Los Angeles Clippers and 6 Most Dangerous NBA Playoff Teams

There's still a lot of basketball left to be played, but already the contenders are starting to separate from the pretenders in the NBA.

While some teams already have good records, others are proving they have the type of team that can build toward a championship.

A certain build to the team is needed in order to make a sustained run.

The standings will not matter in this shortened season, only that these teams make the playoffs.  If they do, the rest of the league better be on notice.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled so far this season, losing three straight to fall to 10-8.

Fortunately, they still have something no one else has: Kobe Bryant.

The veteran currently leads the NBA with 30.5 points per game, and he can take over whenever the offense is stagnant.

It might be tough for the Lakers to overcome the schedule with a veteran roster, but once they reach the playoffs it will become a new team. 

Besides, there's no doubt that Bryant can win any close game in the fourth quarter by himself.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Except for a fluke loss to the Washington Wizards, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been dominant this season.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are two of the best scorers in the NBA; each average more than 20 points per game. 

James Harden also provides a great option off the bench when the other two are struggling.

The advantage that the Thunder have this season is their youth compared to other teams. 

With so many games in a compact schedule, veteran teams will start to struggle late in the season once fatigue starts to set in.

Barring injuries, Oklahoma City should be go into the playoffs as the strongest team because of their ability to handle the season.

Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade is still dealing with assorted injuries, but when he's healthy, this team will be tough to beat.

Not only are Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh among the best players in the NBA, but they are starting to get contributions from others on the team.

Point guard Mario Chalmers has been playing well lately, and the Heat got a steal in the draft with Norris Cole.

James is still the most talented player in basketball, and once he gets over his mental blocks in the playoffs, he will lead the Miami Heat to a championship.

Los Angeles Clippers

It seems weird putting the Los Angeles Clippers on a list of dangerous teams, but they have become one of the best teams in the NBA.

Chris Paul is still day-to-day with a hamstring injury, but at full-strength this team is incredibly dynamic.

Blake Griffin is taking the leap toward becoming an elite player, averaging 21 points per game and No. 4 in the league with 11.5 rebounds per game.

He and DeAndre Jordan make up a very athletic frontcourt that can finish any lob pass.

Besides these young players, the Clippers are also getting solid contributions from veterans Caron Butler, Chauncey Billups and Mo Williams. 

They have the right mix of players to create a championship contender.

Chicago Bulls

The league's best record belongs to the Chicago Bulls, and they are looking to keep it that way.

The Bulls are one of only two teams still undefeated at home, and there is enough talent on the roster to hold off any incoming squad.

The Bulls return a team that had the best record in the NBA last season, and they added an extra scoring threat in Richard Hamilton.

Chicago also is solid at every position, making them very tough to guard. 

Derrick Rose will be the primary option, but Hamilton, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer or Joakim Noah would be more than capable of picking up the scoring load.

If the Bulls can maintain the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, there aren't too many teams that will be able to win in a seven-game series.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have been the surprise team so far this season with a 12-5 record, but they will not be dropping out of the race any time soon.

Coach Doug Collins has the team working together and has created the most balanced team in the NBA. 

Seven different players average double-digit points per game, which leaves defenses unable to focus on stopping one person.

Andre Iguodala is also the key to one of the best defenses in the NBA. 

The 76ers are currently No. 2 in the league in points allowed per game, although three games against the Washington Wizards never hurts.

Philadelphia might struggle when deciding who should take the big shot late in the game, but this is not a team that anyone will want to face in the playoffs.