NBA Playoff Preview 2022-23

The Play-In Tournament is over and the NBA Playoffs are officially here!

The Milwaukee Bucks, who had the best record in the NBA, are the Finals favorites according to all major sports books, followed by the Celtics, Suns, Warriors and Sixers. The top three seeds in the Western Conference (Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings) all find themselves on the outside of the top-5. The Kings in particular lack the playoff experience to be taken seriously by most odds makers.

Of the five title favorites, Philadelphia has the least Finals experience. James Harden has an appearance with the Thunder over a decade ago and PJ Tucker won a ring with Milwaukee in 2021. However, Philly has the league's back-to-back scoring champion and the likely MVP of the league on their side, in Joel Embiid. Embiid has had bad luck with

injuries in the playoffs, with an orbital fracture and torn thumb ligament in 2022, and a small meniscus tear in 2021. If he can avoid another freak accident, then the Sixers have just as good a shot as anyone to win it all.

The Warriors have the most experience, as reigning champions and a core that has dominated for most of the last six years. Despite winning the Championship last year, the Warriors have struggled throughout the '22-'23 season. The young core struggled early on, and then Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins missed significant time due to injury and personal reasons. A mid-season trade acquiring Gary Payton II has the Warriors feeling like some of their defensive identity is back, although their lack of size could be difficult for Steve Kerr to navigate through the playoffs. Their path to the NBA Finals is somewhat favorable, as they will likely have to go through Sacramento, Memphis and just one of Denver/Phoenix.

On paper, the Suns feel unstoppable. Kevin Durant is one of the most versatile players in the NBA who is coming off the NBA's first ever 55/40/90 season. He can score from anywhere, and can pretty much defend 1-5 because of his combination of length and quickness. That being said, KD has played just 8 games with the Suns and there's a chance that the lack of continuity could be an issue on the highest stage. Additionally, their path to the Finals might be challenging. They open up, facing the (for now) Paul George-less Clippers. But regardless of his availability, facing a healthy Kawhi Leonard in the first round of the playoffs is not ideal. Assuming they survive the first round, they will face the most consistent team in the West all season - the Denver Nuggets. Finally, they will face one of the Warriors, Kings, Grizzlies or Lakers in the WCF. Will they have the depth and health to get through all of that?

The Celtics' addition of Malcom Brogdon and the strong play of Derrick White all season probably give them the best depth among all the top tier playoff teams - especially if Robert Williams can stay healthy. Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown are a dominant duo that create serious matchup problems in the playoffs. Coming off of a Finals lost to the Warriors last season gives the Celtics valuable experience and a hunger for revenge. In an interview with Chris Forsberg, Robert Williams said the following:

"After last year, revenge is more of a factor for us. It's something where you kind of wish you can fast forward to the great ending. But you take every game, you go through all the steps, and I feel like this is going to rev up."

Milwaukee has been the best team in the NBA all season. Giannis Antetokounmpo has led the Bucks to 58 wins and looks as unstoppable as ever. Brook Lopez is a legitimate candidate for DPOY and has been a key factor in the Bucks' offense as. well. He averaged nearly 16 PPG and 2.5 BPG on the season. On top of that, Jrue holiday is still considered by most to be the best defensive guard in the NBA. The one major question mark for the Bucks is Khris Middleton's health. Middleton played just 33 games this season and sat out the last two regular season games due to knee soreness. Fortunately the Bucks have a while before they will be seriously tested in the playoffs. They get the Miami Heat in the first round, who they always seem to dominate. In Round 2, they will face the winner of the Cavs/Knicks series and then have the good fortune of only having to face one of the Celtics/Sixers, assuming they make it to the ECF.

The 2023 Playoffs are unique, because there is no overwhelming title favorite. A legitimate case could be made for any of these five teams. The West is a roll of the dice, with several dark horses looming (Memphis, LAC, LAL). The East is mostly a Big 3, but the separation between them is razor thin, and there is no clear favorite. Who do you have going to the Finals?