5 Early NBA Title Contenders

We are only a couple weeks into the NBA season, but already the cream is rising to the top.

Several teams have separated themselves as legitimate title contenders, while others are merely pretenders. With the shortened schedule, a good start to the season helps and these teams for the most part have come out of the gates quickly.

Here's a look at five teams that are already contenders in 2012.

Miami Heat

The Heat are off to a good start and are going to prove incredibly tough to slow down. They've come out of the gates to a 5-1 start and are averaging a league-best 106.7 points per game.

This very well could be their year.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder aren't the NBA's feel-good story any longer and have expectations hanging over them this season. They should be the best team in the Western Conference and are a threat to the NBA championship.

Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose and the Bulls had the best record in the Eastern Conference a season ago, and if we can read anything into their 5-1 start to the 2012 season, it's that they may be ready to take the next step and contend for a championship.

Los Angeles Lakers

Much was made about what the Lakers didn't do during the offseason, but they still have Kobe Bryant and a big front line.

If Andrew Bynum can continue to play even close to the level that he's started the season at, the Lakers still have a realistic shot.

Indiana Pacers

There are a few other realistic contenders out there—including the defending champion Dallas Mavericks who have struggled to begin the season—but let's go with a bit of a sleeper here.

The Pacers are 4-1 and really haven't beaten a good team, but they rebound and play defense extremely well.

They are a big team that always possesses a problem and also has some athletes.

Indiana is still likely a move or two away, but it' still a team worth keeping an eye on.