The NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs have arrived in the basketball world. A lot of contenders, whether it be underdogs like the Detroit Pistons to absolute super teams like the Boston Celtics, are competing to climb to the top and claim to be the best in the NBA.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
The OKC is an all-around young team with a high ceiling and potential MVP(Most Valuable Player) in Shai Gilgeous Alexander leading the team with 27.8 points per game. Overall, the team is second in points per game (120.0), third least points allowed (100.5) and second in blocks in a game (6.8). According to ESPN, this team has the best shot and will show why they are the best team in the playoffs. Overall, OKC has what it takes to win the NBA championship this year.
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics were the previous NBA Champions last year and still have a chance to win back-to-back. With leaders like Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the Celtics are one of the best teams in the NBA. They are third in point differential a game (+10.1), first in points allowed a game (96.0) and fourth in rebounds per game (45). Additionally, if the Celtics win this year, the Boston Celtics would have 20 NBA Championships, the most in NBA history.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
The Cavaliers are currently 64-18 in the regular season. Led by veteran Donovan Mictchell, who averages 29.3 points per game, this team has a shot to win. They are first in points per game (122.5 points), fourth in points allowed per game (103.8 points) and a field goal percentage of 49.2%. Even though the Cavaliers are not a well-rounded team like the Thunder and Celtics are, they have proven themselves to be a formidable team to play against.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
The Timberwolves have a very strong chance of winning the NBA Championship. Even though they are not top five in any major stats, they have a strong offense and elite defense. Their offense, led by Anthony Edwards can produce at a more efficient level than other teams. Meanwhile, their defense, led by Rudy Gobert, who has won four defensive player of the year awards, has controlled the court and shut down any offense.
Golden State Warriors:
The Warriors are an interesting team coming to the playoffs. They barely got into the playoffs after acquiring Small Forward Jimmy Butler from the Heat. They have been slowing down in points, but with veteran Point Guard Stephen Curry leading this team, they have a shot to win. Their defense is in the middle of good and bad, with no superstars on defense. Overall, their odds of winning are possible, just not as possible as the other teams.
To conclude, just because you have a superstar team, doesn’t mean you will always win. Underdogs may and win the NBA Championship. Basketball fans will have to wait and see which team will win it all.
