The Herd with Colin Cowherd Hoops Tonight - NBA title CONTENDER RANKINGS: How Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, Spurs, Knicks, Lakers, Warriors rank
Jan 3, 2026
Dive into the latest NBA contender rankings as Jason discusses the shifting sands of the league. The Warriors sit at the bottom due to clutch losses, while the Lakers drop for shooting woes. The Cavaliers struggle with injury concerns, and the Celtics face frontcourt size issues. Excitingly, the Knicks thrive thanks to Jalen Brunson's efficiency. The Spurs and Rockets show promise, while the Nuggets hold strong despite injuries. But the Thunder claim the top spot, showcasing a well-rounded team ready for a title run.
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Only Seven True Title Threats
- Jason Timpf ranks 11 teams with only seven having real title chances this season.
- He groups them into three tiers: top, second, and third based on realistic championship potential.
Warriors' Clutch Failures Mask Upside
- Golden State sits at 11 due to clutch defensive breakdowns and turnovers.
- Timpf still sees them as a long-shot because Steph Curry, continuity, and potential Kaminga trade give upside.
Lakers' Structural Shortcomings
- Lakers dropped from second tier because they lack modern shooting and athleticism.
- Luka's turnovers and missed shots make their title hopes highly unlikely in current form.