The National Basketball Association (NBA) has faced many new trades that have transformed the league. So far, the team with the best championship chances are the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, there is still lots to consider when it comes to the NBA finals this year.
Starting from Luka Doncic, a key player formerly from the Dallas Mavericks, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. In trade for Doncic, the NBA All-Star Anthony Davis.
Ever since this surprising trade, the standings for specific teams in the NBA have shifted drastically. The Dallas Mavericks were in the NBA finals last season against the Boston Celtics. Sadly, Doncic got injured this season, and the Mavericks have derailed in their standings since and especially since he got traded.
Many people are wondering where this leaves the Mavericks. Right now, there seems to be no hope for them of getting to that spot this season as Kyrie Irving is now out for the season, who is another key player on the Dallas Mavericks, according to the NBA. It’s safe to say that the Mavericks won’t be seen in the finals this season.
The top seed in the Eastern Conference is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Boston Celtics are the second seed in the Eastern Conference and are hoping to be in the finals this year as well. The Celtics have a high chance of making the finals because of the 2023-24 NBA season, where they won the championship against the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite this, the Cleveland Cavaliers have not failed to stay behind the Boston Celtics. With their current season record of 58 wins and 14 losses, they are in a better position compared to the Celtics, who have 53 wins and 19 losses according to ESPN .
The top seed in the Western Conference is the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have the highest record currently compared to the Cavaliers with 60 wins and 12 losses, according to ESPN. The Thunder are currently the favorites to win it all, with their higher record of wins and losses according to FOX .
The star point guard who leads the Oklahoma City Thunder is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, followed by shooting guard Cason Wallace, small forward Luguentz Dort, power forward Jaylin Williams, and center Chet Holmgren.
Oklahoma City’s defensive strength and sharp perimeter instincts have led it to the first spot in the West standings, and they are most likely to win because of it according to NBA News Services.
At age 26, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander excels at the two most crucial factors in scoring: space creation and shooting, and that is what leads the Thunder into the top seed according to the NBA. His strict talent and ability to score and finish well consistently in every game shocks many because of his true determination to the sport.
The Cleveland Cavaliers also have a talented team with point guard Donovan Mitchell, but their record is lower than that of the Thunder in comparison. It is clear that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have a high chance of going to the NBA finals and winning the championship. Based on their excelling records and star players, they have made their way into the championship easily.
