NBA Finals 2020: Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, Celtics, Rockets Among Realistic Championship Contenders

The NBA is set to resume the 2019-2020 season in Orlando, Florida this summer, determined to crown a champion after what will end up being a 141-day break because of the coronavirus pandemic. The league has added a potential play-in tournament before the usual 16-team, four-round playoffs, though there are only a handful of legitimate contenders.

Eight teams have already been eliminated from contention because they won’t be part of the Disney “bubble.” Teams that haven’t yet clinched a playoff berth will likely be one-and-done if they do manage to find their way into the postseason.

Even some of the top seeds in each conference are extreme long shots, at best, to compete for the title.

As impressive as the Toronto Raptors have been, the defending champions probably won’t repeat after losing the 2019 NBA Finals MVP in free agency. The same goes for the Denver Nuggets, who could also earn the No.2 seed in their conference but don’t have a second All-Star or a top-eight offense or defense. The Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat are good, but not good enough to win multiple series against elite competition.

What teams have a realistic chance of winning the 2020 NBA Finals?

Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James might still be the best basketball player in the world, and the addition of Anthony Davis has given the Lakers the NBA’s best duo. Los Angeles is the only team that ranks in the top four in both offensive and defensive efficiency. After beating the Bucks and Clippers in consecutive games shortly before the season was suspended, the Lakers might have established themselves as the team to beat.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are likely to finish with the NBA’s best record for the second straight year and Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to win his second consecutive MVP award. Unlike last season, Kawhi Leonard won’t be standing in Milwaukee’s way. The Bucks have the league’s No.1 defense and a historic point differential.

Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard might be the most dangerous postseason player after carrying the Raptors to their first-ever title with a historic individual playoff run. Aside from Davis, Paul George is probably the best No.2 star on any team. With Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell coming off the bench, the Clippers have the NBA’s deepest roster.

Boston Celtics

Boston is the biggest threat to Milwaukee in the East for a few reasons. They’ve got an emerging star in Jayson Tatum, who was the conference’s top player in February, that could potentially take over a series. With four All-Star-caliber players and a top-five offense and defense, the Celtics are a candidate to handle the hiatus and less time off in between games better than most teams.

Houston Rockets

Maybe if the season had continued uninterrupted, Houston wouldn’t have had a real chance to win four straight series. But the long layoff and the bubble environment could produce some weird results, and there’s no weirder team than the Rockets. With the number of threes they attempt, the matchup problems presented by their small-ball lineup and the James Harden-Russell Westbrook combination, it’d be a mistake to completely discount Houston.

Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia is the Houston of the East. A disappointing team before the break that seemed headed for an early playoff exit, the 76ers have the ingredients for a deep playoff run: two young stars that should now be healthy, postseason experience and the potential for an elite defense.