The 2023-24 NBA season is about to tip tip-off fans are eager to see which teams will make it to the Finals. The Denver Nuggets are the defending champions, but they will face stiff competition from both conferences. The Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks are the favorites in the East, while the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Golden State Warriors are among the contenders in the West. Here are some of the early predictions from NBA experts and analysts.
Nuggets-Bucks: A rematch of last year’s Finals
Some experts believe that the Nuggets and the Bucks will meet again in the 2024 NBA Finals, as they did last year. The Nuggets won their first title in franchise history, led by Kia MVP Nikola Jokic and a healthy Jamal Murray. The Bucks, on the other hand, fell short of their expectations, despite having Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on their roster.
The Nuggets have retained most of their core players, and have added some depth to their bench. They have one of the best offensive duos in the league, and a versatile defense that can adapt to different styles. The Bucks have also made some changes, such as trading Eric Bledsoe for Jrue Holiday, and signing Kristaps Porzingis as a free agent. They hope to improve their spacing and shooting around Giannis, and to challenge the Celtics for the top spot in the East.
Both teams have proven that they can win in the regular season and in the playoffs, but they will need to overcome some obstacles along the way. The Nuggets will have to deal with a loaded Western Conference, where several teams have improved their rosters and are hungry for success. The Bucks will have to face the Celtics, who have an elite top six and a balanced attack. They will also have to deal with the pressure of living up to their potential, and avoiding another disappointment.
Suns-Celtics: A clash of young stars and veteran leaders
Another popular prediction among experts is that the Suns and the Celtics will face off in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Suns are coming off a breakout season, where they reached the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2010. The Celtics are also coming off a strong season, where they reached the Eastern Conference finals for the third time in four years.
The Suns have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. They also have a solid defense, anchored by Robert Covington and Mikal Bridges. They have added some veteran experience to their young core, such as Chris Paul and Serge Ibaka. They have a lot of firepower and depth, and they are confident that they can compete with anyone.
The Celtics have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker. They also have a reliable defense, led by Marcus Smart and Al Horford. They have added some size and shooting to their lineup, such as Andre Drummond and Joe Harris. They have a lot of versatility and chemistry, and they are determined to win their first title since 2008.
Both teams have a lot of potential and talent, but they will also face some challenges along the way. The Suns will have to deal with the expectations of being a contender, and the pressure of playing with Durant. They will also have to prove that they can sustain their success over a long season and a tough postseason. The Celtics will have to deal with some injury concerns, especially with Walker and Horford. They will also have to prove that they can overcome their rivals in the East, especially the Bucks.
Lakers-Warriors: A battle of former champions and current superstars
A third prediction among experts is that the Lakers and the Warriors will meet in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Lakers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, where they failed to defend their title and were eliminated in the first round by the Suns. The Warriors are looking to return to glory after two injury-plagued seasons, where they missed the playoffs twice.
The Lakers have one of the best duos in history, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They also have a revamped roster, with Russell Westbrook joining them as their third star. They have added some shooting and defense to their bench, such as Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza. They have a lot of experience and star power, and they are motivated to prove their doubters wrong.
The Warriors have one of the best trios in history, with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. They also have a promising young core, with James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody. They have added some depth and versatility to their rotation, such as Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica. They have a lot of skill and cohesion, and they are eager to reclaim their throne.
Both teams have a lot of history and prestige, but they will also face some difficulties along the way. The Lakers will have to deal with the age and health of their stars, especially James and Davis. They will also have to deal with the fit and chemistry of their new pieces, especially Westbrook. The Warriors will have to deal with the recovery and rust of their stars, especially Thompson and Wiseman. They will also have to deal with the development and integration of their young players, especially Kuminga and Moody.
Other possible matchups
Of course, these are not the only possible matchups for the 2024 NBA Finals. There are other teams that could surprise everyone and make a deep run in the playoffs. Some of these teams are:
- The Clippers, who still have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and who could benefit from a healthy season and a lower seed.
- The Pelicans, who have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and who could improve their defense and consistency under new coach Willie Green.
- The Grizzlies, who have Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and who could build on their playoff experience and grit under coach Taylor Jenkins.
- The Heat, who have Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, and who could regain their form and toughness under coach Erik Spoelstra.
- The Hawks, who have Trae Young and John Collins, and who could continue their growth and confidence under coach Nate McMillan.
- The Knicks, who have Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, and who could maintain their defense and intensity under coach Tom Thibodeau.
The 2023-24 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. There are many teams that have a chance to make it to the Finals, but only two will get there. Who will they be? We will have to wait and see.
