October is arguably the largest month for professional sports, with the MLB playoffs, NFL in full swing, start of the NHL season and my personal favorite, the start of the NBA season. Here I’ll be going over my predictions for the upcoming NBA season, going over the best and worst teams, with some extra insights thrown in.
Best
Western: OKC Thunder
It’s no surprise that this team stacked with young, extremely talented players will most likely end up as the number one seed in the west again this season. Unlike last year however, they most likely won’t have to win a tiebreaker to end up as the top with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander likely leading the team again. Other notable players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and the newly acquired Hartenstein and Caruso will be notable as well. If this season doesn’t end up as well as they’d like then no problem, they can have up to five first round picks in the draft for next season.
Eastern: Boston Celtics
Would you really expect anything else from them? The reigning champions would have to underperform a good amount to not end up as the top seed in the east, unless the Knicks team turns out to be even better than they are already expected to be. The lineup of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis will likely remain the same, though Porziņģis will most likely be replaced by Al Horford until he heals from his surgery from June. Local favorite Baylor Scheierman will also be joining the Celtics squad, with him being selected as their first round pick this year.
Worst:
Western: Portland Trail Blazers
It’s been a rough couple of years for the Blazers, as they look to rebuild after trading away star Damian Lillard to the Bucks. There’s not a lot to say here, but the seventh overall pick in the draft: Donovan Clingan could be interesting, but it’s unsure what role he’ll take with Deandre Ayton eating up so many minutes for the Blazers last year.
Eastern: Brooklyn Nets
The Nets season will basically be a tank for the #1 overall pick after trading away Mikal Bridges to the Knicks this offseason. While it’ll be a rough couple of seasons for the Nets, they received an astounding five first round picks in the trade, so at least their future is looking bright.
Most Average:
Western: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers just haven’t done much to be convincing that they won’t be a Play-In team for the third year in a row this season. Sure they have a new coach after the disaster of Darvin Ham; but their lack of depth is alarming. So, if LeBron or Anthony Davis go out then it’s not looking good for them. At least Dalton Knecht seems promising.
Eastern: Miami Heat
Did someone mention the eighth seed? The Heat will likely have the same situation as the Lakers seeding wise, but they have a strange situation. They seem great on paper, a good roster, great coach, arguably the best defensive team in the league and have great draft picks a lot of the time. Despite everything though, the Heat either can’t stay healthy, or underperform through the season. Only time can tell for them.
Most Underrated:
Western: Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies only finished 13th in the West last year, but that was due to having one of the most injury filled seasons in NBA history. Star Ja Morant only played nine games last season due to suspension and injury, and other notable players like Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart were out for the season as well. Despite some controversy over his draft selection, Zach Edey has been looking good. With the roster mostly healthy again, the Grizzlies have a good chance to return to the playoffs.
Eastern: Orlando Magic
I don’t think too many people expected the Magic to get the fifth seed last year, but they indeed did, and almost pulled out a win over the fourth seed Cavaliers as well. Paolo Banchero has possibly been one of the least talked about #1 overall picks recently, but he’s still playing like he’s #1. Franz Wagner is growing to be a great player, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a great addition too. I definitely see them returning to the playoffs again, even without the talk of a team at their level.
Award Winners:
MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Defensive Player Of the Year: Victor Wembanyama
Rookie Of the Year: Zach Edey
NBA Champions: Boston Celtics
Final Seeding Predictions:
Western:
- Thunder
- Timberwolves
- Nuggets
- Mavericks
- Grizzlies
- Kings
- Suns
- Lakers
- Pelicans
- Rockets
- Spurs
- Clippers
- Warriors
- Jazz
- Blazers
Eastern:
- Celtics
- Knicks
- 76ers
- Cavs
- Magic
- Bucks
- Pacers
- Heat
- Hawks
- Bulls
- Hornets
- Raptors
- Pistons
- Wizards
- Nets
