The six teams competing for the NBA championship

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The six teams competing for the NBA championship
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to Chris Paul #3 after Booker hit a three-point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 02, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-100, The six teams competing for the NBA championship. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

With the league now taking a short hiatus for NBA All-Star weekend, it’s time to have a look at the genuine contenders for the NBA championship.

Although we’ve learned plenty from approximately 60 games of data for each team, the current standings aren’t necessarily a total reflection of who we may see at the pointy end of the playoffs.

While there’s a host of teams who may view themselves as genuine title threats, there are only six teams that have a real chance at lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Some are the obvious best teams in the league, while others have some work to do, but hold the talent and firepower to be more than capable of winning it all.

The six teams competing for the NBA championship: Phoenix Suns

With a 48-10 record, the Suns have been the most dominant team in the league by far. With an All-Star backcourt in Chris Paul and Devin Booker, an imposing big in Deandre Ayton, and high-level two-way role players in Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Johnson, there are no major weaknesses in the Suns’ arsenal.

They currently hold the third-best offensive and defensive rating in the league, outlining their elite play on both sides of the ball. They may sit as the ‘safest’ pick for the title, especially given the experience they gained on the way to their NBA Finals berth last season.