The NBA regular season is quickly approaching its end, and the battle for the top spot in the power rankings intensifies with each passing game. The Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers are all vying for the final No. 1 spot, with only a few games remaining in the regular season.
The Bucks have been on an absolute tear this season, boasting the best record in the NBA at 58-20. Led by MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have looked nearly unbeatable on their way to clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Their dominant play has earned them the top spot in many power rankings throughout the year.
However, the Celtics and 76ers are hot on their heels. The Celtics have turned things around after a rocky start to the season and currently sit at 47-32. With the playoffs approaching, they have shown why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the league, winning six of their last 10 games. Led by All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, the Celtics are a threat to any team in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the 76ers boast a talented lineup that includes Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Jimmy Butler. Despite some bumps in the road, the 76ers are still in contention for the top spot in the East and have been playing well as of late. They have won eight of their last 10 games and seem to be peaking at just the right time.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors have cracked the top 10 in most power rankings after a rough patch that saw them lose six of eight games. The defending champions are still a force to be reckoned with, however, and remain the favorites to come out of the West and win their fourth NBA championship in five years.
Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers have found their footing late in the season but it may be too little too late as they sit outside of the playoff picture. Led by LeBron James, the Lakers have won seven of their last 10 games but are still three games back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Their late-season surge has shown that they are a team to watch in the future, however.
As the regular season winds down, the race for the top spot in the power rankings is heating up. The Bucks, Celtics, and 76ers all have a legitimate claim to the No. 1 spot, while the Warriors and Lakers will be interesting teams to watch in the postseason. With so much talent on the court, the 2019 NBA playoffs are sure to be thrilling from start to finish.
