Our basketball expert previews the 2023/24 NBA season, sharing betting tips on the teams who will fly, and those who will struggle.

The 2023-24 season is just around the corner, and it just might be the most hyped season ever (we say this every year, but that’s how it goes). But it’s true, following a flurry of trades at the end of September, Damian Lillard will be chasing his first ring alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.

While some people will sit back and not take stock of on-court action until Christmas Day, or even the All-Star weekend in February, it’s never too soon to make pre-season predictions for the teams that will shine, and those who are simply making up the numbers.

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Who are the favourites?

If the odds are anything to go by, the second favourite Milwaukee Bucks (5.11) are one to keep a close eye on, but don’t count out the defending champions either. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets (6.72) haven’t got any weaker, and championship experience will surely help them once the playoffs come around. With a well-rounded team, they’re certainly more reliable than the number one favoured Boston Celtics (4.78), or even the Bucks, who have both faltered in key moments in recent years. 

With the addition of Damian Lillard, the Bucks will look to take the pressure off Antetokounmpo - but by the looks of his off-season and pre-season so far, he’s been locked in on one thing since losing to the Miami Heat.

The sunny West Coast teams will always grab the headlines, particularly when LeBron James and Anthony Davis are involved. The LA Lakers (12.99) were completely undone in the end by the Nuggets, but if anyone can find a way to get past them, it’s LeBron… even if he is approaching 40. 

You also can’t count out the Splash Brother (Steph Curry and Klay Thompson) led Golden State Warriors (13.40) along with Draymond Green. With the support of Andrew Wiggins and additional experience for Jonathan Kuminga and co - the six-time finalists and four-time winners are likely to be in the mix again come May and June.

It seems like a long time ago, but the trade of Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns (8.14), joining Kevin Durant and Devin Booker might just make them the best trio in the entire league. Depth is still their glaring weakness, but if they can keep their big three healthy in the regular season, a playoff run with their star power can’t be overlooked.

 

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Who is in win or bust territory?

Staying on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Clippers (22.84) are certainly in the final year of their experiment with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George if it goes like the previous four seasons. It really is now or never, but with a strong conference to get through, and injuries plus ‘load management’ lingering over both their star players - it’s hard to see this one having a fairytale ending. 

Elsewhere in the conference, the Dallas Mavericks (25.19) are likely already ruing a trade for Kyrie Irving, when one of the league's best talents in Luka Doncic is likely to be growing ever impatient with the front office. The pressure and expectation of the city will be on the Slovenian’s shoulders to deliver. His magic will have to carry the team, but after last year’s disappointment, momentum isn’t on this franchise's side.

Another player who’s had enough, and isn’t afraid to let everyone know is James Harden. A move away from the Philadelphia 76ers (20.93) seems inevitable, and given his public outburst as well as his age, it’s hard to see how the franchise can recoup enough pieces to give Joel Embiid the support to compete. Maybe this is the year the wheels truly come off the tracks for the team, and new coach Nick Nurse left to pick up the pieces.

 

Who are the dark horses in the West?

A youthful Sacramento Kings (48.14) team came up short in the first round last year, but the pain and experience of losing to a seasoned team like the Warriors could be the dawn of a real competitor in the West. As teams stack up on experience and players with plenty of miles on the clock, the pace and intensity of this team could blow past others who are on their way out of the league.

In New Orleans, many will wonder if 2023 is the year Zion Williamson finally announces himself on the NBA stage. Lower body injuries have wrecked his career thus far, but the Pelicans (48.86) have kept their faith in him to come good. With other exciting young pieces around him, could they be a sneaky contender? Only time will tell.

 

Who are the dark horses in the East?

Although their odds say they are not in contention, the New York faithful will always demand the Knicks (53.38) show up for the city. Especially with the Giants, Jets, Mets and Yankees all falling way short of the expectations under the city’s bright lights. With no conference finals appearances in the 21st century, surely the tide will have to turn at some point! The addition of a certain Donovan Mitchell could help them build upon what they started last season.

In terms of their overall starting five, the Cleveland Cavaliers (30.37) are well-balanced going into the season. A disappointing first round in the playoffs last season can be looked past, but only if the aforementioned Mitchell stays with the team beyond this season. With no long-term deal in place for their prized asset, the franchise may cash in now and avoid risking him walking away as a free agent. If that happens, it could be back to the drawing board.

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 10:00 UTC Tuesday 17th October**

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