Story highlights Once again, the loaded Warriors are the team to beat in the WestThe Cavaliers and Celtics are battling for the top seed in the East(CNN) As teams make the final push toward the NBA playoffs, not much has changed from a year ago. That's because the same question looms as it did in 2016: Can anyone stop the Golden State Warriors? Sure, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are the defending NBA champions, and they're a favorite to return to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year. NBA playoffs For updates, stories, video and features about the NBA playoffs go to cnn.com/nbaA year after setting the NBA regular-season wins record with 73, the Warriors once again are at the top of the Western Conference heading into April. As in 2016, Golden State is closing in on home-court advantage for the postseason, with the San Antonio Spurs close behind.

Source: CNN April 01, 2017 11:37 UTC