The NBA is celebrating their 75th year in operation this season and aside from everything the league has planned to remember and acknowledge the last 74 seasons, this year has a chance to be very memorable. For what seems like the first time in forever, there is so much balance across the entire NBA, which has made for some great competition to this point so far.
Most teams have played 15 games so far this season, some getting ready to play their 16th game and some even preparing for their 17th game of the season, but we are already closing in on about 20% through the 2021-22 season. There is plenty of basketball yet to be played, but things are really tight right now in both conferences.
Eight teams in the Eastern Conference have at least a .500 record right now and just three games separate the top teams in the conference like the Heat, Wizards, Bulls and Nets from teams like the Celtics and Bucks, who are currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.
In the Western Conference, nine teams have at least eight wins on the year and the Golden State Warriors currently sit at the top of the standings at 13-2. The Rockets and Pelicans may be two teams we can write off as of right now due to the fact that they have yet to win even three games on the season, but the other 13 teams in this conference are still very much alive to make the playoffs.
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Between trades, injuries and plenty of players standing out as possible All-Stars this season, there is so much to be excited about if you are a fan of the NBA right now, which is why this 75th NBA season has a chance to be historic. Who will win the title though seems to be the biggest question mark so far this year.
There are a handful of championship contending teams who all stick out in their own unique way, but each team has a key question that still needs to be answered. Let’s take a look at four different title contenders around the league and see what could wind up holding them back and/or if they have what it takes to find late season success, including the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers.
