The National Basketball Association is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world with millions of fans watching it daily. There are 30 teams in the NBA, that are split into 2 conferences the Western and the Eastern conferences, of those teams 8 make the playoffs in each conference. There are many favorites to win the championship each year, but here are some teams that are not really mentioned when talking about the best teams in the league.

Sacramento Kings- A perennial laughing stock every year the Kings are starting to get it together, led by young point guard De’Aaron Fox who is averaging 18 points and 7 assists, and shooting guard Buddy Hield who is averaging 20 points and shooting 43 percent from three, the team that owns the best sport page on Instagram is looking to prove doubters wrong.

Detroit Pistons- A team that was known as the bad boys of the NBA in the 80’s with Isiah Thomas, and also being a championship team in the early 2000’s. Detroit has fallen to mediocrity, now led by dominant big men Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, the Pistons will look to finally get past their mediocre recent years.

Dallas Mavericks- Led by Dirk Nowitzki for the last decade the Mavs had won a championship in recent years, but has since slowed down as Nowitzki ages, adding center DeAndre Jordan and potential super star Luka Dončić to pair along with Dennis Smith Jr. and Nowitzki the Mavs are primed to see improvement from last years’ disappointment finish.

Charlotte Hornets- This team is very overlooked, and is led by a top 5 point guard in the NBA right now in Kemba Walker, look for this team to finish in the playoffs for the East, but I would not bet on them to win a playoff series against an Eastern Conference powerhouse whether that would be the 76ers, Raptors, Bucks, or Celtics.