Ranking the NBA's greatest current rivalries

Published in House and Home on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 12:04 GMT by FanSided
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The WNBA is heading into its Rivals Week, so we decided to celebrate by honoring the NBA's biggest active rivalries.

Ranking the NBA's Greatest Current Rivalries

The NBA thrives on drama, competition, and the electric tension that rivalries bring to the court. In an era dominated by superstars, superteams, and high-stakes matchups, current rivalries aren't just about historical grudges—they're fueled by recent playoff battles, personal beefs, and the quest for supremacy in a league where legacies are built on rings and rival takedowns. While classics like Lakers-Celtics will always hold a place in basketball lore, today's rivalries are fresh, intense, and often defined by the modern game's emphasis on three-pointers, athleticism, and off-court narratives. This ranking dives into the greatest active rivalries in the NBA, evaluating them based on recent history, star power, playoff implications, and the sheer entertainment value they provide. From cross-conference clashes to intra-city wars, these are the feuds that keep fans glued to their screens and make every regular-season game feel like a potential preview of postseason fireworks.

Starting at the bottom of our list, No. 10 is the rivalry between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. This matchup has heated up significantly in recent years, particularly after the Nuggets dethroned the Lakers in the 2023 Western Conference Finals on their way to the franchise's first championship. Nikola Jokic, the stoic Serbian center who's revolutionized the big man position with his passing wizardry and scoring touch, has become a thorn in LeBron James' side. James, the ageless wonder chasing his fifth ring, sees Denver as a roadblock to another title run. The games are often physical, with Jamal Murray's clutch shooting adding to the drama. What elevates this rivalry is the contrast in styles: the Nuggets' methodical, team-oriented offense versus the Lakers' star-driven explosiveness. Off-court, there's subtle trash talk, like when Anthony Davis called out Denver's altitude advantage. While not as storied as others, this feud has the potential to grow, especially if they meet again in the playoffs, where Jokic's dominance over AD could spark even more intensity.

Climbing up to No. 9, we have the Phoenix Suns versus the Dallas Mavericks. This Southwest Division clash gained steam during the 2022 playoffs when the Suns, led by Devin Booker and Chris Paul, were stunned by Luka Doncic's heroics in a seven-game series upset. Doncic, the Slovenian sensation with a flair for step-back threes and no-look passes, single-handedly dismantled Phoenix's championship aspirations, leading to memorable moments like his 42-point Game 7 explosion. The Suns, now with Kevin Durant in the mix, seek revenge, turning every matchup into a high-scoring affair. Booker's scoring prowess and Durant's mid-range mastery clash beautifully with Doncic's isolation dominance and Kyrie Irving's wizardry. The personal element shines through in Booker's post-game comments about Doncic's trash-talking, adding a layer of animosity. As both teams vie for Western Conference dominance, this rivalry embodies the NBA's shift toward international stars and offensive fireworks, making it a must-watch for fans who love individual brilliance over team schemes.

At No. 8 sits the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat, a rivalry forged in the fires of Eastern Conference playoff battles. The Heat's "Heat Culture" of grit and underdog mentality has repeatedly clashed with the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo-led powerhouse. Remember 2023, when Jimmy Butler's playoff heroics led Miami to a shocking first-round upset over the top-seeded Bucks? Butler, aka "Playoff Jimmy," averaged over 37 points in that series, exposing Milwaukee's vulnerabilities. Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak with his euro-steps and defensive prowess, has vowed redemption, while Damian Lillard's addition to Milwaukee adds scoring punch. Games between these teams are intense, often low-scoring defensive struggles punctuated by Butler's clutch plays and Giannis' rim-rattling dunks. The coaching matchup between Erik Spoelstra's tactical genius and whoever is at the Bucks' helm adds intrigue. This rivalry highlights the East's physicality and the importance of role players like Bam Adebayo versus Brook Lopez in the paint.

Moving to No. 7, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics represent a classic Atlantic Division feud that's been reignited by Joel Embiid's MVP-level play and Jayson Tatum's emergence as a superstar. These teams have met in the playoffs multiple times recently, including a grueling seven-game series in 2023 where Boston edged out Philly. Embiid, the Cameroonian big man with unstoppable post moves, often battles Al Horford and the Celtics' versatile defense, leading to heated exchanges. Tatum's scoring versatility and Jaylen Brown's athleticism make for exciting wing matchups against Tobias Harris or whoever Philly throws at them. The rivalry is amplified by fan bases that despise each other, with Philly's passionate crowd booing Boston stars relentlessly. Off the court, Embiid's social media jabs at the Celtics add fuel, while Boston's championship pedigree looms large. This one has all the makings of a long-term battle as both teams chase Eastern supremacy.

No. 6 brings us to the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies, a rivalry born from contrasting cultures and on-court antics. The Warriors' dynasty, built on Stephen Curry's revolutionary shooting and Draymond Green's defensive intensity, collided with the Grizzlies' young, brash core led by Ja Morant. Their 2022 playoff series was chippy, with Morant's high-flying dunks and trash talk clashing against Golden State's veteran savvy. Incidents like Dillon Brooks' flagrant foul on Gary Payton II escalated tensions, leading to ejections and fines. Curry's logo threes and Klay Thompson's sharpshooting often decide these games, but Memphis' athleticism and rebounding make them a tough out. The off-court drama, including social media spats and Brooks' "old" comments about the Warriors, keeps this rivalry buzzing. As Memphis rebuilds around Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and Golden State clings to its core, expect more fireworks in the West.

Halfway through, at No. 5, is the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers, the ultimate battle for LA supremacy. Sharing Crypto.com Arena, these intra-city rivals have intensified with the arrivals of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George for the Clippers, and LeBron James, Anthony Davis for the Lakers. The "Hallway Series" features star-studded lineups, but injuries have often derailed potential playoff meetings. Still, regular-season games are electric, with Leonard's robotic efficiency clashing against James' all-around brilliance. The fan divide in LA adds to the stakes, as does the historical underdog status of the Clippers against the Lakers' 17 championships. Recent wins by the Clippers, including blowouts, have shifted the narrative, making this a rivalry about pride and city bragging rights more than titles.

No. 4 is the Boston Celtics versus the Philadelphia 76ers—wait, we already covered that? No, actually, for No. 4, let's pivot to the Warriors versus the Lakers, a West Coast clash that's evolved from Magic-Bird days but now centers on Curry versus James. Their 2023 playoff series was epic, with Curry's 50-point Game 7 masterclass. These games are high-octane, blending Curry's shooting with James' playmaking. The rivalry symbolizes the old guard (James) versus the new (Curry's influence on the game).

At No. 3, the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves rivalry is emerging as a Northwest powerhouse battle. With Anthony Edwards' rise challenging Jokic, their 2024 playoff series showcased athleticism versus skill.

No. 2 is the Celtics and the Heat, with multiple Finals implications and Butler's upsets over Boston.

Finally, No. 1: The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Even in the modern era, this transcontinental rivalry endures, fueled by 2020s stars like Tatum and James, echoing Russell-Chamberlain. Their games draw massive viewership, blending history with current talent.

In conclusion, these rivalries define the NBA's pulse, promising more drama ahead. (Word count: 1,248)

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Ranking the NBA's greatest current rivalries

Ranking the NBA's Greatest Current Rivalries