The 2023 NBA playoffs is officially here, and they’re 20 teams gearing up to make a run for the title.
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets are the number 1 seeds in this years playoffs. Both teams are looking to use their MVP caliber big-men and home field to their advantage. However, we’ve only seen the Bucks hoist the trophy at the end in 2021.
Although the Bucks are the No.1 seed in the East, the defending Eastern Conference champions Boston Celtics are the favorites. The Celtics came up short in the NBA Finals last season.
With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way, the Celtics are prime to capture another title.
Nonetheless, in the West Denver will need to push pass the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and the Memphis Grizzles. The Warriors are the defending NBA champions looking to continue their dominance over the NBA.
Memphis Grizzles
Memphis also went far in the playoffs last season. However, due to some injuries the Grizzles might run into significant issues. Not to mention, the pace of the game tends to slow down in the playoffs which can hurt the fast pace offense of the Grizzles.
Needless to say, the Grizzles will have to find ways to make up for the lack of pace and major injuries in the playoffs. Honestly, the Grizzles were closer to a championship caliber team in 2021-2022 playoffs compared to this year.
Phoenix Suns
Ultimately, the true favorites in the West are the Phoenix Suns. The Suns made a huge move when they added Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade. Durant has been a top-3 rated player since his second year in the league.
Durant won a two championships with the Warriors and appeared in 4 NBA Finals. He brings a veteran presence to a team looking to get over the hump.
With Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton in the mix, the Suns are in fact the best team in the West suited for the run at a championship.
Overall, the NBA playoffs will come down to only a few teams and these are our choices with the best chance to make the run.