An ESPN panel (Insider link) has made predictions for which NBA teams will win the Eastern and Western Conferences in 2023/24, as well as which team will win the championship. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second-place vote was worth three, and a third-place vote received one.
The Bucks were the favored pick to advance out of the East, receiving 86 total points (40% of first-place votes) to narrowly edge the Celtics (80 points; 40%). Those were the top two seeds entering last season’s playoffs, but both clubs were eliminated by Miami — Milwaukee in the first round, and Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Speaking of the Heat, they received the third-most points with 38, but only received 4% of the first-place votes. The Knicks (12 points) were the only other team to receive first-place votes (16%).
In the West, ESPN’s panel has the defending-champion Nuggets as the overwhelming favorites, receiving 106 points, including 76% of the first-place votes. The Suns (60 points; 12%), Warriors (27 points; 8%) and Lakers (24 points; 4%) all received first-place votes as well.
Perhaps unsurprisingly based on the aforementioned results, Denver received the most points (80) and first-place votes (48%) to repeat as NBA champions, followed by the Bucks (49 points; 28%). Interestingly, the Heat received the third-most first-place votes (12%), despite being fifth in total points.
That brings us to our question of the day: Who do you think will advance from the Eastern and Western Conferences, and who will win the title in 2023/24? Head to the comments to weigh in with your picks.
If the heat get dame then heat or the bucks if healthy. The nuggets or lakers for west
Joker is healthy mostly but his other star have some injury concerns, as do Bron and AD, KD Beal and even Book. The west could be interesting since there arent really any teams near the bottom besides the Spurs and Blazers.
Clippers vs Bucks…Clippers in 6
Out West everything will depend on injuries and timing.I can see both LA teams,Denver, Golden State, Phoenix, Memphis or New Orleans winning the West if circumstances favor them. I think it is a fool’s errand trying to pick which teams will remain healthy enough to win. Denver and Memphis having younger stars have an advantage. That said Murray has had previous injury troubles and Morant may not have the maturity necessary to take a team to the finals yet. The Lakers could be a real threat if both Davis and James can stay healthy. Reaves looks like he about to blow up big time. That said Hachimura and Russell need to be kept on leash. Both are subject to shooting slumps that can cost games. The Warrior’s aren’t dead yet but have the league’s oldest pair of point guards. Trading a young Jordan Poole for a 38 year old Chris Paul puts them in the win now category. Phoenix is highly dependent on Durant who habitually misses 30 to 50 games a year. Denver is the favorite but anything can happen. In the East much will depend on how Porzyngis fits in Boston. They could start Williams, Porzyngis and Tatum up front move Brown to the back court and use either Brogdon or White at the point. If it works watch out. They are young enough that health shouldn’t be an issue. Miami will be dangerous if they can obtain Lillard. Otherwise expect them too regress. The Bucks have the personnel and have done it before. They just have a lot of important guys who have to stay healthy. The dark horse candidate would be the Cavaliers. If this young core can grow together and overcome individual selfishness they could come out of the East. For them to do so they will need to escalate have 3 20 point scorers and their other 2 in double figures. They’ll need to have Mobley take over the paint both ways. I see either Cleveland or Boston against Denver. Boston wins in 6 or Cleveland in 7. Denver falls to either but repeats if Miami breaks through. If the Bucks face Denver don’t bet a wooden nickel on either. If the Lakers break through and a
Healthy they would be the favorite in LeBron’s last hurrah.
Knowing it won’t be my favorite team ( the clippers) ! I’m hoping to see a bucks nuggets finals ! I can live with joker or Greek freak getting their second ring
I feel you on the clippers. So much promise such a great owner who’s willing to spend and the roster seemed to be there the last couple of years but they can’t put it together. Even hired a good coach. Maybe this will be the year? Fingers crossed for you, I’d love to see it.
This is an impossible task, there’s no way to predict and I’m not even talking about injuries. Forget about injuries or “if healthy.” Every team goes through it.. what you need is to have good backups to withstand guys going down.
I think the Nuggets lost two key bench pieces especially when they only played eight guys total throughout the playoffs. Brown and Green are huge veteran losses. I think the same in the East with Boston. Two huge losses in toughness and defense.
We’ll see how it plays out, going to be an interesting year. Maybe a couple of teams will surprise us like the Clippers or Memphis, and maybe an underdog in the east like the Knicks or the Cavs?
In order of likelihood (with current rosters and health):
West – DEN, followed by GSW, PHX and LAL.
East – MIL or BOS. Also, MIA, if they can get Dame for their scraps.
The Bucks and Sun’s are on a collision course unreal. Both are legit to win 65 plus games with relative ease.
The Sun’s are being disrespected at a shocking level.
We thought the same thing with Brooklyn. It’s not as easy as you think to incorporate a star into a star team. Ego’s matter.
It worked with the Warriors because their star is probably the most selfless superstar in the league. We’ll see how Bradley Beal and Devin Booker handle all this, saying nothing of Kevin Durant and wanting out of two or three situations so far. Looks good on paper though I’ll give you that.
By the way quick question, who’s the point guard on that team? Who’s the guy that will set all these shooters up for great shots?
None – They don’t need a Pg imo Gary
Booker and Durant are two of the best ( off – elbow/iso ) players in the league
Very clipper feel here , but one w. Better health
Boston v Mem
If smart can steer Bane Ja and himself ( a big ask ) in the right direction/ roles and himself back into nominal DPOY discussions this is the best team in the west
*They’ll also need Clarke to get back to 100% as well
*Adams to be ( just ) active/Healthy come June
A lot to ask but this is a rose colored glasses question to begin with so I’m looking purely thru optimal lenses