2019 NBA Title: Ranking the Top 6 Contenders

With just 3 weeks left until the NBA playoffs, things are really heating up in the association. Whilst many teams are already out of contention, there is still a ton to play for. Some sides are battling for seeding, whereas others are fighting to just make the playoffs.

This article will focus on some of the top teams in the NBA this season. Based on what we’ve seen so far and in recent seasons, I’ll project the 6 teams most likely to win the 2019 NBA title.

Given the sheer levels of talent and quality on each of these sides, I’d be very surprised if one of them doesn’t end up winning the title. Likewise, I’d be shocked if any of them suffered a first-round defeat in the playoffs. Without further ado, let’s get stuck in.

#1 Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors v Charlotte Hornets

Golden State have had another solid regular season and currently sit atop the Western Conference with a strong 50-23 record. They’ve been particularly strong in Conference matchups, going 30-15, whilst also sporting an impressive 24-12 road record.

As has been the trend in recent seasons, they’ve been very much led by both Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Curry is enjoying another very solid season, putting up averages of 27.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. To his credit, Durant is also averaging a strong 27 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists.

Combine these two superstars with All-Star players in Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and DeMarcus Cousins and you can see why Golden State are comfortable title favorites. Whilst the bench has regressed somewhat in recent years, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston are still strong veteran contributors.

Especially given how weak the West has been this season, Golden State looks set for homecourt advantage throughout. Against a likely first-time playoff opponent out East, I’d definitely give them a strong chance of another title.

#2 Milwaukee Bucks

By almost all statistical metrics, the Bucks have been comfortably the best team in the NBA this season. They sport a very impressive 55-19 record, putting them 4 games up on the Raptors in 2nd place. Their point differential is an incredible +9.4, making them among the top 30 teams statistically of all time.

This is in large part due to the stellar play of MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is having an incredibly well-rounded season, putting up numbers of 27.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Combine that with his phenomenal defensive ability and he’s arguably the best player in the NBA right now.

Milwaukee are far from a one-man show either. Khris Middleton made the All-Star game this season, whilst Eric Bledsoe, Malcolm Brogdon, and Brook Lopez have all emerged as strong supporting contributors. Should they hold onto the #1 seed, Milwaukee has every shot at an NBA Finals berth.

#3 Toronto Raptors

Kawhi Leonard- Toronto Raptors v Washington Wizards

Having been one of the powers in the East over recent seasons, Toronto are enjoying another stellar campaign in 2018-19. They currently sit 2nd in the conference with a strong 51-23 record.

This is in large part due to the strong play of Kawhi Leonard, who they acquired from San Antonio last off-season. Leonard is averaging an impressive 27 points per game, to go along with 7.5 rebounds and 3 assists. Whilst many thought he may struggle coming off injury, he's looked just as good as in his superb 2016-17 campaign.

Alongside veterans like Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, and Serge Ibaka, Toronto have a dangerous core going into the playoffs. Add in a potential budding superstar in Pascal Siakam and the Raptors chances get even stronger. Sporting the second best record in the association this season, they are a definite title contender.

#4 Philadelphia 76ers

Continuing with this theme of Eastern teams, the 76ers are very deserving of their spot on this list. Whilst some questions have been raised about their bench, the fact is that their excellent starting five should be enough to beat most opponents.

Joel Embiid is far and away their best player, putting up strong averages of 27.5 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks per contest. Young Aussie superstar Ben Simmons has also impressed, averaging 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists on the year.

Ben Simmons -Philadelphia 76ers v Chicago Bulls

Add in veterans like Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and JJ Redick and you’ve got a strong core capable of winning a title. That said, the Sixers are clearly behind the top 3 teams on this list. Unless Embiid can pull off something special, they look primed for a conference semi-final exit.

#5 Houston Rockets

After an incredible regular season last year, Houston appear to have fallen away somewhat in 2019. That said, they do still sit at a solid 47-27 and look primed to finish as the #3 seed out West.

A lot of their success this season is due to the tremendous play of MVP candidate James Harden. Harden is enjoying a very well-rounded statline this season, putting up 36.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per night. Swiss big man Clint Capela has complemented him nicely, averaging over 16 points and 12 board of his own.

Whilst he has battled a lot of injuries this season, Point Guard Chris Paul also remains a key component of this team. Given their competition in the West, Houston look poised for a conference finals appearance. Should they make it there, I’m not sure they have the quality to knock off Golden State.

#6 Boston Celtics

Considered by many as the pre-season Eastern favorites, the Celtics find themselves a disappointing 5th in the Conference. They currently sit 2 games behind the Pacers in 4th and find themselves in danger of missing out on homecourt.

Admittedly, they do still possess one of the league’s most talented rosters on paper. This is a side that pushed LeBron and the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals just last season. Point Guard Kyrie Irving has again been spectacular this season, averaging 24 points, 7 assists, and 5 boards per game.

Sophomore Jayson Tatum is considered by many to be a future superstar, averaging a solid 16 points and 6 rebounds per game. Throw in solid veterans like Al Horford, Marcus Smart, and Gordon Hayward and Boston definitely have a strong nucleus. Given their strong competition, they don’t warrant a higher spot on this list.