Basketball fans from around the country are enjoying the start of this NBA season.
With that, I will predict the Western and Eastern conference standings, giving analysis for each team along with predictions for awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, MIP and DPOY.
At the end of the year we will look back at some of my predictions and give a score for each prediction (1-10) and add them all up to see how I did.
Western Conference Predictions
#15: Houston Rockets
Even with the flashy additions of Fred Van Vleet and Dillon Brooks, we have to remember that this team still only won 22 games last year and did not acquire a top 3 lottery guy. Could see a breakout year from Sengun, along with flashes from rookies Whitmore and Amen Thompson, but still under 30 win team.
Final record prediction: 24-58
#14: Utah Jazz
A young, fun team for sure with the likes of Lauri Markenan and Collin Sexton leading the charge. The problem is their defense stinks and Markkanen won’t have another All-Star caliber player by his side. Hopefully some flashes from their three 1st round rookie draft picks, but most likely a lottery team.
Final record prediction: 25-57
#13: Portland Trail Blazers
The story of the offseason might be Damian Lillard’s departure from the Blazers, but they might not be as bad as some make them out to be. They have three very capable guards in Scoot; a generational guard prospect going just after Wemby, Anfernee Simons, and veteran Malcom Brodgdon. They also have acquired Robert Williams, an elite defensive anchor, and former #1 overall pick Deandre Ayton. I don’t think they will be good but I see them being somewhat competitive.
Final record prediction: 27-55
#12: San Antonio Spurs
They drafted Victor Wembanyama and have Greg Poppivich, alongside some other solid pieces like Devin Vassel and Keldon Johnson. Wemby will allow them to be somewhat competitive.
Final record prediction: 28-54
#11: Dallas Mavericks
Now we are getting into the playoff caliber teams. The Mavs at 11 might shock you, but other than Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić there is not too much to like about this team. Their bigs are not talented and their defense looks horrible on paper. Wouldn’t shock me if they were the worst defense in the NBA but I still expect around 40 wins for the soul fact they have Luka and Kyrie.
Final record prediction: 40-42
#10: Sacramento Kings
The Kings had their best season in well over a decade last year with large contributions from PG De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, winning 48 games. So why am I predicting a drop off? Defense and luck. De’Aaron Fox won the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year award, even though he is a somewhat inefficient shooter. Their defense was also ranked 26th in defensive rating, which is concerning. Regression to the mean seems somewhat inevitable, along with the west being extremely competitive.
Final record prediction: 41-41
#9: Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have a lot of talented players but I’m not sold on them being a premier team in the West. SG Anthony Edwards is one of the NBA’s next stars and Karl Anthony-Towns has been an All-Star multiple times, but the way this team plays just worries me. They just snuck into the playoffs after finishing 42-40 last year and nothing has truly changed. For this team to ascend they would need big years out of forwards Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards.
Final record prediction: 41-41
#8: Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies defense will be great. The offense does worry me though. The suspension of Ja Morant for 25 games could lead to a rough start for the offense, and who knows if his transition back will be smooth. Even so, I expect their defense to carry them into contention.
Final record prediction: 43-39
#7: New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are another high power high flying offense in the West. Led by forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson this team will have no problem creating offense, but their streakyness and lack of consistent shooters is worrisome. Overall a very solid team that can go out and beat anyone on a good night.
Final record prediction: 43-39
#6: Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers were the 5 seed with Kawhi Lenoard missing for most of the season, with Kawhi expected to be fully healthy, I don’t see any regression from this team. The only problem for the Clippers is just the overall strength of the west and I see 5 teams better than the Clippers.
Final record prediction:44-38
#5: Oklahoma City Thunder Thunder
Thunder as a 5 seed? OKC last year finished 2 games under 500 and as the 10 seed and their breakout seems inevitable. The addition of 7’1’’, #2 overall pick Chet Holmgren, will truly make the difference. OKC’s defensive rating was just above average, but Chet who was the #1 defender in the country at Gonzaga, will make this team elite on that side of the floor. PG Shai Gilgous-Alexander made his first all NBA 1st team last year, so the components of a championship team seem all there. Their lack of experience might be concerning, but shouldn’t be that big of a problem down the line.
Final record prediction:46-36
#4: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have the oldest key core of players in the league: Chris Paul is 38, Curry is turning 36, Thompson and Green will be 33. Even so Curry is still a top 5 player and they won the finals less than 2 years ago with the same core. Draymond missing the first few weeks might hurt their record early on, but I have faith that this team will stay solid and continue to compete.
Final record prediction: 48-34
#3: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers were in the western conference finals last year and truly haven’t lost any key players. This team’s defense and offense should both finish top 10 and the continuation of Austin Reaves’s breakout seems extremely likely. Anthony Davis and Lebron James are still both top 15 players and Davis could easily be in the MVP conversation if his offense could stay consistent.
Final record prediction: 50-32
#2: Phoenix Suns
The Suns have the best offensive big 3 in the NBA, with Beal, Booker, and Durant. This team reminds me of the Nets from a few years back who excelled in the regular season with Durant, Harden, and Kyrie. The defense along with their depth might be shaky with the loss of Ayton and Bridges, but even so the star power should carry this team to 50+ wins.
Final record prediction:52-30
#1: Denver Nuggets
The 2023 NBA champs have lost nothing and look like favorites to repeat. Center Nikola Jokic has looked like the best player in the world since 2021 and leads a well crafted team alongside forward Michael Porter Jr and PG Jamal Murray. There is no lack of depth on the bench with Christian Braun, KCP, and many other solid contributors. 55+ wins seems like a fair prediction for this elite squad.
Final record prediction: 55-27
