The NBA is back, with the first round of games getting underway on October 24. The regular season will run from then to April 14, and every team will aim to leave their mark on the competition this season. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a comprehensive preview on all thirty teams that will compete in the NBA, informing you of what to expect from each in the 2023/24 campaign and how they’re looking in the NBA odds.
Atlanta Hawks
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals several years ago, the Hawks stood still, and everyone jumped ahead. It was a mistake they’re still paying for now, but when you’re a team that has two potential All-Stars in your ranks, the rebound has to come sometime soon. But that being this season could depend on significant defensive improvements. Whilst they’re not firm favourites to win the tournament outright, the Atlanta Hawks odds in the Southeast Division and Eastern Conference show that they’re contenders to watch out for.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics still having the services of star forwards Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum at their disposal will be key in 2023/24. The last four years have shown the Celtics to be the “best” team, but they never get it over the line and convert it into success. Improving in the margins must happen this season. Neck and neck with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA outright odds, are they destined to always be the bridesmaid and never the bride? Check out our Boston Celtics odds with us.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are at a crossroads. They lost star men Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, and with it, star power. Expectations have dropped significantly, as you’d expect, but they’ll be hoping Ben Simmons, alongside new recruits, can lift spirits. A star player will arrive eventually, but not just yet, which is a shame.
Charlotte Hornets
Like many teams, The Hornets are in a transitional period. There’s a belief that the process will lead to a fruitful future, but the thing is, that’s very much in the future. In the immediate, it will be another chance for the younger players to stake a claim. But the overall quality and experience is lacking.
Chicago Bulls
Unlike The Hornets, The Bulls aren’t undergoing any sort of transition and the Chicago Bulls odds don’t look like they’ll change for the better either. Instead, they’re solely focused on continuity, at least for now anyway. They return in 2023/24 with the core from last season, but their number of victories dropped in that campaign, so a rebuild could be on the cards if there’s further decline this term.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell joined last season, and his arrival gave everyone and expectations a timely boost. So in 2023/24, the expectations are going to be high, and if the Cavs are to deliver on them, they’ll need Mitchell to combine with his teammates more fluidly, which is possible.
Dallas Mavericks
Offensively, The Mavericks have it all sorted. They were impressive on this front last season and should be hitting similar levels again this season. However, it could be their defensive game that lets them down. They’ve made additions, and if they hit the ground running, it could be a good season. Bet on the Mavericks if you think they’ll be able to clinch the title for the first time in over a decade.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets, complete with Nikola Jokic, are hunting more success after securing their first championship. But Bruce Brown and Jeff Green departing is a blow. However, any team with Jokic will always stand a chance because he’s the difference maker.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have a new coach in Monty Williams, and he has several things on his to-do list. The franchise is already ticking off talent procurement and development, leaving Williams with the task of driving his young group to more wins. It won’t be easy, but things are moving in the right direction.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State aren’t the dominant force they once were, but they’re still a force to be reckoned with nonetheless. Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are still a trio that will ensure the team is in the mix, but the era is coming to an end. The only question is, when?
Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets are ahead of other teams when it comes to their rebuilding process. And to help them on their way, they’ve got experienced coach Ime Udoka on board. They’ve created a balance of prospects and established pros, and they’ll be hoping this helps them keep progressing.
Indiana Pacers
Last season, the Pacers had good periods that provided optimism and stretches where things weren’t so good. They lacked consistency in delivering the former and need to find it this season. They’ll aim to hit around forty victories, representing progress.
LA Clippers
On one hand, the LA Clippers look to be in good shape, and you’d expect them to go well. On the other, they were the oldest team last season, and now the same team has aged further. They have younger players, but they can’t displace the elder statesmen, and Father Time could come calling.
Los Angeles Lakers
Talking of Father Time, LeBron James dodging him once again, and Anthony Davis being at full-tilt fitness, The Lakers have got their shine back. And that’s important, especially where TV networks are concerned. If these two players, in particular, deliver, all will be well.
Memphis Grizzlies
It’s fair to say that things looked kind of promising for The Grizzlies after recent seasons. But then came the news of Ja Morant’s twenty-five game suspension, and chaos has ensued ever since. The Grizzlies lack leadership and need it badly. They need to perform until Morant returns.
Miami Heat
If a team is to be successful, they need to have it in them to find a way to win, especially in the face of adversity. And The Heat are a prime example of a team that can do that repeatedly. They will be aiming to go well, regardless of what’s thrown at them in 2023/24.
