Ranking the 5 best NBA rivalries in 2024, featuring the heated Nuggets-Timberwolves

For the first time since an epic second-round series last May, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets will get reacquainted with Anthony Edwards’ Minnesota Timberwolves tonight in Minneapolis. And after all the twists and turns we’ve seen between these two heavyweights in recent years, we should get another thrilling back-and-forth in what has quickly become one of the NBA’s best rivalries.

That got me thinking.

As Nuggets-Timberwolves rises to prominence as a genuine marquee matchup, what are some of the other best rivalries in the NBA in 2024? To be clear, I’m talking purely in a modern 2024-2025 context. There are some historical parallels that still carry through to this day, but most of them aren’t competitive enough to warrant mentioning until further notice. And a lack of competitive heat disqualifies you from this conversation.

As the Nuggets and Timberwolves get set for their latest playoff rematch, let’s rank the NBA’s top rivalries right now.