Six Teams Vie for NBA's Best as the Season Winds Down

With under two months left in the regular season, NBA.com highlights six teams—Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs—as the contenders for the league’s best, each with distinct strengths and drawbacks: Celtics benefit from Jaylen Brown’s breakout and strong coaching while awaiting Jayson Tatum’s return; Cavaliers rely on Donovan Mitchell with Harden’s addition to unlock Mobley/Allen; Nuggets boast a high ceiling despite injuries and defensive concerns; Pistons feature Cade Cunningham in MVP-territory and a stingy defense; Thunder stay deep and balanced with Shai leading; Spurs ride Victor Wembanyama and a versatile supporting cast. No obvious frontrunner yet as the stretch run unfolds.