Which teams in the NBA are Contenders and which are Pretenders?

[Marchesk]

So Russell won 11 titles in an era of 8-10 teams, and he gets criticized for that. But I'm seeing 4-5 legit contenders and another 3-4 pretenders from this thread.

So that's about the same number of teams to go through.

[nashwade]

pretty much pacers heat thunder spurs

clips, blazers, rockets won't make it to the Finals

[Droid101]

So Russell won 11 titles in an era of 8-10 teams, and he gets criticized for that. But I'm seeing 4-5 legit contenders and another 3-4 pretenders from this thread.

So that's about the same number of teams to go through.

You are bad at percentages.

[oarabbus]

So Russell won 11 titles in an era of 8-10 teams, and he gets criticized for that. But I'm seeing 4-5 legit contenders and another 3-4 pretenders from this thread.

So that's about the same number of teams to go through.

Except then there were 8-10 teams and now there are 30 teams in the NBA.

[JBrizzy]

Contenders - Heats, Pacers, Spurs, Thunders

Pretenders - The others - Blaze, Clips, Rockets, Warriors.

[All Net]

If Rockets are contenders so are Blazers.

[RoseCity07]

Contenders
Miami
OKC
Spurs (if healthy)
Portland
Indiana

Pretenders
Golden State
Clippers

[RIP CITY]

Contenders
Pacers
Heat
Thunder
Spurs

Pretenders
Clippers
Blazers
Warriors
Rockets

This... Though to be honest, it's really just Miami or Indiana. Whoever wins that Series will win the Championship.

[oarabbus]

Contenders
Miami
OKC
Spurs (if healthy)
Portland
Indiana

Pretenders
Golden State
Clippers

Portland are contenders but not GS/Clippers? Spurs are only contenders if healthy but the same healthy tag isn't applied to the Trailblazers? They have the worst bench BY FAR of any contender. They are more dependent on a healthy lineup than anyone.

Oh, you're from Portland.

[RoseCity07]

Portland are contenders but not GS/Clippers? Spurs are only contenders if healthy but the same healthy tag isn't applied to the Trailblazers? They have the worst bench BY FAR of any contender. They are more dependent on a healthy lineup than anyone.

Oh, you're from Portland.

The Blazers are the only team to have the same starting line up all year. Yeah they need to be healthy but it hasn't been a concern like it is with SA. Parker is hurt and Leonard is out. It's a serious thing to consider with SA.

[Black and White]

Contenders
Pacers
Heat
Thunder
Spurs
Rockets

Pretenders
Clippers
Blazers
Warriors
Suns

and you put the Blazers, Warriors and Clippers as pretenders???? Oh lord

[oarabbus]

The Blazers are the only team to have the same starting line up all year. Yeah they need to be healthy but it hasn't been a concern like it is with SA. Parker is hurt and Leonard is out. It's a serious thing to consider with SA.

That's fair enough about SA. I just don't understand why you guys are contenders if we aren't. Or the Clippers. All I'm saying is I'm betting on Houston against you guys in a 7 game series, and I don't consider Houston contenders. You guys better be praying to god that someone else takes them out on the way to the WCF. That's not to say that Houston is a better team than Portland, just that your chances are real bad against them, from what I've seen in the 3 games played between you guys this season.

And hey, I'm not being biased about it. I clearly said on the first page I don't truly believe we are contenders this year, but have a very good shot next year.

[Smook A.]

and you put the Blazers, Warriors and Clippers as pretenders???? Oh lord

It's called being a homer dude. Calm down

[Smook A.]

Rockets aren't contenders until they fire that brainless turd, Kevin McHale. I hate having him as our coach

[Smook A.]

Rockets are pretenders

So are the Warriors

Btw, don't forget we're 2-0 against you guys