The NBA season kicks off on Tuesday.
You read that right. Tuesday!
After an exciting offseason, the highly-anticipated tipoff is one day away.
There are a million stories headed into the season. Will Damian Lillard and the Bucks work well together? Will LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy and potentially win the Lakers another title? Did Brad Steven make the right decision in trading Marcus Smart and Rob Williams for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday? Will the Suns’ new big three play well together?
The list of questions goes on and on.
Here are my predictions for how the regular season unfolds.
Western Conference Finals: Clippers over Nuggets in seven
Yup, I’m all in. The Clippers have been nothing but a disappointment since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teamed up. They have only three playoff series wins in four years and only one Conference Finals appearance (in which Leonard did not play). This will be Year 5, and a healthy Leonard brings his team to the Finals. The Nuggets are capable of another dominant playoff run, but it’s usually harder the second time around. I think things finally work out for the Clippers and they overcome Jokic and the Nuggets.
Kawhi's best from the '23-24 preseason ⤵️
if this doesn't get you excited for Wednesday…. pic.twitter.com/XyYcc5ZtIQ
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 22, 2023
Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics over Bucks in seven
This would be the fourth time in seven years these two teams match up in the playoffs. It will also probably be the best version of both of these teams. Just think about it: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on one side, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the air. These stars can perform at a high level, but it will actually come down to two more players: Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. Whoever plays better among these two will lead their team to the Finals. It will come down to the wire, but I think Boston gets the job done.
Fired up for our 56th season.
🔢: @wilottery pic.twitter.com/hAExkSX7vo
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 19, 2023
NBA Finals: Celtics over Clippers in seven
Tatum versus Leonard. Brown versus George. Mazzulla versus Lue. This would be one fun series. Both teams are extremely hungry, but I think Tatum’s desire for revenge after last year’s ECF crumble will just be too strong. As long as things go their way, the Celtics will win the title while Tatum secures Finals MVP.
Sticking together & enjoying the journey ☘️ pic.twitter.com/nAUT6BqCJC
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 20, 2023
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