With the start of the NBA Season around the corner, we take a look at the teams who are the odds on favorites to end the ’22-’23 season hoisting up the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.
#10 Los Angeles Lakers
On paper, one might think the team of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook would be a shoe-in to win the west and the NBA championship, but injuries, chemistry and lack of depth have kept the Lakers just trying to stay above water.
With the western conference getting stronger and the eastern conference now seen as the powerhouse in the NBA, the Lakers have a shot, but it’s going to take near flawless efforts.
#9 Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler is a star and having him on your squad will always give you a puncher’s chance.
With the continuing efforts of Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, the Heat have a tough road to travel in the east, but they have to be considered in the conversation.
#8 Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is a beast. That’s without question.
The return of Jamal Murray, hopefully to previous condition and the addition of some veteran presence on the bench could help propel Denver to its first NBA championship, provided they can route the rest of the western powerhouses.
#7 Los Angeles Clippers
With depth to be envious of, the return of their superstar, Kawhi Leonard and enough shooting to rival Golden State, the LA Clippers could prove to be the consummate threat amongst their peers.
#6 Philadelphia 76ers
Talk about a team that’s right there… right there, but there seems to be just a little something more to tip them over to the unstoppable force they’re supposed to be.
That’s the Philadelphia 76ers.
James Harden becoming comfortable as a pure point guard would serve this team well.
Embiid doing Embiid things will take care of the rest.
#5 Phoenix Suns
Re-signing DeAndre Ayton and keeping the back court of Paul and Booker in place is the magic recipe that could see a rested and refreshed Phoenix Suns take the west and checkmark 4 victories to the NBA championship.
#4 Brooklyn Nets
Despite the potential debacle for the organization, it appears that KD and Kyrie are all in, at least for the moment.
That, with a fresh start for Ben Simmons and a healthy bench, there’s really no reason the Brooklyn Nets shouldn’t win the championship this season.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks
The former champions are looking to reach the top shelf once again.
They got the tools and they have Giannis, but the east is tough. Not impossible when you have one of the greatest, young players in the league today.
If they can silence Boston and Brooklyn, they’re a lock in my opinion.
#2 Boston Celtics
Boston had a taste of the NBA Finals this past season, and the chance to add another trophy to their already illustrious championship history slipped away.
Boston doesn’t need to tweak too much, it appears, to get back to the big dance. They could be the true front-runners to rule the east.
#1 Golden State Warriors
Put all the controversy to the side and let’s call it what it is – the Golden State Warriors, the reigning and defending champions are likely going to win the championship again.
Yeah, yeah I don’t like it either, but with the development of young stars like Poole, Kuminga and Wiseman alongside vets Curry, Green and Thompson, it almost seems like there isn’t anything the Warriors can’t do.
If they stay healthy and everyone is available, the league could be in real trouble all over again.