Twelve games remain in the regular season. The playoff picture is coming into focus with an understanding of the top 10 teams in each conference. The regular seasonâs final games will determine conference seedings as well as play-in tournament teams, making a final push for their conferenceâs 6th seed. Here are the top 15 NBA teams with the best chance of winning the NBA Finals as we enter the week of March 23rd-March 30th.
MORE: 5 MLB rookies to keep your eyes on in 2026
15. Miami Heat
Mar 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dunks against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
 The Heat are a game out of the sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They are chasing Orlando, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Miamiâs issue continues to be defensive efficiency.
14. Orlando Magic
The Magic went on a run, winning seven consecutive games from March 3rd to March 14th. However, the team has dropped its last four games. If they find themselves in the play-in tournament, the Magic will need to be at their best offensively and defensively.
13. Phoenix Suns
The Suns have chased the Western Conference 6th seed throughout the season. They are likely headed to the play-in tournament and will be the favorite to make it through. Phoenix is good, but they may not possess the depth to survive their first-round playoff series.
12. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is hot and continues to add wins to the standings. Since February 22nd, the Hawks have gone 12-1. Atlanta ends this week without tough matchups against Detroit and Boston.
11. Toronto Raptors
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stars forward Scottie Barnes (4) of the Toronto Raptors shoots in the championship game during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Currently the Eastern Conferenceâs 5th seed, Toronto has their work cut out for them as the regular season comes to an end. The Raptors see the 6th-10th seeds trailing them by 2.5 games. Winning is imperative for the team to stay out of the play-in tournament.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota must pick up the slack of playing without superstar Anthony Edwards for the next few weeks. It wonât be easy as the team holds onto the Western Conferenceâs 6th seed. Given Edwardsâ injury, the Timberwolves need to focus on entering the playoffs with their superstar at full health.
9. Houston Rockets
Houstonâs holding the Western Conferenceâs 4th seed and are ahead of Denver and Minnesota via winning percentage. The conference race is heating up, and the final 12 games carry weight. Houston needs to be at its best the rest of the way.
8. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have 10 games left, and five are against playoff teams. Denver will do its best to finish the season healthy and strong. The teamâs playoff experience will give them an edge in any playoff series.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
Feb 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) gestures to his team during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Cleveland continues to add wins to the standings. They are headed to the playoffs and are looking to start their run with a fully healthy roster. On the season, the Cavaliers rank 4th in offensive efficiency.
6. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are hot and winners of their last nine games. Winnings ways have helped the team jump into third in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has played improved defense during its winning streak.
5. New York Knicks
The Knicks are on a five-game winning streak, albeit playing teams with no hope of the playoffs. The remaining schedule allows New York the chance to jump Boston for second place in the Eastern Conference. The team is preparing for another deep playoff run.
4. Boston Celtics
The return of Jayson Tatum has given Boston a boost. Having their leader for the playoffs adds another dimension to the teamâs hunt for a title. On the season, the Celtics rank 1st in defensive efficiency.
3. Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Detroit has sat atop the Eastern Conference throughout the regular season. However, the team will be without star Cade Cunningham for at least the next two weeks. The rest of the team must pick up their production during Cunninghamâs absence.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are within three games of the top spot in the Western Conference. They have the Thunder in their sights and have gone 21-2 since February 1st. San Antonio looks every bit the part of the team that can interrupt the Thunderâs chance to repeat as NBA champions.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are heating up and are 10-0 over their last 10 games. Oklahoma City has been the leagueâs best team throughout the regular season. This season, the team ranks 5th in offensive efficiency and 2nd in defensive efficiency.
â Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead â
MARCH MADNESS: Updated 2026 March Madness bracket, Sweet 16 set for NCAA Tournament
NFL: 3 NFL Draft prospects whose stock is in question
MLB: Dodgers cut World Series champion three days before Opening Day
NBA: Kevin Durant has low-key response to passing Michael Jordan on NBA scoring list
ENTERTAINMENT:Fans react to Chappel Roan, Jorginho daughter controversy
VIRAL: Flauâjae Johnson, Kim Mulkey share emotional moment after final LSU home game