Most Popular NBA Teams Across Categories

Historic Powerhouses
Current Contenders
Large Market Teams
Teams with Iconic Players
Rising Popularity Teams

NBA teams can be popular for various reasons, and their appeal often extends beyond a single category. To provide a comprehensive view of team popularity, we’ll examine the top NBA teams across different categories. This approach allows us to appreciate the diverse factors that contribute to a team’s overall appeal and recognize that popularity can manifest in different ways. Moreover, it can also guide you when doing your NBA picks.

Historic Powerhouses

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics Jason Tatum Jalen Brown most popular nba teams
After winning the 2024 Championship, the current Boston Celtics team, powered by Jalen Brown and Jason Tatum, continue the team’s championship pedigree. Most analysts concur that the Boston Celtics are at the peak of their powers, and will have to prove their championship caliber by defending their titles this season. This is why the Celtics are one of the most popular NBA teams nowadays.

Los Angeles Lakers

LA Lakers Luka Doncic LeBron James most popular nba teams
Having the 2nd most championships will always hold the LA Lakers team with championship aspirations. But even with a seemingly ageless LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the charge, the Western Conference is chock-full of highly talented teams that will give them a run for their money. It also goes without saying that the Lakers are one of the most popular NBA teams in any era.

Chicago Bulls

Having arguably one of the best dynasties in basketball back in the 90s, the Chicago Bulls today are still unsure whether they are in the rebuilding phase or still challenging for a title. Given their current lineup, they might settle for a Play-In spot, and will have to scratch and claw their way against a top-heavy Eastern Conference should they manage to get into the playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama most popular nba teams

During the 2000 – 2010s, the San Antonio Spurs were always the dark horse whenever they got into the playoffs, and yielded subsequent finals wins. This season, the Spurs are still in rebuild mode, but with Victor Wembanyama blossoming into one of the best players, and the recent acquisition of De’Aaron Fox, it’s a matter of time until the Spurs will flip the switch and go for championship runs again.

Golden State Warriors

With Steph Curry still firing at all cylinders, the Golden State Warriors continue to be one of the most exciting teams to watch. Their historic run during the dynasty years from 2015 to 2019 saw their fanbase surge exponentially. This year, however, the Warriors are struggling to get back into the winning side of things thanks to a highly competitive Western Conference. But with their recent trade moves that led to Jimmy Butler heading to the Bay Area, they are looking to be in the thick of the playoffs scene for a couple of more years.

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Current Contenders

Milwaukee Bucks

With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard at the helm, the Milwaukee Bucks are still considered to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Given that the Eastern Conference is top-heavy for this season, the Bucks holding the 4th place in the standings puts them in position to earn them a sure spot in the playoffs.

Phoenix Suns

The three-headed monster of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal is currently in question, with Beal being relegated to the bench in the previous games, the Phoenix Suns are clinging to the 8th spot in the Western Conference. But given Durant and Booker’s knack of exploding for tons of points at any game, they cannot be overlooked, even by the competitive Western Conference teams.

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic, the 3-time MVP, is currently having another career run and is one of the prime candidates for this year’s MVP and a sure ball stats-getter for NBA player props. Along with his amazing stats, the Denver Nuggets are holding the 4th spot in the Western Conference. If The Joker keeps consistent (as his previous runs have shown), and his team follows through, they stand a chance to climb a bit more up the ranks leading to the playoffs.

Miami Heat

Known for their Heat Culture, the Miami Heat has found some success in the past 20 years, with a couple of championships and deep playoff runs. However, with Jimmy Butler being traded to Golden State, the team’s chemistry is seemingly in flux. Their 6th spot in the Eastern Conference might be in danger, seeing as the upcoming teams are gunning to get into the play-ins.

Philadelphia 76ers

Once considered to be a top 4 team, the 76ers are currently freefalling in the standings, thanks to the questionable status of Joel Embiid. The 1-time MVP has been battling injuries to start the 2024 season, and while Paul George has been up to take the reins in his stead along with Tyrese Maxey, these were only enough for them to land in 11th place. There’s still time to go compete for a play-in spot, however.

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Large Market Teams

New York Knicks

Following the blockbuster trade that saw them send Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl Anthony-Towns, the Knicks have seemed to have continued their momentum from last year on their way to the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference. Along with KAT, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart continue to ball out, and are gunning for another deep playoff run this year.

