The 2023 NBA Playoffs, notably the Play-In Tournament, are simply across the nook. There’s nonetheless a kerfuffle within the Western Convention as to which staff will bag the tenth seed, whereas the whole lot’s set within the Jap Convention, not less than by way of the groups we’ll see within the play-in. With the groups nonetheless jockeying for place, it’s time to make our NBA Playoff predictions 2023.
NBA Playoff predictions 2023
We’ll solely know the precise playoff bracket as soon as play-in ends, however let’s see how our NBA postseason predictions will stack up in opposition to actuality.
1. Clippers drop to the play-in match
The Los Angeles Clippers are alternating wins and losses of their final ten video games. Are they avoiding a possible matchup with the 4th-seeded Phoenix Suns within the first spherical of the playoffs? Perhaps not.
However with a troublesome remaining schedule in opposition to the Blazers and the Suns, Kawhi Leonard and the remainder of the Paul George-less Clippers squad might discover themselves within the play-in match subsequent week.
2. Pelicans seize the eighth seed
The New Orleans Pelicans nonetheless have an extended shot at an outright playoff spot, though they’ve already certified for a play-in slot.
Both method, the Pels ought to be capable of ebook a playoff ticket, even when they must undergo the play-in. They’ve gained eight of their final ten video games, thanks largely to Brandon Ingram, who has scored not less than 30 factors six occasions within the final 11 contests.
3. Raptors get the eighth seed
Evidently the Miami Warmth will lock into the seventh seed within the East, and they need to have the option defeat whoever they face within the play-in. That leaves the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Chicago Bulls as the opposite play-in groups within the tussle for the final playoff spot.
The Hawks’ backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray can actually cook dinner after they get going, and there’s additionally the wing tandem of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to guide the Bulls. However a totally wholesome Raptors squad ought to be capable of get the job performed and forge a possible matchup in opposition to the top-seeded Bucks.
4. Lakers will advance to the third spherical
For our first large one within the NBA Playoff Predictions 2023, we’re projecting the Lakers to make it previous the play-in (if they should), overcome their matchups within the first two rounds of the playoffs, and advance to the Western Convention Finals. That is actually a daring prediction to make, particularly with LeBron James coming off an harm layoff.
However the Lakers have additionally gained seven of their final 9 video games, and their protection has vastly improved within the second half of the common season. It could be that LeBron just isn’t absolutely wholesome but, however search for a memorable playoff stint from Anthony Davis this 12 months.
5. Nuggets fail to make it previous the second spherical
With MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic main the best way, the top-seeded Denver Nuggets are absolutely wholesome this upcoming playoffs. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are game-changers after they’re on, and Aaron Gordon has additionally been constantly good this season. Furthermore, they added a pair extra integral items in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown over the past offseason.
Nonetheless, their protection is lower than par with the elite groups on that finish. The Nuggets would be capable of handle their project within the first spherical, however their protection shall be examined after they face the likes of the Suns, Warriors, Lakers, or the Clippers within the second spherical.
6. Sixers forge ECF duel with Bucks
Joel Embiid is as soon as once more displaying simply how full of a package deal he’s. Embiid is main the league in scoring for the second 12 months in a row, and his partnership with combo guard star James Harden has by no means been higher. The Sixers’ first-round matchup could possibly be the Brooklyn Nets, with a possible basic collection in opposition to the Boston Celtics ready within the second spherical.
Embiid and Harden will put up the numbers, and younger explosive guard Tyrese Maxey could possibly be the X-Issue. The Sixers have been rolling since main the league in preseason win totals, and this 12 months may be the time for Embiid to lastly get into the Jap Convention Finals for the primary time. Subsequent up would be the Greek Freak and the Bucks.
7. Dream KD-LeBron matchup in WCF
It’s certainly championship or bust for the Phoenix Suns, particularly with Kevin Durant round. Add to that the truth that the 37-year-old Chris Paul isn’t getting any youthful, and the Suns ought to be all-in for a title this 12 months.
With KD and Devin Booker main their cost, the Suns will march on to the Western Convention Finals, the place they might face LeBron and the Purple-and-Gold. It will be a dream duel between Durant and James, a rematch of their 2012 NBA Finals battle that the latter gained.
8. 2021 rematch within the 2023 NBA Finals
We would see a rematch of the 2021 NBA Finals, because the Bucks and Suns could possibly be the final two groups standing this 12 months. These two groups have stars who’ve been underneath the brightest of lights, so a Suns-Bucks Finals collection is nearer to actuality than you may suppose.
The Bucks’ confirmed and examined defensive acumen ought to catapult them to the Finals. They’re at present only one spot exterior of the highest 10 by way of offensive ranking, however when you could have Giannis Antetokounmpo in your roster, you’re good.
However, the Suns could also be a top-heavy staff however that is the form of top-heavy roster that wins championships. They’ve three succesful gamers who can create scoring alternatives (Paul, Booker, Durant) and head coach Monty Williams may at all times stagger the minutes of these three.
9. Bucks win all of it once more
Two NBA championships in three years for a small market staff just like the Bucks? Given the progressive steps that the Bucks group have taken prior to now a number of years, this degree of success isn’t stunning anymore.
Giannis continues to be a mannequin of professionalism and sustained excellence, and the Bucks entrance workplace have performed an admirable job of surrounding their famous person with gamers who’re “canines” on the defensive finish.
Nonetheless, their path to the title this 12 months gained’t be straightforward, particularly in the event that they face a star-filled staff just like the Suns. It’s excessive time for former All-Star ahead Khris Middleton to get up and return to his extremely environment friendly methods on offense. As for protection, Giannis, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez have that lined.
If Middleton produces higher numbers this playoffs, the Bucks would be the final staff standing in our NBA postseason predictions.
10. Giannis provides one other Finals MVP {hardware}
Already a frontrunner for the MVP award this season, Giannis would cement one other unbelievable 12 months by main the Bucks to the championship.
The Greek Freak is at present norming an amazing stat line of 31.1 factors, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, and it’s not farfetched that he would improve his manufacturing come playoff time. Do not forget that he’s solely averaging simply north of 32 minutes within the common season, and his taking part in time within the playoffs usually ranges from 36-38 minutes.
Arguably the perfect two-way participant within the league in the present day, Giannis will even win the 2023 NBA Finals MVP trophy.
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