Five NBA Teams to Look Out for in the 2022/23 Season
Figure 1 Hoops fans cannot wait for the new season to start
The Golden State Warriors swept away all before them last season to claim another NBA Championship. After a blip season – largely because of injuries – the Dubs have come back to full strength. With Steph Curry, Golden State has a leader with Hall of Fame credentials.
But there has been enough activity during the offseason to make things interesting for next season. The NFL Draft threw up a few surprises – and the ongoing trades will have everyone eagerly awaiting the first tip off. NBA betting markets have already experienced a lot of activity, but we’re going to look at five teams who we think could have at least a say in the championship this year.
Philadelphia 76ers
The addition of James Harden didn’t make the necessary difference in the playoffs last season, as the Sixers crashed out to the Heat in the Eastern semifinals. But the good thing for Philly is that Harden doesn’t need to be the go-to guy for this team. He just has to step up in the playoffs.
Joel Embiid is the main man and if Harden can be another good option then that will take the Sixers quite far. It has been a good offseason as well, with Melton and Tucker coming in. It looks good for Philly next season and a deeper dive into the postseason should be expected.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have progressed over the years to the point that last season they were regarded as an outside shot at the championship that could cause some upsets. In the end they came up against a Golden State Warriors team with its eyes on the prize – and had to deal with Ja Morant’s injury.
Even though Memphis was in no way a favorite last year, it almost feels as if it could have been its best shot at a championship. Anderson and Melton leaving is a blow and now it looks like Jaren Jackson Jr. will be missing for a long stretch. It could be tough for the Grizzlies.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix won 64 games in the regular season last year before struggling to get past New Orleans in six and falling to the Mavs in the Western semifinals. The Suns are in a slightly better place than the Grizzlies but there is still the feeling of a missed chance there.
Sorting out Deandre Ayton’s contract is a huge weight off of the Suns’ shoulders but there has been relatively little other business done in Arizona apart from that. Chris Paul will take the pressure once again but even he could do with some backup if the Suns are to finish number one overall again.
Miami Heat
The Heat showed in the regular season and the playoffs last year that they are legitimate title contenders. They met a determined Boston in the Eastern finals but must be in with a chance of going all the way this season. Even with Butler, Adebayo and Lowry missing large chunks, Miami looked dangerous.
There has been a lot of talk has been about getting Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant in – and if that can be achieved then Miami would become the number one favorites for the NBA Championship. But even without the addition of either – or both – of those superstars, Miami will be a team to watch.
Figure 2 Could fans in this arena – now renamed – be watching the championship team in 2023?
LA Clippers
The Clippers look to have one of the deepest rosters in the league. There is so much choice for Tyronn Lue that getting minutes for all his best players might be his biggest problem this season. The Clips were dumped out in the play-in last year but could go all the way this time around.
The confidence behind that statement is that they will have a fully fit Kawhi Leonard back – and Paul George too. PG missed the play-in loss to the Pelicans because of COVID and Leonard missed the entire campaign. If they both stay fit this year the championship could be making its way back to LA.
