However, their defence is the opposite, ranking 25th in the league (116.5). Alongside him, Domantas Sabonis (19.2 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 7.2 APG) has developed into an excellent playmaker and a double-double machine, tallying a league-most 61 so far this year. Leading scorer De’Aaron Fox(25.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.1 APG) is the NBA’s best player in the clutch and his explosiveness and speed make him difficult to defend in the paint. Not only do they have the best offensive rating in the league this season (118.9), but all-time. Sacramento KingsĬertainly one of the more surprising teams this year, the Sacramento Kings currently hold the third seed in the West with a 45-30 record. I don’t think it’s their year for a trophy, but they’re getting close. The Grizzlies have great potential and I can see them making it to the Conference Finals. Prediction : Injuries have taken a toll on the team – especially with the loss of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke – but they’ve still thrived. The Phoenix Suns seem to be their main competition, but their chemistry and injury history are concerning. Even with their defensive shortcomings, Denver is one of the strongest teams in the West. Prediction : I think the Nuggets have the potential to make it to the Finals with a solid chance of winning the championship. Though, their defence remains their main issue, especially in the paint. Denver also holds the second-best offensive rating in the league (117.8), excelling at playmaking and efficiency (50.9 FG%). Jokic, who may three-peat as MVP, has guided the Nuggets to the best record in the West (51-24) and leads the league in triple-doubles (29). (17.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG), and Aaron Gordon (16.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.9 APG) only missing some games. They finally have their key players healthy, with Nikola Jokic (24.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 9.9 APG), Jamal Murray (20.1 PPG, 4 RPG, 6.2 APG), Michael Porter Jr. The last few playoffs ended in disappointment for the Denver Nuggets, but this season may be different. 2023 NBA Playoff Predictions: Western Conference Denver Nuggets Based on the current standings, here is an analysis and my predictions for each Western team in the playoff picture. Western Conference: Thunder/Pelicans winner at Timberwolves/Lakers loser, 9:30 or 10 p.m.As the 2023 NBA playoffs rapidly approach, some teams are beginning to clinch their spots. ET (ESPN)Įastern Conference: Bulls/Raptors winner at Hawks/Heat loser, 7 or 7:30 p.m. The NBA announced the play-in tournament schedule following the conclusion of the regular season.Įastern Conference: No. 9 Raptors NBA play-in tournament schedule 6 seed and first-round playoff series vs. 5 seed and first-round playoff series vs. 4 seed and first-round playoff series vs. 3 seed and first-round playoff series vs. 2 seed and first-round playoff series vs. 9 seed Pelicans EASTERN CONFERENCEĬlinched No. 8 seed (determined by play-in tournament)Ĭlinched No. 1 seed and first-round playoff series vs. ![]() Here's a full look at the playoffs with the regular season in the books. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference playoff bracket was set ahead of Sunday's regular-season finales. The loser will be eliminated, while the winner will advance to face the loser of the Lakers-Timberwolves game for the No. 9 seed and will have to win two straight games to earn the West's final playoff spot. 8 seed and a win-and-in scenario against the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves beat the Pelicans - and somehow, themselves - to secure the No. Had Phoenix won, it would have faced the Warriors in the first round. 5 seed and a first-round matchup against the Phoenix team they just beat. The Clippers beat the Suns to secure the No. ET Sunday with playoff implications for the Warriors, Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans. The game results were from among four that tipped off at 3:30 p.m. They'll face the Timberwolves in the play-in, with the winner advancing to the playoffs as a No. ![]() ![]() LeBron James led the way with 36 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds as Los Angeles finished the season with a league-best 18-9 record since the trade deadline to stay alive for the postseason. The win ensured that the Lakers would be relegated to the play-in despite a season-ending 128-117 win over the Utah Jazz.
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