NBA: What to Expect from the 2023-24 Season? Where to Watch, the Favorites, and the Stars
The ball goes up for the first time in the NBA’s 82-game season this Tuesday night (25) in Brazil with the matchup between the champion Denver Nuggets, featuring Nikola Jokic, and the Los Angeles Lakers, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, at 8:30 PM (Brasília time). The night also promises a great matchup at 11 PM between the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry and the Phoenix Suns with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Casinos.win showcases the favorites for the 2023-24 season of the world’s best basketball league, how to make long-term bets, and where to watch the top games of North American basketball in Brazil:
The Favorites
The season sees a competitive group at the top. Naturally, the focus is on the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, who retained their core with MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and also look forward to a healthy season from Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, aiming for back-to-back championships.
The Milwaukee Bucks made headlines in the off-season by bolstering their squad, already strong with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kris Middleton, and now adding Damian Lillard, who left the Portland Trail Blazers to join one of the title favorites. The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, kept their team’s core, despite trading Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis, a highlight of the offseason, and also welcomed Jrue Holiday, who joins a team featuring Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Another team focusing on a collective effort is the Phoenix Suns, seeking their first title. With a new coach, Frank Vogel, but retaining stars like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the team looks quite different from the one that reached the finals in 2021. From that roster that lost to Milwaukee, only Devin Booker remains, still delivering top-notch performances.
The Golden State Warriors continue with a star-studded team, now welcoming Chris Paul, while Jordan Poole has moved to Washington. The Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, remain, allowing San Francisco fans to dream, although Thompson hasn’t yet finalized his contract renewal. Expectations are also high for Kevon Looney, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins.
Lastly, undergoing a rebuilding phase and solidifying their roster are the Los Angeles Lakers, still counting on their superstar duo: LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Recently, they’ve invested in a younger trio featuring Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell to alleviate the burden on their main stars.
Underdogs for the Title
Certain teams are known for their “clutch” players, like the Miami Heat, consistently performing well in the playoffs with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Others rely on league legends, like the Los Angeles Clippers with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, in pursuit of their first title.
Some believe in the strength of teamwork, like the New York Knicks, not just relying on Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, but also the Cleveland Cavaliers with Donovan Mitchell. Some even bet on off-court figures, like the Sacramento Kings, featuring Domantas Sabonis, but primarily spotlighting their star coach Mike Brown, the 2022-23 Coach of the Year.
Other teams have undergone coaching changes in their bid to compete, like the Philadelphia 76ers, with Joel Embiid, now led by Nick Nurse, who won a championship with the Raptors in 2019. Teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, featuring Ja Morant, are simply seeking peace to get back to the top tier.
Teams Competing for the Playoffs
Several NBA teams have strong cores but, in such a competitive environment, might end up in the shadows in the championship race. These teams, however, should not be wholly disregarded, especially in the race for a respectable playoff spot among the best teams.
Of these, the Oklahoma City Thunder stand out, now under the leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to rely on the duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns and have added defensive strength with Rudy Gobert.
Additionally, the New Orleans Pelicans have notable players like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson but are striving for a healthy season. The Dallas Mavericks, with Luka Doncic, are aiming for a less tumultuous year than the last when they missed the postseason.
Some teams are seeking validation, such as the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz. Both are balancing roster renewals with younger players and retaining lesser-known veterans, all to make their mark. Others, like the Atlanta Hawks with Trae Young, are banking on coaching changes and even roster overhauls to make the playoffs.
Due to the overwhelming presence of Victor Wenbanyama in his debut league year, the San Antonio Spurs cannot be overlooked. Young talent can be a solution, meaning teams like the Orlando Magic with Paolo Banchero, and the Indiana Pacers with Tyrese Haliburton, could surprise by combining experience and youth.
Happy 2024? Draft Favorites
Certain teams recognize early on that the season might not yield many victories. The Washington Wizards, for instance, are already plotting a post-Bradley Beal era, now in Phoenix, and looking forward to a fresh start with Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole. The Portland Trail Blazers are thinking of rebuilding after bidding farewell to Damian Lillard and are focusing on younger players.
Others are grappling with injuries to their main stars, like the Chicago Bulls with Lonzo Ball and some health issues for Zach LaVine. Then, there are those undergoing a change in atmosphere, such as the Toronto Raptors, who have changed coaches. Some teams are starting a complete rebuild right off the bat, like the Houston Rockets, following some dismal seasons.
Yet others, like the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets, are putting all their chips on a few names. For Detroit, it’s Cade Cunningham, and for Charlotte, it’s LaMelo Ball, both hoping to climb from the lower ranks and aim for a brighter future.
Who Are the Expected Stars for the Season?
The world’s best basketball always offers a chance to anticipate fantastic games with outstanding matchups. There are teams that strengthen their collective performance, such as Milwaukee, Boston, Phoenix, and Denver – the main title favorites – but who also have their superstars acting as the heart and soul of their systems.
Hence, big things are expected from players like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and more, just considering the main title contenders.
Others have a strong core, like Jalen Brunson, Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Ja Morant, Domantas Sabonis, and Kawhi Leonard, while some teams might not have a diverse array of superstar teammates, like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Trae Young, among others.
There’s anticipation for new names in the league, whether it’s the second season for Paolo Banchero with the Magic or Victor Wenbanyama with the Spurs. The league’s landscape could be drastically altered with a few breakthrough performances, making every game a thrilling event to watch.
How to Watch the NBA in Brazil
The NBA can be followed closely by Brazilians through various platforms. ESPN and NBA League Pass remain the primary broadcasters of the games in the country, ensuring the majority of the top matchups are shown, with Portuguese commentary available.
For those wishing to place bets, we recommend some excellent platforms with competitive odds and promotions, such as Bet365, 1xBet, and Sportingbet. Always remember to bet responsibly and seek guidance if you have doubts or difficulties related to gambling.
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