Best Rivalries in the NBA Today

It goes without saying that the NBA's rivalries have experienced some down years recently. I accredit it to the lack of physicality. Some say that teams have just gone through some bad years, so rivalries aren't as relevant. The point remains the same.

Fear not, however! Lately, we have seen some new rivalries begin to take shape. At the same time, some old rivalries have been renewed with extra vigor. I won't go as far as saying that we are entering a new age of legendary matchups, but it could signal something bigger.

The good thing about rivalries is that everybody loves them. Casual and hardcore fans alike love seeing tough and physical battles between teams. As a lover of old school basketball, I can attest to this.

These are the current rivalries in the NBA and as a special bonus, I'll include ones that are growing in scope and relevance!

Rising Rivalry: Bulls vs. Pacers

I was expecting for this one to really take off this year, but due to injuries and unexplained reasons, it never did. It still holds an honorable mention spot, but if it can't keep up the intensity, this one may drop off the list. I don't think it will, but it is possible.

There used to be a semi-rivalry back in the Jordan and Miller times, but that never really came too much into fruition. It is still worth noting, however.

The current version of the rivalry started back in 2011, when both teams really clicked and met each other in the first round. Both are rough, defensive teams that pride themselves on strength and toughness. It showed in that series.

It further intensified in 2012, when the Pacers handed the Bulls their first home loss of the season. Rose and other Bulls took exception to the way Indiana celebrated. 

Quoting Rose: "I'll never forget how they celebrated just from winning this game...I can't wait to play them again."

Neither can we Derrick, neither can we.

Rising Rivalry: Grizzlies vs. Clippers

Admittedly, this is one that isn't so evident if you're not a fan of the respective teams. But if you are and you watched these matchups, you could see something was brewing.

Both were very chippy when they played each other in the regular season, leading to some bad blood. The infamous flopping that the Clippers are known for only enhanced the fire between these two, as Memphis didn't appreciate perceived "softness." Arguments and rough play ensued.

It culminated in the playoffs, where nothing went as expected. From blown 29-point leads to failing to close out the series at home, both teams couldn't really find their ways. Ultimately, the Clippers beat the Grizzlies at home, causing an emotional heartbreak for the Memphis fans.

Watching what happens next season is on my to-do list. Grizzlies fans (including this one) will be anxiously waiting to avenge last season, while L.A. fans will be determined on proving that they are the real deal in the Western Conference.

Keep an eye on this one. If both teams keep up their respective success, this could become a premier rivalry in the west.

Heat vs. Pacers

If I could assemble a list of the fouls and hard plays when the Pacers played the Heat in the playoffs, I could probably dedicate an entire new article. I'll just give you the main ones. You decide which one perfectly represents the rivalry.

Was it Hansbrough's flagrant on Wade? Was it Pittman's cheap shot on Stephenson? How about Granger and Lebron getting testy? I think you get my point.

Some may cry foul (aha!) and say that this doesn't have longstanding history, and therefore, should not be included. My response is that you don't necessarily need many precedents to be considered a rivalry. Anyone watching that series saw how much those two teams wanted to win. They legitimately hated each other and were going at it night in and night out.

Both teams are going to be at the top of the Eastern Conference for a while. Don't expect this one to be just a flash in the pan. It's here to stay.

Lakers vs. Celtics

This is a case of a rivalry that has been knocked from its former place as the best in the league. It had a resurgence in the first decade of the 2000s, but has experienced a relaxed period since then.

Don't think it's falling off the list anytime soon though. After all, it is the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. It made the NBA what it is today. Both teams would have to be absolutely abysmal for this one to fade into irrelevance.

With that being said, both franchises look like they are gearing up for some great meetings next season. Nash vs. Rondo, Bynum vs. Garnett, the list goes on. Both teams refueled this offseason, ready to go back at it again.

I certainly hope they do. It has always been a fun series to watch, and the implications are huge in terms of pride and history.

Celtics vs. Heat

This rivalry escalated quickly and made a good argument as the best rivalry in the league. It has its roots in the Pierce and James personal rivalry, back when LeBron was with the Cavaliers. It created a good base for the current rivalry.

It really picked up when they met in the 2010 Playoffs in the first round. The Celtics did a gentlemen's sweep of the Heat, closing out the series in five games. Miami made some drastic changes in the offseason, which included acquiring Chris Bosh and yes, LeBron James.

It began to get real hot up in the Eastern Conference, as both teams were considered serious contenders. It didn't seem that way the next postseason though, as the Heat turned the tables and finished the Celtics in five. 

This year's playoffs were when the rivalry reached a boiling point. The games before had been physical, but the seven-game series showed us that each team had it out for each other. Brute playing style became the norm, as Miami fought back to win the series and eventually the title.

The Celtics have a lot of decision making to do in a couple of seasons, so the long term viability of this rivalry is in jeopardy. That's a shame, as it is always a good one.

Clippers vs. Lakers

While it originally started in 1979, this rivalry encountered a huge resurgence when Chris Paul joined forces with Blake Griffin. Within a season, the hate multiplied to levels nobody would have expected.

It's a little too soon to say that the Clippers are out of the "second team in L.A." stigma, but don't tell them that. Part of the reason this rivalry rocketed up the ranks was because of the Clips' seemingly disrespectful attitude towards the Lakers.

Lots of shoving and pushing happen during these games, which is usually uncharacteristic of both teams. Players like Pau Gasol and Blake Griffin (who seem so collected in other games) get into it, causing constant jawing and intimidation.

It has been a long time since the NBA has had a location-related rivalry. The Clippers and Lakers are out to break that longstanding absence and have had good success in doing so. 

If everything can stay together, this could be the most important Western Conference rivalry for a long time.

Bulls vs. Heat

Was there really any doubt that this would take the top spot? Both teams have hit their stride at the right time, causing this one to become the most heated and important of all on this list.

Perhaps, it is the sheer amount of talent that makes this so entertaining to watch. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, I could go on forever. Anyone who says that one team won because of "talent" is lying to you. They are very evenly matched.

The Bulls have a defensive identity, one that requires someone to be tough. Guys like Noah and Deng swarm opposing players and have the ability to defend multiple positions. They have always provided great players like James and Wade with stiff competition. 

On the other hand, Miami has gone to great lengths to shut down the Bulls, including tactics like LeBron guarding Derrick Rose. They have been forced to toughen up on both sides of the ball, allowing for a more intense series.

After all, what would a rivalry be without the fighting? This might be the most physical matchup in the NBA today. Even if you're not a fan of these teams, you love watching these games. 

This is the best rivalry in the NBA right now and it will stay that way for a long time.