Now that the 2023–24 NBA schedule is available, it is time to analyze the impending win–loss records for each of the 30 teams.
You’ll find predictions for each team below, informed by the regular-season over/under at FanDuel’s Sportsbook and the rule that the league’s total for wins must equal its total for losses.
But before you read, remember that the NBA is now firmly in the parity age. Thirteen of FanDuel’s thirty-win totals fall between 40 and 50. Last season, just six teams achieved above 50 wins. The best net rating (net points per 100 possessions) for 2022–23 was under seven.
Every squad in the league has at least one star player. Most have two or more. No one would be surprised if Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, on any given night, became hot enough to defeat the Golden State Warriors.
The projections made here will represent the talented league of today.
1. Atlanta Hawks (43-39)
The Atlanta Hawks eventually dealt John Collins in a deal that amounted to little more than a payroll dump after years of whispers. NBA teams shouldn’t often lose players for nothing, but Atlanta might be okay in the future.
In each of Collins’ last two seasons, the Hawks’ net rating suffered when he was on the court, so his departure should give Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu more playing time. A more versatile starting forward duo composed of De’Andre Hunter and Saddiq Bey should also be beneficial.
But in the end, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray will again determine whether this team succeeds or fails.
When both were on the floor last season, NBA scores today 2023, show the Hawks averaged a mediocre plus-1.6 points per 100 possessions. They must control those minutes significantly more thoroughly if they want to get closer to 50 victories.
2. Boston Celtics (52-30)
Marcus Smart has been the Boston Celtics’ pulsating center for several years, despite the cliché. Boston was significantly better on the floor in the last nine years due to his playmaking and point-of-attack defense.
At the very least, replacing him with the frequently injured Kristaps Porziis—who is currently battling with plantar fasciitis ahead of training camp—is a bit of a gamble on the cohesiveness of the squad.
Derrick White, however, is arguably a better player right now than Smart. To help fill those shoes as well, Malcolm Brogdon is still in the picture. And if Porziis can offer Boston 60 or more games, the Celtics’ offense ought to be much stronger.
It’s simple to imagine this club contending for the top seed in the East when you consider all that and the fact that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are still active.
The parity indicated in the introduction is the only reason Boston is listed below that over/under. The NBA currently has a lot of strong teams. It’s going to be very difficult to reach the mid-50s in victories.
3. Charlotte Hornets (34-48)
Some ambiguity still surrounds the Charlotte Hornets.
P.J. Washington is still on the job. It’s difficult to predict what Miles Bridges, who will play on a $7.9 million qualifying offer this season, will give them after sitting out the entire 2022–2023 season while battling domestic abuse allegations. LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward, two of the team’s highest-paid players, have had trouble staying healthy for the last three years.
Charlotte should at least be competitive if those two can contribute more than 60 games, Washington re-signs, Bridges performs at a level similar to 2021–2022, and Terry Rozier performs more consistently than he did in 2022–2023.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34)
The Cleveland Cavaliers created additional headlines this summer by adding Max Strus and Georges Niang, one year after trading for Donovan Mitchell.
Theoretically, those two will boost the Cavaliers’ shooting and offer wing stability. Small forward was the only position that didn’t feel rock solid last season.
Why do they expect to lose in 2023–24 and take a tiny step back from 51 wins in 2022–23?
The East should be strong once more, to start with. And it’s easy to envision the Miami Heat (who won 44 games in 2022-23), New York Knicks (who won 47 games), and Atlanta Hawks (who won 41 games), to name a few, increasing their win total.
Strus might not be the improvement over Cedi Osman that some people think he is. The bench may also suffer from the departure of Ricky Rubio and a lack of depth at the center.
That does not put this behind a lock. When Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen were on the floor in 2022–2023, Cleveland was plus–10.2 points per 100 possessions. Next season, Garland and Mobley might both perform better.
Bottomline
The NBA season of 2023–2024 is likely to add another unforgettable page to the league’s illustrious history. Fans can anticipate a variety of storylines, exciting moments, and jaw-dropping performances as teams prepare to play at the most significant level.
There is something to look forward to and enjoy for everyone, regardless of whether you are a devoted fan of a particular team or a casual basketball aficionado.
The player landscape is as vibrant and varied as ever, from the star-studded teams of the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets to the up-and-coming prospects like Luka Doni and Ja Morant. The best athletes in the world continue to compete in the NBA, each pushing the limits of what is possible on the hardwood.
As the season progresses, we may anticipate seeing amazing feats of talent, cooperation, and tenacity. Every team’s ultimate aim continues to be winning an NBA championship, and the road to success is paved with difficulties, rivalries, and turning points.