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The NBA season is in full swing and after one of the most compelling offseasons in NBA history filled with rumors, trades, prediction and overall anticipation we finally have what we’ve been yearning for, NBA Basketball. And these trades have garnered new superstar tandems for various teams that have been predicted by experts to be championship-worthy, but until the stars step onto the court together, everything is uncertain. Here are the top 5 NBA Championship teams so far in the 2020 NBA Season.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
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The Bucks garnered attention last season for having league MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, put up a monstrous season where he had seemed to be LeBron James’ successor to the title of the best player in the world. With an outstanding physique, talent and natural ability, he is virtually unstoppable. But, basketball is a team sport, and the Bucks also have all-star Khris Middleton producing great numbers and experienced veterans Brook Lopez, Wesley Matthews and Eric Bledsoe to provide the wisdom the team needs. Along with sharpshooters Kyle Korver and Ersan Ilyasova coming off the bench, this team looks to be very dangerous in late April and May.
4. Houston Rockets
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Two of the greatest regular-season players of all-time in James Harden and Russell Westbrook have had troubles contributing in the postseason with many disappointing early exits. The talent of these two is through the roof, the only concern is, how well will they work together? If Westbrook and Harden can learn to sacrifice for one another as Durant and Curry did for the Warriors, this Rockets team looks to be a favorite in the Western Conference. With the fantastic sharpshooting of Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker and Ryan Anderson in a league so dominated by shooting currently, the size of Clint Capela in the paint, and the veteran assistance of Tyson Chandler and Coach Mike D’Antoni, the Rockets have a very serious title shot.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
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The Ben Simmons shooting memes were hilarious to laugh at but also a genuine concern, he would always be limited as a Point Guard if he didn’t develop a consistent and reliable outside shot, but the practice in the offseason looks to be helping improve his jump shot and has everyone wondering, who can stop the 76ers in the East. Joel Embiid is a legitimate superstar in the NBA and the young energy of Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris and Trey Burke make this team incredibly talented. Combined with the necessary experience of Al Horford, the young and hungry 76ers will not settle for anything less than a ring.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
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Whenever you have LeBron James on your team, you’re an immediate title contender, if you pair him up with another one of the top 5 players in the NBA in Anthony Davis, you should win a championship. The Los Angeles Lakers are incredibly hungry for success especially after the disappointment of the injury-plagued 2019 season with the likes of LeBron, Ingram, Rondo, and Ball all enduring major long term injuries. The Lakers revamped their roster to trade for Anthony Davis while still keeping young sensation Kyle Kuzma. The team acquired many veteran players such as Dwight Howard, Jared Dudley and Danny Green, showing signs that this team is ready to compete in June.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
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The reigning NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, who many believe is now the best player in the world has a new team that seems like the closest thing to perfect possible. Even without All-Star and strong 2019 MVP Candidate Paul George who you can count on to deliver 25 and 5 a night, the Clippers beat the initial NBA Championship favorites on opening night quite convincingly and the 5-time defending Western Conference Champion Golden State Warriors by nearly 20 points. The Clippers have the tenacious defense of Patrick Beverly, the best sixth man of all-time in Lou Williams, the young energy of Mo Harkless and Montrezel Harrell, and the size of Ivan Zubac to make this team easily the most complete team in the NBA with no weaknesses that have been exploited.
