The NBA season has returned, and we’ve already seen a very tiny portion of this 2022-23 season. With some teams already finishing ten or eleven games, there’s still a good remainder to go, and it’s pretty hard to predict the outcomes of each team and its players and coaching.
But instead of focusing on the future, let’s keep our eyes on what’s going on so far for each team’s expectations, rumors, and more information. Here are all 32basic summaries of each NBA team and their current positioning.
Top Five Teams to Keep an out Eye for
Milwaukee Bucks
Even though we are early into the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is already in discussion for the MVP race, averaging nearly 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. But what’s also giving them an upper advantage despite Antetokounmpo’s performance is rookie MarJon Beauchamp who has been averaging some decent numbers for this top-contending team. Even though they’re back and forth with wins and losses, I believe they’ll find their rhythm and figure out their minuscule flaws
Boston Celtics
After their devastating loss in the 2022 NBA Finals, the Celtics are back in action becoming again a championship-contending team. Especially now that Boston’s very own Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been outperforming their opponents so far into this season. Another benefit to point out is the spectacular leadership of the new head coach. Joe Mazzulla should be praised for his controlling leadership and for stepping up to the head coach position for the first time in his professional coaching career.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have been a western powerhouse for a decent amount of time. They have a staggering amount of chemistry and an unstoppable offense that’s going to be, of course, a challenge for each and every defense. Because of their recent loss against the Celtics, the Nuggets should seek to organize their defense. Other than that, this team is a likely favorite to take control of the Western Conference if the Mavericks or the Jazz don’t get in their way.
Phoenix Suns
So far, the Suns are looking pretty hot right now (no pun intended) after defeating the Knicks 116-95. Of course, Devin Booker has been ranging up some decent statistics for Phoenix. Meanwhile, the Chris Paul injury did set back their offense a little bit. After his healthy incline, I’m sure this team will maintain their performance just like last season.
Utah Jazz
According to me, the Utah Jazz is a very well-skilled and underrated team that’s trying to make its way up to the top after Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell’s dismissal. Even though the Jazz had a handful of losses so far against the 76ers and Wizards, they look like a stabilized organization with young talent, including players such as Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton.
Players to Watch
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
I had to put him on this list, no “ifs” “ands” or “buts,” Luka is seriously changing the game of basketball. His slow yet dominant pace is perplexing the highest of defenses and somehow no one can find some sort of solution to stop this man. The three-time all-star point guard is averaging triple-doubles like it’s a walk in the park which is something we haven’t seen in quite a while. His leadership is boosting the attitudes around his team, coaches, and fanbase, MVP here he comes.
Shai Gigleous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
This young star is now the talk of the town so far this season, putting monumental numbers in a consistent amount of games! So far, Gilgeous-Alexander is ranked fifth for most points scored, which would be 31.1 points per game! I cannot wait to see his offensive skills propel him into something further than his opponents will expect. This is a key player that every basketball fanatic should keep an eye on.
Lauri Makkanen, Utah Jazz
Another hidden gem of a player is Lauri Makkanen from the Utah Jazz! Makkanen is averaging 22.3 points (21st best), 8.4 rebounds (27th best), and 2.3 assists (5th best). This 25-year-old stud is filling in the shoes of the Jazz’s offense and now they’re looking like a dominant squad hungry for each and every individual point. Hopefully, we all get to appreciate his determination for the game cause you’ll see more of him and hear his name a lot this year.
Predictions
Everyone probably knows that there are 82 games in a regular NBA season, so yes, I know this is way too early of a prediction for playoffs, play-ins, and final records. But based on every performance I’ve seen from each team of the NBA, I still want to predict what is, at best, a likely possibility.
For the Eastern Conference, I see that the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics are neck and neck. A good example is saying it’s like a close sibling rivalry, but in my opinion, I believe that the Celtics are not playing around and will make their second straight appearance in the NBA finals. I’m aware that I ranked the Milwaukee Bucks first in teams to look for this season, but it’s too soon to call. We haven’t seen the potential from both teams yet. A few other teams I can see making it to the playoffs are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, and Memphis Grizzlies.
For the Western Conference, I have to give it to the Phoenix Suns. This is a pretty risky and controversial pick on my end, but I know Devin Booker is ready to take the next step up. Cameron Payne is also a good member of the team that’s averaging decent numbers, and who can forget Chris Paul, who is slightly and unfortunately winding down due to longevity and injury issues. But there are other teams who can claim the Western Conference too, like Luka Magic and the Dallas Mavericks or the MVP himself Nikola Jokic, and the Denver Nuggets.
But what matters in the end, is that this NBA season we get to experience our favorite teams, players, and coaches giving it their all every single game. The 2022-23 NBA season is already introducing us to new hotshot players and uprising superstars that will entertain us for years and more to come!
