NBA 2K22 has one of the most balanced selection of franchises across any NBA video game. There’s only a seven-point difference in overall ratings between the “strongest” and “weakest” teams. More than half rate 80+ overall, while four rate lower than 79.

No team should hold you back from netting wins, but some still have clear advantages. These are the five best teams to play in NBA 2K22 based on stats, scoring, speed, stamina, athleticism, rebounds, defense, and playmaking.

Brooklyn Nets

• Star Players: Kevin Durant (96), James Harden (94), Kyrie Irving (91)
• Key Role Players: LaMarcus Aldridge (79), Joe Harris (79), Blake Griffin (78)
• Strengths: Outside Scoring, Playmaking, Athleticism
• Weaknesses: Rebounding
• Overall Rating: 84

The Nets stand out as the best offensive team in the league. Their three superstars, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie, can score 30 points in any given game. They also consistently set up teammates to score through elite playmaking abilities.

Former All-Stars LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin highlight one of the deepest benches in the game. The Nets aren’t great on team defense but have some solid individual defenders. With only one true Center on the roster, they suffer from mediocre rebounding.

Los Angeles Lakers

• Star Players: LeBron James (96), Anthony Davis (93), Russell Westbrook (86)
• Key Role Players: Carmelo Anthony (78), Dwight Howard (78), Kendrick Nunn (78)
• Strengths: Inside Scoring, Athleticism, Rebounding
• Weaknesses: Outside Scoring
• Overall Rating: 83

The Lakers bring an old-school style of play to the modern NBA — inside scoring and rebounds. They also use their size and athleticism to bully smaller teams.

Perennial superstar LeBron James does everything you could think of on the court, while the rest of the team rounds off a strong roster. Anthony Davis is a dominant paint presence on both sides of the ball. The Lakers are bolstered by new addition Russell Westbrook’s athleticism and playmaking.

Outside scoring holds the Lakers back from topping this list. Many of their best 3-point shooters come off the bench.

Milwaukee Bucks

• Star Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo (96), Khris Middleton (88), Jrue Holiday (85)
• Key Role Players: Donte DiVincenzo (79), Brook Lopez (79), Bobby Portis (79)
• Strengths: Defense, Athleticism, Playmaking
• Weaknesses: None
• Overall Rating: 82

The defending NBA champions are the most well-rounded team in 2K22. Two-time MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo is always a threat. Khris Middleton makes up for the Greek Freak’s lack of outside scoring with versatile shots. They are aided by a balanced group of role players and a deep, veteran bench.

The Bucks are also the best defensive team in the game. While they have no glaring weaknesses, using Milwaukee takes more fundamentally sound play than other superstar-heavy teams. You have to know each player’s role and abilities while playing team-oriented basketball.

Los Angeles Clippers

• Star Players: Kawhi Leonard (95), Paul George (88)
• Key Role Players: Reggie Jackson (80), Serge Ibaka (79), Marcus Morris Sr. (79)
• Strengths: Outside Scoring, Athleticism, Rebounding
• Weaknesses: Playmaking
• Overall Rating: 82

The Clippers are another well-rounded team with a powerful offense and defense. Star players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are elite scorers that can also lock down the other team’s best player on the other end. Despite their impact, the roster is somewhat top-heavy. After Leonard and George, their next best player is Reggie Jackson at 80 OVR. Still, the bench features a number of quality position players that can put up points in a flash.

The Clippers’ passing and playmaking are far less effective. Players have no problems scoring individually, but sometimes struggle to set each other up for easy baskets.

Phoenix Suns

• Star Players: Chris Paul (90), Devin Booker (90), Deandre Ayton (86)
• Key Role Players: Mikal Bridges (82), Cameron Johnson (77), Jae Crowder (77)
• Strengths: Outside Scoring, Playmaking, Defense
• Weaknesses: Athleticism, Inside Scoring
• Overall Rating: 82

Phoenix has the most versatile starting lineup in NBA 2K22. Chris Paul and Devin Booker make up a superstar backcourt that can score, pass, and defend. Mikal Bridges is a 3-and-D wing that is an X-factor in any game, while Jae Crowder is a tough and reliable stretch four. You also have DeAndre Ayton, a glass-cleaning Center that gets buckets in the post.

The Suns’ bench is solid but lacks players that consistently impact the game. Outside of Ayton, they also don’t have many inside scoring threats.

Will you use one of these elite squads to win cash and exclusive prizes in the Open Series?