The Philadelphia 76ers were already one of the best teams in the NBA before they acquired superstar guard James Harden. The Harden deal makes them a top-tier contender to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA finals.  Although the 76ers did give up a lot in their trade with the Brooklyn Nets, they still kept the main components that drove the team’s success thus far. Center Joel Embiid has been playing at an MVP-caliber season, guard Tyrese Maxey and forward Tobias Harris can get any shot they want on the court. Adding all those pieces around Harden, a prolific scorer and passer, should make the 76ers one of the best teams in the league. 

The Chicago Bulls had one of the best off-season roster turnovers in recent NBA history, which has surely paid off this season already. With the signing of multiple guards like DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso, the Bulls have transformed into one of the NBA’s best teams. DeRozan has been on another level since signing with the Bulls, averaging 28 points and 5 assists per game. DeRozan and guard Zach Lavine have become one of the best duos in the game. The most impressive part about the Bulls season has been the depth they’ve had to use. The Bulls have cycled through 20 different starting lineups so far with multiple players being out with COVID-19 or injuries. The Bulls will look like a whole new team before the playoffs arrive, with players like Ball, Caruso and second-year forward Patrick Williams returning soon. Chicago will be one of the last teams standing come playoff time. 

The Milwaukee Bucks are the reigning NBA champions and still deserve their respect no matter where they’re ranked right now. Although the Bucks are currently in the 5th spot in the East, they still have the best player in the league in forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee, like the Bulls, has struggled to stay healthy this season. The Bucks’ “Big 3” of Antetokounmpo, and guards Jrue Holiday and Kris Middelton have already missed a combined 42 games this season. Milwaukee has been getting by so far this season, thanks to their amazing play and depth. Forward Bobby Portis has really developed since his days with the Bulls, he’s currently averaging a career-high 15.1 points per game this season. The Bucks should have five players returning from injury soon to help them gear up for another run at the title. 

-Waleed Alamleh

The top three NBA teams are the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls. 

The Phoenix Suns have been the top team in the league for most of the season and have the top seed with a record of 48-10 led by all-stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul. This record has given them a 6.5 game lead over the second seed in the conference.

That second seed is the Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry. The fact that the Warriors have a 42-17 record not even at full strength is scary and once playoff time comes, they will be a favorite to win it all. 

To the east are the Chicago Bulls who share the top spot in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat. The Bulls have dealt with injuries since the beginning of the year and have yet to play with a fully healthy roster, which just shows how much depth this team has, led by MVP candidate DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine. The Bulls will be a tough out against any team that will face them in the playoffs. 

-Carlos Finney, Jr

The Phoenix Suns currently hold the number one seed in the Western Conference with a record of 48-10. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak and look to continue their dominance in the West. Guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker have been the backbone of this team because of their work ethics on the floor. Paul continues to live up to his nickname the “Point God” averaging 10.7 assists per game. Booker is the team’s greatest scorer averaging 25.5 points per game. You also have players such as center Deandre Ayton and forwards Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas who are good scorers and great defenders. This team will continue to be the number one team in the NBA if they keep doing what they are doing, that is, great ball movement and great defense.

The Chicago Bulls are a surprising team this season as they are 2nd in the Eastern Conference tied with the Miami Heat at 38-21. The Bulls have been dealing with injuries with the absence of guards Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball. The Bulls have just gotten back injured players such as guard Zach Lavine and forwards Javonte Green and Derrick Jones Jr. With all these injuries the Bulls have continued to win games with big contributions from forward DeMar DeRozan, center Nikola Vucevic and guards Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White. DeRozan is having the best season of his career and is a favorite to win MVP. This Chicago squad plays hard on both ends of the floor and plays for one another. This team’s hustle will get them far in the playoffs. 

The Miami Heat have the number one spot in the Eastern Conference at 38-21. The Heat have been dealing with injuries since the beginning of the season but have been doing great since regaining most of its players back. Since injuries, guard Tyler Herro has stepped up and improved his game averaging 20 points per game. Forward Jimmy Butler is averaging 21.8 points per game and was selected an All-Star this year. The biggest strength of this team is their defense. Miami is a very good defensive team and they rank fourth in the NBA for defense. 

-DeOndre Saunders