Ranking the 4 Remaining Teams in the NBA Playoffs for 2024

The final four teams in the 2024 NBA playoffs are here, and now, we can start predicting who might be crowned the new NBA champions. Now, I'm ranking the four remaining teams in the NBA Playoffs for 2024. The ranking is based on my expert opinion, plus the opinion of analysts. One thing is certain: The winning team won't be the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets fell in Game 7 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday (May 19), so whoever goes all the way will hold that new crown.

4. Dallas Mavericks

While Dallas has been strong this season, I think they're the weakest team left standing. Luka Dončić has been playing through injuries, so that's a factor. But, Kyrie Irving has really stepped it up in the playoffs, so that should help them out.

3. Indiana Pacers

Most experts and analysis have the Pacers at No. 4 in their rankings, but I put them higher. Why? Well, I watched every single game they played against the Knicks. Even in the hostile Madison Square Garden environment with, well, questionable decisions by the refs, the Pacers always came close to a win. Then, they also totally blew the Knicks out in a few cases. So, I think they're going to surprise people in their series against the Celtics, and they could win.

2. Boston Celtics

NBA.com has the Boston Celtics with the best chance of taking it all. They've certainly performed well in the playoffs and have been the "team to beat" all season. They're going up against the Dallas Mavericks, and considering healthy stars like Jayson Tatum, the Celtics could get by in fewer than seven games.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

I'm going with the Minnesota Timberwolves to be the surprise champions this season. Now, in full disclosure, I do want the Timberwolves to win. I have a friend who is a fan and lives in Minnesota, and it's fun to see how excited everyone is there. It's the first time in 20 years and only the second time in franchise history that the Minnesota Timberwolves are playing in the Western Conference finals. It's a huge accomplishment. As for the talent, I think they have it. Anthony Edwards is really their kingpin, but my concern is that he can be inconsistent. The Wolves need Edwards on point for every game, and then, I really think they can go all the way. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels, of course, are also strong players. So, I think the Wolves are the team to beat. Contact me with your predictions on the NBA playoffs and finals. Here's the full schedule of upcoming NBA games.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and it's been one of the most exciting playoffs in recent years. Many of the top NBA superstars today are in the playoffs, while others are watching, following some upset losses. Either way, there's no denying that the NBA has a ton of talent right now. So many of the games have come down to the wire, which makes for some pretty incredible, and stressful, endings. So, who are the top NBA superstars of the minute?

Before we get into the top NBA superstars today, let's do some NBA history and look at the top players of all time. There's a reason they call LeBron James the GOAT. He's the best ever, according to the raw statistics and numbers via NBA.com. James knows how to really handle the pressure and fame.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, James went into detail about his fame and how it has impacted his life, both personal and professional. "I don't want to say it ever becomes too much, but there are times when I wish I could do normal things," he said. "I wish I could go to Target sometimes and walk into Starbucks and have my name on the cup just like regular people." He obviously can't do that without everyone rushing to meet the greatest basketball player of all time. NBA experts know that when you have a superstar as big as James, he never plays an away game. No matter what city he's in, people will go to that game just to see him. I have yet to see the GOAT in action, so I hope he returns next year, so I can catch him live.

No. 2 on the list of the greatest NBA players of all time, according to the NBA's stats, is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He played until he was 42 in an era where that was even more rare than it is today. So, how did he avoid burning out? Speaking with the Harvard Business Review, Abdul-Jabbar said, "I just thought that I had the greatest job in the world, and I wanted to keep it as long as I could. I knew it wouldn't last forever." He also noted that in one of his books, he quoted Jackie Robinson saying, "Athletes die twice," because when you're no longer playing professional sports, it's a kind of a death. That's deep.

Now, let's get into the top NBA superstars today.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stats currently have him at No. 4 in the NBA, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He's a great driver and fantastic defender. That's a dangerous combination. He's one of the hottest players of the season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is sitting at a Player Impact Estimate of No. 3 in the league via NBA.com. Sadly, before the playoffs began, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury, so he was unable to participate. Now, the Bucks are out.

Some might say that putting LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers this far up on the list is a bit surprising. Overall, as I mentioned above, he's the all-time greatest player in the NBA. However, he's currently No. 5 in the NBA right now, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He's the GOAT, so I have to put him at No. 3.

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is an absolute beast on the court. That doesn't always mean his always team wins, but he's always out there, giving it his all. Doncic is ranked the No. 2 NBA player right now, via the NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, "the Joker," is one of the greatest centers of all time. He's ranked No. 1 in the NBA, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He has gotten some raised eyebrows lately, due to some weak Nuggets games in the playoffs. But, there's no denying this MVP is the best right now.