With just a quarter of the NBA season left, teams will complete 20 games by the end of this week. What insights can we gather about the East versus West rankings so far? Who stands out as the frontrunner for the championship? And can the Thunder truly achieve it? Are they on pace to break the record for most wins in a season? Let’s dive into the details.
Key insights from the East Division standings:
Ben Rohrbach: The Pistons are proving they’re a serious team. While the Knicks’ defense is average, they’re improving, and the Cavaliers hold a middle-of-the-pack 7th place, opening the door for Detroit. The Pistons rank high both statistically and visually in the conference, and although they’re currently potential finalists, acquiring the Western Conference winner (maybe Lauri Markkanen?) could make them formidable title contenders. The time to strike is now.
Kelly Iko: Despite missing Trae Young, the fifth-place Hawks had a solid November, winning 10 of 15 games with a defense ranking in the top 10. Jalen Johnson, in his fifth year, excelled as a playmaker and distributor, combining elite rebounding, efficient three-point shooting, and all-around scoring, making him a potential future focus for Atlanta, even with Young’s return.
Nekias Duncan: The Southeast Division shines in the East. Miami’s revamped, though not entirely new, offense is gaining attention, especially with plans to fully integrate Tyler Herro. Since Paolo Banchero’s departure, the Magic have bolstered their defense and offensive output. The Hawks are boosting their defense while maintaining an aggressive style without Young. All these teams are current playoff contenders, making the division highly competitive and exciting.
Steve Jones: The East offers immense opportunity this year, with nine teams holding at least .500 records and seven winning seven out of their last ten games. Detroit has climbed to the top, but the Knicks are close behind. The competitive balance suggests any team can beat another, promising exciting basketball every night.
Dan Devine: The East could turn into a game of rock, paper, scissors as teams manage injuries and returns from key players like Detroit’s Jaden Ivey, New York’s OG Anunoby, Miami’s Tyler Herro, Atlanta’s Trae Young, and Orlando’s Paolo Banchero. Health and matchups will be decisive in playoff seeding, meaning many teams still believe they can win series under the right conditions.
Key takeaways from the West Division standings:
Located: The Lakers, Nuggets, and Rockets are close behind the Thunder. All three rank top 10 in net rating against elite teams, boast top-five offenses, and have enough depth to challenge the reigning champions in a tough seven-game series. While it’s unlikely to see a team win 20 of 21 games, don’t count Oklahoma City out just yet.
Rohrbach: The Clippers are struggling, and the Pelicans, at the bottom, are in worse shape than expected. The Clippers, once considered the second-best team in the West, now look nearly as bad. Owner Steve Ballmer’s next moves will be crucial—will he buy to improve?
Devine: Could Zach Eadie be a small-sample MVP? Since returning from ankle surgery, the Memphis center is producing impressive stats, contributing to Memphis improving and getting back into playoff contention. This turnaround comes amid a rocky start influenced by the Ja Morant saga.
Jones: The Thunder’s dominance is clear, but the competition among the Lakers, Rockets, and Nuggets is thrilling, especially with their strong road records. The West is especially tough, and early wins could set these teams up for playoff success.
Duncan: Let’s talk Thunder! Despite slow shooting early on, they have a top-5 offense and arguably the best defense in modern times. They’re on track for an outstanding 70-win season, which is a monumental achievement.
Power rankings of the top five title contenders:
Devine: 1. Thunder, 2. Rockets, 3. Nuggets, 4. Lakers, 5. Knicks
Even if the Thunder improve, they’re the team everyone chases. Houston impresses with top-five offense and defense, showing they can hunt the Thunder. Denver and Dallas offer strong offensive performances, while the Knicks show potential despite losing Anunoby.
Rohrbach: 1. Thunder, 2. Nuggets, 3. Rockets, 4. Pistons, 5. Knicks
No doubt the Thunder, currently 20-1, are favorites to repeat as champs, followed by the Nuggets and Rockets. The Pistons are serious contenders in the East, with the Knicks having the best chance among a weak conference.
Jones: 1. Thunder, 2. Nuggets, 3. Rockets, 4. Lakers, 5. Pistons
The Thunder almost perfect so far. Nuggets have high potential, Rockets bring strong defense and offense, Lakers benefit from a reshuffled hierarchy with LeBron third, and Pistons impress with physical defense and dynamic duo Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Duren.
Duncan: 1. Thunder, 2. Nuggets, 3. Rockets, 4. Knicks, 5. Timberwolves
The Thunder’s core and defensive prowess stand out. Houston’s strength is notable, and the Knicks balance offense and defense well, even factoring in Anunoby’s absence. Timberwolves edge out Pistons and Lakers due to improved defense and offensive firepower.
Located: 1. Thunder, 2. Healthy Nuggets, 3. Lakers, 4. Rockets, 5. Knicks
Denver’s solid defense and Lakers’ new hierarchy help their standing. Houston’s two-man game impresses, while New York’s playoff rotation is potent, and Detroit’s defense and shooting are noteworthy.
Team of interest picks:
Duncan: Thought (non-Lakers LA team) would contend, but the Cavs now look solid. Injuries slowed chemistry for Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, but there is still time to rebound.
Rohrbach: Cavaliers. Garland’s health, Mobley’s development, and Mitchell’s workload present challenges. Playoff struggles may hurt their regular-season success, with backcourt and frontcourt combos appearing as vulnerabilities.
Jones: Nuggets. They must navigate injury periods without Aaron Gordon and maintain strong defense. Concern lies in potential rank dips after losses, with Spurs and Timberwolves looming.
Devine: Cavaliers. Despite beginning with best Eastern odds, they struggle against winning teams and have limited minutes with their core healthy. Optimism exists for a return to form but current performance is discouraging.
Located: 76ers. Once promising due to injuries and depth issues in rivals, Philadelphia now struggles near .500. Paul George’s tough comeback and questionable rotations challenge Joel Embiid’s impact.
Prediction for Thunder’s total wins:
Jones: 69 wins. Their strong two-way performance continues despite challenges from the return of Jaylen Williams.
Rohrbach: 70 wins. They are on track for 78 largely without Williams, but injuries could reduce this. Still, they have a chance to join history with over 70 wins.
Located: 72 wins. Barring major injuries, losing no more than nine games seems feasible; SGA’s improvement and coaching contribute to this optimistic outlook.
Duncan: 71 wins. While sticking to this prediction, acknowledges it could be closer to 74 or 75.
Devine: 75 wins. Unlikely but possible given their historic start, elite defense, and average win margin, making it fun to consider.
Fan Take: This analysis highlights the thrilling competitiveness and unpredictability of this NBA season, especially with the Thunder’s historic run redefining standards. Basketball fans should watch closely, as these dynamics could reshape the sport’s landscape and inspire new storylines for years to come.
