NBA Final’s hopefuls.

The NBA playoffs are a month away, and as teams settle into their final spots in the standings, some aim for the playoffs by first getting into a play-in the tournament spot. We will aim our focus on the top three teams from each conference and why they have a shot at the championship this year. First, we will start with the Eastern Conference.

The number one team in the east that can contend for the championship is the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, nothing else needs to be said. With three superstars on this team that can score at any level, along with MVP awards and championship experience, nothing could stop them from winning the championship except themselves.

The second team would be the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks still have the majority of their core from last year, but the addition of Jrue Holiday has helped them tap into another gear. Holiday’s presence also gives them another star to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

How far they go in the playoffs depends on Khris Middleton’s and Jrue Holiday’s performance. Antetokounmpo will perform in the playoffs like he always does. He is dependable, but his support system must be consistent.

The third team is the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid has been playing at an MVP level this year, and Ben Simmons has been reliable as always. The only thing holding them back is their shooting. With the addition of Seth Curry, their shooting has been great this year do not get me wrong, but can he and other supporting cast members bring this team into the playoffs?

In the Western Conference, the number one team of course would be the defending champs, the LA Lakers. The only thing stopping the Lakers right now is health, but when LeBron James and Anthony Davis come back I believe they will get them back to championship form.

The second would be the LA Clippers. With two-time finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, and partner in crime Paul George, outside of the Lakers they have the best chance to make it out the West.

The third and final team would have to be the Utah Jazz. The Jazz have been the best team in the West consistently all year with great defense and great shooting. The Jazz are one of the favorites to contend for the championship, but they will have to knock off the Clippers or Lakers to get there. The main question with that scenario would have to be: do they have enough closers when that can be clutch when the team needs them to be? It will take at least one to get them past these juggernauts in the Lakers and the Clippers.