Brooklyn Nets

The recent acquisition of D’Angelo Russell has sparked quite a buzz for the beleaguered Brooklyn-based ball club. However, their current placement sees them on the outside of the Play-ins looking in. Given their current roster, if they manage to land a play-ins spot, that might be considered to be a win for them.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers, still considered to be the “other” LA basketball team, are currently sitting in the 6th place in the Western Conference, just behind the Lakers. This can be attributed to James Harden’s recent game as of late, which saw him handling the ball for his team and facilitating well. Still, the lingering factor whether or not the Clippers become a threat in the West is the mercurial Kawhi Leonard, who is still playing with minutes restriction due to his health status.

Dallas Mavericks

With the recent blockbuster trade that saw Luka Doncic go to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks are poised to be one of the must-watch Western teams. This is due to the masterful Kyrie Irving who always dazzles whenever he is on the court. Along with Irving, the recent acquisition of Klay Thompson is turning some of the Golden State fans to watch Mavs games to see whether Klay can turn back the clock and put in a throwback performance.

Houston Rockets

Currently, the Houston Rockets are considered to be one of the younger ball clubs in the NBA. Jalen Green, their upcoming superstar, still has to prove his mettle during clashes with more established teams. However, the Rockets’ core with Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet, along with prospects Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, a couple more seasons will surely hone them into a formidable team down the line.

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Teams with Iconic Players

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers currently hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and have the best record so far since the LeBron James era. This is thanks to Donovan Mitchell having a stellar performance, along with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Their teamplay is essential to their win streak during the season, and if they manage to keep the momentum going all the way to the playoffs, they will surely give the opposing team a tough challenge.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder currently holds the highest win-loss record in the NBA. Powered by the MVP candidate Shae Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder has turned a corner a couple of seasons ago to become a team that combines a stellar superstar, youth, and efficiency. If Gilgeous-Alexander manages to wrestle the MVP against Jokic this season, it will further solidify the Thunder as the favorites to finally win their first NBA championship.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards has seen his star power surge over the past seasons due to his explosive performances that elevated the T-Wolves from a fringe playoff team into a bonafide contender. With the additions of Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo along with Desfensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is setting them to be one of the must-see teams during the season.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies currently hold the 2nd spot in the Western Conference, and this coincides with the return of their star player, Ja Morant. Even when playing at a minutes restriction, Morant’s impact on the court is evident – he can get a bucket and heat up real quick, or facilitate for his team and get them rolling. Once Morant is healthy, prepare to see him in highlight reels more often, as the Grizzlies stake their claim to be one of the teams to beat in the West.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are currently in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference and are fighting for a play-in spot. Trae Young, the team’s go-to player, has been more of a facilitator for the team, keeping each player involved and has been reaping the benefits. However, his knack for taking big shots hasn’t died down one bit – if the occasion calls for it, and he has the ball, if he doesn’t see any open teammates, he will take matters into his own hands, for better or worse.

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Rising Popularity Teams

Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes Immanuel Quickley RJ Barrett most popular nba teams

Following the exits of Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Fred VanVleet, the Raptors are currently in rebuild mode. Seeing as they are in the bottom rung in the Eastern Conference, its fanbase do not expect them to compete for titles any time soon. However, as far as getting fresh talent, the Raptors have great prospects in Gradey Dick, Scottie Barnes, and Davion Mitchell. Moreover, they also acquired Brandon Ingram from the Pelicans – once he’s healthy, they can be competitive in the Eastern Conference again.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have been more busy navigating the current status with Zion Williamson, and when he bolts out of NOLA, the management will need to assess whether to blow up the team altogether. CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray are still exciting to watch, along with Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Trey Murphy III. However, they have traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk, and have seemingly called their 2024-2025 campaign over and done with.

Orlando Magic

The Magic currently stand in the upper-middle of the Eastern Conference. Paolo Banchero is coming into his own as the go-to player for the Magic, and the Wagner brothers are no slouches, either. As a relatively young team, they are on a similar trajectory as the Thunder in terms of upside, and Magic management will need to keep it consistent so that their team will take the next step to ascend further in the rankings.

Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball is back on the roster, but the Charlotte Hornets are still a ways off from becoming competitive in the Eastern Conference. Brandon Miller is still developing into a versatile player, and Seth Curry is doing his best on the sidelines as a reliable three-point threat. However, the team has still a lot to work on to become a contender.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are one of the underdogs that had a commendable run a couple of seasons ago to get their name in the discussion for competitive teams. However, they have slowly come down from that surge, and rests in the middle of the pack in the Western Conference. Moreover, they recently traded for Zach LaVine, uniting him with former teammate DeMar DeRozan. Along with this, they still have a competitive lineup with Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, and Keegan Murray which will give opposing teams a run for their money.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are currently sitting in 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Their scrappy, team-centric play is manned by Tyrese Haliburton, and he facilitates the ball to Pascal Siakam, Benedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner. Teams who sleep on them during their matchup can quickly see themselves on the losing end if they aren’t careful.

Detroit Pistons

Even with the unfortunate injury befalling on Jaden Ivey, the Detroit Pistons have slowly clawed their way into the upper middle pack of the Eastern Conference. This can be attributed to Cade Cunningham being consistent as the Piston’s go-to player. That said, Cunningham also has serviceable teammates in Malik Beasley. Tobias Harris, and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Utah Jazz

Currently, the Jazz are near the bottom in the Western Conference standings. However, the team has an infamously loyal fanbase, and will always cheer for their team through thick and thin. Their best player, Lauri Markkanen, is keeping consistent numbers, along with Jason Collins, both of which make a solid front court. Meanwhile, Collin Sexton, Keyonte Jones, and Jordan Clarkson offer offensive threats in the backcourt.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers are also seemingly in rebuild mode, as they are currently running a young group with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe as prospects. That said, the Blazers still have Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, and DeAndre Ayton to complete their lineup.

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are dead last in the league as far as their record is concerned. Led by Jordan Poole, the team is composed mostly of “hey I know that guy” players such as Saddiq Bey and Malcolm Brogdon. In terms of direction, the Wizards have recently traded Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valančiūnas away, which seemingly signals the end of their season. That said, the coaching staff needs to determine what they want their team to look like in the following years and make the necessary adjustments if they wish to get back to winning ball games.

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Learnings Recap

Throughout this exploration of the 30 most popular NBA teams, we’ve uncovered several key insights about what drives team popularity in the league. From the enduring appeal of historic franchises to the rapid rise of teams with emerging stars, it’s clear that NBA team popularity is a complex and dynamic phenomenon.

This recap summarizes the main takeaways from our analysis, providing a foundation for understanding the current landscape of NBA team popularity.

Final Thoughts

Our exploration of the 30 most popular NBA teams reveals the multifaceted nature of team popularity in the league. The interplay of historical legacy, current performance, star power, market dynamics, and cultural impact shapes the landscape of team popularity.

For fans, this knowledge enriches their appreciation of the league’s diverse franchises. For analysts and industry professionals, it’s crucial in predicting trends and making informed decisions.

Looking ahead, team popularity will continue to play a significant role in shaping the NBA’s landscape. For those interested in the betting aspect of the sport, understanding team popularity is crucial.

Popular teams often receive more public betting action, which can create value opportunities for informed bettors. Betting News provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of these trends, helping bettors navigate the complex world of NBA wagering. For in-depth analysis of NBA betting trends, visit our NBA Betting Guide.

Most Popular NBA Teams Across Categories

Table of Contents

Historic Powerhouses

Boston Celtics

Los Angeles Lakers

Chicago Bulls

San Antonio Spurs

Golden State Warriors

Current Contenders

Milwaukee Bucks

Phoenix Suns

Denver Nuggets

Miami Heat

Philadelphia 76ers

Large Market Teams

New York Knicks

Brooklyn Nets

Los Angeles Clippers

Dallas Mavericks

Houston Rockets

Teams with Iconic Players

Cleveland Cavaliers

Oklahoma City Thunder

Minnesota Timberwolves

Memphis Grizzlies

Atlanta Hawks

Rising Popularity Teams

Toronto Raptors

New Orleans Pelicans

Orlando Magic

Charlotte Hornets

Sacramento Kings

Indiana Pacers

Detroit Pistons

Utah Jazz

Portland Trail Blazers

Washington Wizards

Learnings Recap

Final Thoughts

The 30 Most Popular NBA Teams: A Comprehensive Guide