The 2023-24 NBA season is off to an exciting start, with teams barreling towards the Christmas Day games and towards 2024. The Athletic’s first-quarter grades and thoughts on each team are now available, along with an update on the random team predictions prior to the season. The Power Rankings have been divided into seven new categories: from “Incomprehensibly bad” to “Contenders.” Some of the top contenders for this season are the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Denver Nuggets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Orlando Magic. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets are graded as “On the brink of contention.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a pleasant surprise, boasting the NBA’s best defense, while the Boston Celtics have been dominant with their preferred starting lineup. The Milwaukee Bucks are winning games despite some bad habits, while the Denver Nuggets might be a little listless in defending their title. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers have started the season strong, while the Orlando Magic’s young squad has shown flashes of brilliance. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets are playing well, with the Lakers winning the NBA Cup, and the Nets have yet to see their big three on the court.
As the season progresses, it is evident that these teams are set up for success and are determined to make their mark in the 2023-24 NBA season. As more games are played and the teams’ performances continue to unfold, the race to the championship becomes more intense and thrilling. Throughout it all, The Athletic’s NBA Power Rankings provide valuable insights and updates on the progress of each team, offering fans an exciting look into the season.
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