear favorites to win the NBA finals.
Denver Nuggets
Currently leading the Western Conference with a 46-23 record, the Denver Nuggets have emerged as another favorite to win the Finals. MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic has continued his dominance this campaign, as he has combined with Jamal Murry to create one of the best duos in the league.
The Nuggets currently rank 2nd in the NBA in offensive efficiency and 2nd in assists per game. This Denver offense is fluid and potent enough to make a run all the way to the end.
Boston Celtics
Although they’ve struggled as of late, the Boston Celtics still remain as one of the clear favorites to win the 2023 NBA Finals. Led by superstar duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are the most balanced teams in the NBA, as they’re the only team ranked in the top 5 of both offensive and defensive efficiency, as they rank 4th in both.
Boston currently sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a 48-22 record, as they’ll look to improve in their final 12 games of the season. The Celtics will look to return to the NBA Finals for the second year in a row but will hope for a better outcome this time around.
Phoenix Suns
After a disappointing loss to the Bucks in the 2021 NBA Finals, it seemed like the Suns had missed out on their chance at a championship, but after a blockbuster move for superstar Kevin Durant before the deadline, Phoenix have reemerged in the contender conversation. Although they currently sit 4th in the Western Conference with a 37-32 record, the Suns have shown immense improvement as of late.
Phoenix haven’t shown their dominance this season as they rank 6th in defensive efficiency and 14th in offensive efficiency, but they’re truly one of the best squads in the NBA. It will be exciting to see if this roster full of superstars will be able to bring it all together when the postseason rolls around.
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