Milwaukee Bucks
Everyone knows Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he wants to win things, and if that’s not going to happen with The Bucks, he will look to play elsewhere. Damian Lillard’s arrival could help to get The Bucks over the line, keeping Antetokounmpo happy in the process.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have made the playoffs twice but don’t want to rest on their laurels. And with Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert in the building, it means the frontcourt talent is there. The aim will be to reach the finals, and they can, if the big guys deliver.
New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson penned a five-year extension with The Pelicans and enters the first year of said extension in 2023/24. While New Orleans have only made it to the playoffs once since 2017/18, they now have a roster many other teams would love to have, so good times could be on the horizon.
New York Knicks
The Knicks won the playoff series last season, the first time they’ve achieved the feat in a decade. And now they want to make it two from two. They’ve managed to retain twelve players who were crucial performers last season, and that continuity is what they will be relying on. Add more talent, and who knows what could happen.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder have been on a rebuilding mission for a while, and last season was another step forward. The key to rebuilding is always consistent progress, and adding another five wins or so will represent that. Achieve that, and they could be the team to upset the apple cart.
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic firmly believe that achieving success is possible via the nurturing of youth, but nurturing youth takes time and nurturing it enough where it’s at a level to challenge for honours, even longer. It’ll likely be more progress for Orlando Magic, but perhaps not the year they’re in contention.
Philadelphia 76ers
There are many reasons why you’d think the 76ers are genuine contenders. They have the MVP in their ranks, their record last season stands up against anyone’s, and they’ve made the conference semis three years from three. But James Harden wants out, and this could pull the rug from under them.
Phoenix Suns
When Phoenix Suns decided to rebuild following two consecutive disappointing campaigns, they probably didn’t think they’d be in with a chance of mounting a title challenge already. But they have some serious firepower, especially after bringing in Kevin Durant, but here they are. The lack of depth is a concern, though.
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard’s departure was seen as a blow, and it is. But a new era is dawning at the Portland Timbers, and they could have Lillard’s replacement already in the building, with Scoot Henderson set to be the star of the show. Will Portland be ready to challenge now? Maybe not. But they could.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings weren’t expected to do as well as they did in 2022/23, and now they’ll want to run it back and hit the same levels as a minimum. Mike Brown won the Coach of the Year award, but at the same time, the surprise factor has now gone. They’ll be playing with the weight of expectation this time round.
San Antonio Spurs
Many will have championships on their mind when they think of the San Antonio Spurs, and it’s easy to see why. But, there’s a more grounded approach from within and a desire to build patiently. Victor Wembanyama could inspire success now, but youth is at the core, and the time may not be now.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are in a position where they need to decide whether they want to action a long-term plan or keep running with short-term ideas. The indecision is costing them, but they will hope that players such as OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam can keep them competitive for now.
Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz made the decision to axe two of their All-Stars a year ago, and they’re yet to get back on an even keel. They’re a team that lacks identity, structure, and high-quality players. There are some green shoots of hope, but until the foundations are re-established, there could be more tough times ahead.
Washington Wizards
Six seasons of disappointment proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back at Washington Wizards, with a whole new front office employed. The front office blew up, so to speak, and so did the roster, but it’s still lacking crucial ingredients such as star power and size.
Players To Watch
Nikola Jokic
Denver’s Nikola Jokic is the best basketball player on the planet right now. He traded the MVP crown for a championship title last season, and many suggest he was crucial in securing the title. This season, Jokic will be coming to win everything, including reclaiming his status as the MVP, where he is current favourite to win in the NBA MVP odds.
Luka Doncic
It was a different story for Dallas’ Luka Doncic because while he stood out himself, making it into the All-NBA first team, he also missed out on the playoffs. But all it proves is that Doncic, regardless of how the Mavericks are performing, will once again be a player to watch in the NBA season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the man for several years now. He can do it all on the court, but he’s been unable to win things to the level that he wants to win things at. He’s delivered somewhat of an ultimatum at Milwaukee but will come out firing this season, no doubt. However, if he can’t achieve what he wants to, he’ll be on the move sooner rather than later.
Jayson Tatum
To say Jayson Tatum’s 2022/23 season was quite remarkable would be somewhat of an understatement. He bagged plenty of personal accolades and even drove Boston towards the NBA Finals. This season, he will be out to go one better, and that means more personal triumphs combined with the Celtics making the finals as a bare minimum.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid had been in the running to be declared the MVP for a couple of seasons but finally earned the prestigious recognition in 2022/23. What Embiid has is a great all-round game and the ability to score bigger and better than everyone. And, after going close to the MVP title two years running before he won it, he will do all he can to retain it, making him arguably the one to watch in the 2023/23 campaign.
