The teams at the top of the Eastern and Western Conferences are starting to see competition for the top spots. Detroit and Oklahoma City had comfortable leads, but Boston, New York, and San Antonio are ready to give the top dogs a run for their money. With around 20 games left, it’s time to get the popcorn ready. Here are the top 15 NBA teams with a chance to be crowned champions in 2026.

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15. Miami Heat

Mar 6, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) reacts after being called for a foul during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images.

The Heat are underrated. The roster doesn’t possess superstars, but they play well. The offense is as efficient as any NBA team.

14. Orlando Magic

Orlando is inching closer to the Eastern Conference’s 6th seed. They’ve played well but are the beneficiaries of having teams ranked higher struggle over the past 10 games. The key for the Magic is to keep their core healthy as the season comes to an end.

13. Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia has struggled since early February. Most of their losses have been blowouts. The 76ers need to rebound quickly.

12. Phoenix Suns

The Suns are chasing the Western Conference’s 6th seed. However, they continue to take one step forward and two steps back. Phoenix’s offense must find consistency.

11. Toronto Raptors

Feb 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dribbles downcourt against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Toronto has struggled of late but are better than the teams currently ranked in the play-in tournament spots. The Raptors’ defense continues to play well, but the offense isn’t clicking. The lack of offense will spell trouble in the playoffs.

10. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are begging the Suns to overtake them. Los Angeles has hit a rough stretch over the past 10 games, but Phoenix hasn’t jumped at the opportunity to get out of the play-in tournament. Los Angeles will get into the playoffs but suffer a quick exit.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland’s hot stretch has been led by the team’s offense. Cleveland’s offense ranks 3rd in efficiency. The Cavaliers have put their slow start to the season behind them.

8. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have dropped close games of late. However, keeping Nikola Jokic healthy is the most important objective as the regular season closes out. No matter what their seed is, the Nuggets will be a tiring matchup for opposing playoff teams.

7. Houston Rockets

Jan 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a made basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The Rockets have relied on lockdown defense throughout the season. They are a nightmare matchup for opposing teams, and this isn’t changing anytime soon. If an upset occurs in the playoffs, it will likely be at the hands of the Houston Rockets.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota is as hot as any NBA team. They’re winning on a nightly basis and are finding their stride right before the playoffs. The Timberwolves have a tough patch to reach the Western Conference Finals.

5. New York Knicks

The Knicks are chasing Boston and Detroit, but each team continues to win. They’re heading toward the Eastern Conference’s 3rd seed. There’s no reason they cannot reach the Conference Finals for a second consecutive season.

4. Boston Celtics

May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Boston has no regular-season games remaining against Detroit. If they are going to unseat them atop the Eastern Conference, they will have to do so by winning and hoping Detroit hits a rough patch. The Celtics and Pistons would make a must-see Eastern Conference Finals.

3. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are the league’s hottest team. Their stretch of victories over the last 10 games has moved them within four games of Oklahoma City. The remaining games may see San Antonio overtake Oklahoma City for the top spot in the Western Conference.

2. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are refusing to slow down. They’ve stayed atop the Eastern Conference for the entire season. It will be a letdown if they do not reach the Conference Finals.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Yes, their lead on the conference has shrunk, but they’re the defending NBA champions. The Thunder’s main objective is to have the entire roster healthy for the playoffs. The Thunder will be in the Western Conference Finals.

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