Welcome to the annual midseason NBA Contenders or Pretenders. We will be discussing the top four teams in the Eastern and Western conferences and deciding if they are pretenders or contenders when it comes to the playoffs
Eastern Conference
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10) – Contender
While it may seem obvious to many that Cleveland is a legitimate title contender, some still do not believe in the team’s success come playoffs. One major point of argument against the Cavaliers is their inexperience and lack of defense. However, Donovan Mitchell has been to the playoffs 7 times, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen were all in Cleveland on the last two playoff runs they had. Team chemistry is an underrated part of success in the NBA, look at the Denver Nuggets in 2023 who stuck with their team and relied mainly on chemistry to win a championship. This offense also obliterates teams led by their reliant three-point shooting and passing. They are contenders for a championship this season, and don’t be surprised if they make a run and win it all.
2. Boston Celtics (41-16) – Contender
This one should be quite obvious, as the Celtics are defending champs, with the whole team that went on the run last year back healthy. Now that they have one championship, they are under less pressure to get another one. They are certainly the most talented team in the league, it is just a matter of if they can put it all together again.
3. New York Knicks (37-20) – Contender
The Knicks had a shaky start to the season, but now that their chemistry kicked in, this team has found its groove. Injuries plagued them in the playoffs last year, but with the amount of depth and roster talent they have this year, this team can compete for a championship. However, they’ll likely have to fight through Cleveland and Boston to get there.
4. Indiana Pacers (32-23) – Pretender
It seems like the Pacers were hovering around .500 not too long ago, and now they are 4th in the East and comfortably 7 games above .500. The offense has continued to be one of the league’s best, and if the defense can play even mediocre, this team has a chance. However, if we were being realistic this team cannot compete for a championship. They don’t have the intensity defensively and don’t have enough star power to carry them to the finish line.
Western Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (46-10) – Contender
The Thunder look like the favorite to come out of the West, and for good reason. They have the number one defensive rating in the NBA at 103.9 ppg allowed, and the next closest team isn’t even within 4 points of that margin. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to make his case for MVP, averaging 32.8 ppg and 6 assists per game. The team is built so well, and once Chet returns healthy from injury they look unstoppable.
2. Memphis Grizzlies (37-20) – Pretender
The Memphis Grizzlies have both a top 7 offensive and defensive rating, and are loaded with talent, such as Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. However, they only hold a record of 13-13 vs teams over .500. While Memphis is a fun team loaded with talent, their success may not translate to playoff wins, especially in a loaded Western Conference.
3. Houston Rockets (35-22) – Contender
The Rockets are the new kids on the block in the West. After having completely missed postseason play last year, they are now contending with the top of the Western Conference. It’s not just one guy either, everyone on this team is contributing, and the chemistry is what sets them apart. Amen Thompson is having a breakout season, along with Dillon Brooks and Fred Vlanvleet playing their roles, and Jalen Green and Alparen Sengun being the leaders of this team. While many will pick against this team come playoff time, I truly believe they have what it takes to make a run.
4. Denver Nuggets (37-20) – Pretender
Many are quick to call the Nuggets championship contenders, without having watched a minute of Nuggets basketball. Sure, they may have won a championship two years ago, but this current team operates much differently than the team that won it all. They have a horrid defense—ranking 20th overall in the NBA and allowing 114.1 ppg. Their offense does rank third overall, but you need defense to win championships. This defense vs teams like the Thunder, Lakers, or Grizzlies in the playoffs will get exposed.
