2023 NBA Season: Player Award Predictions & Odds

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Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

The 2023 NBA season is ready to start on Tuesday October 24. With a particularly gifted draft class, 30 groups are set to compete for an NBA Championship. With a number of off season strikes by numerous groups, the Denver Nuggets will look to defend their title. For the subsequent 82 video games, we gives you the percentages, statistics and our greatest predictions for the 2023 Most Beneficial Participant, Most Improved, Rookie of the 12 months, and extra. Let’s check out the books and focus on which group is most probably to win a title this season. Can the Denver Nuggets run it again? Will Jokic win back-to-back MVPs? Here is some info to know:

We might come from completely different cities and we might root for various groups, however one factor we’ll all the time have in frequent: EVERYONE’S GAME 🏀

The NBA is BACK on Tuesday, 10/24! #KiaTipOff23 pic.twitter.com/YRlxApyWhK

— NBA (@NBA) October 6, 2023

The 2023-24 NBA MVP might be ______!

NBA Tip-Off 2023 is introduced by @HisenseCA. pic.twitter.com/oAAkPfaUEK

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) October 23, 2023

Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: +450

Prepared for the common season 🃏

25 PTS / 14 REB / 8 AST / 1 STL pic.twitter.com/lpDNUa0H32

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 20, 2023

2022-2023 Season Stats :PPG: 24.5 | FG: 63.2 % | 3 PT: 38.3 % | FT: 82.2% | REB: 11.8 | AST: 9.8 | STL: 1.3 | BLK:0.7

Nikola Jokic definitely had himself a season final 12 months. Falling simply in need of his third MVP title, the massive man led the Denver Nuggets to their first Championship title in franchise historical past. The Joker had an unbelievable season, through which some would say he was deserving of the award. Seeking to win the MVP award for the third time in 4 seasons, Jokic led the league in triple doubles, and participant impression estimate. The primary participant with 2000 factors, 1000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a season (2022), the Joker averaged profession highs in area aim share (62.3 p.c), and assists.

Named Finals MVP, for Jokic to win once more, he merely must play his recreation. In his Prime, No. 15 is likely one of the most dominant Facilities within the league, subsequent to Embiid. The favourite to win all of it, the Nuggets star must depend on the well being of his teammates, which has been a previous challenge. Though the Nuggets regressed barely of their roster, Nikola Jokic ought to have loads of expertise round him, together with Jamaal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. Given he hasn’t performed lower than 69 video games in his eight-year profession, Jokic is a primary candidate for MVP this season.

Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks: +500

Magic from the primary 🪄 pic.twitter.com/06Fz2hUgcJ

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 10, 2023

2022-2023 Season Stats: PPG: 32.4 | FG: 49.6% | 3 PT: 34.2 % | FT: 74.2% | REB: 8.6 | AST: 8 | STL: 1.4 | BLK:0.5
By no means having gained the NBA Most Beneficial Participant Award, Luka Dončić stays one of the vital prolific level guards within the league. With the addition of Kyrie Irving, and several other key items, Dončić’s probabilities of MVP might lower. In his first full season with Irving, we are going to see if Dončić gravitates extra on than off ball. With Kyrie resigning with Dallas, the world is ready to see the complete chemistry between him and Dončic, particularly with two ball dominant guards. That in itself is a big think about figuring out whether or not he’s able to the award.

Averaging a profession excessive 32.4 factors final season, Dončić shot a profession greatest 49.6 p.c from the sphere, and recorded 1.4 steals a recreation. Extraordinarily gifted, and among the finest within the recreation, the well being of No. 77 stays a difficulty. Having missed the 2022-2023 playoffs, Dončić has but to play a full season, averaging 66 video games performed his five-year profession. Only one recreation above the brink to be thought of for awards, he hasn’t performed over 70 video games for the reason that 2018-2019 season.

By means of 66 video games performed final season, Dončić completed second in factors, behind Embiid, and fourth in area targets made per recreation (11.1).

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: +550

Thanks for popping out and see you Thursday! pic.twitter.com/FqxtP98lQQ

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 22, 2023

2022-2023 Season Stats : PPG: 31.1 | FG: 55.3 % | 3 PT: 27.5 % | FT: 64.5 % | REB: 11.8 | AST: 5.7 | STL: 0.8 | BLK:0.8

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak” stays among the finest gamers presently within the NBA. Greater than only a scorer, Antetokounmpo was named All-NBA First Staff, alongside Luka Dončić, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Three years faraway from profitable an NBA Championship, Milwaukee conceded to the Miami Warmth 4-1 in final 12 months’s Jap Convention Semifinals. With Giannis primarily damage for the collection, together with accidents to Khris Middleton, the Bucks gave Antetokounmpo an early Christmas current. The acquisition of veteran Damian Lillard ought to present large spacing for Giannis, making them a high duo within the league.

Lillard and Antetokounmpo have the aptitude to dominate the decide and roll, and Damian Lillard will give Giannis a wholesome, constant choice to cross out to. Though unclear if the addition will assist or damage his stats, Giannis ought to create alternatives for Dame. With Lillard taking consideration away from Antetokounmpo, I count on a monumental shift on offense for the massive man. Have not performed over 70 video games for the reason that 2018-2019 season, Antetokounmpo has primarily spent the offseason therapeutic a knee damage.

Coming off a profession season in factors per recreation (31.1), No. 34 has an actual shot of profitable MVP, and has averaged a double-double the previous six seasons.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: +650

the massive fella. @SternCohenLaw1 pic.twitter.com/Ki9yLbzqRg

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 20, 2023

2022-2023 Season Stats :PPG: 33.1 | FG: 85.7 % | 3 PT: 33 % | FT: 85.7% | REB: 10.2 | AST: 4.2 | STL: 1 | BLK: 1.7

Joel Embiid is the reigning 2022-2023 NBA MVP, his first in his seven-year profession. One of the vital dominant massive males within the recreation, Embiid averaged highs in minutes performed (34.6), three-throw share (85.7), factors (33.1), and area aim share (54.8). As dominant as he’s inside, Embiid is a real middle, who can stretch the ground, remaining a risk past the perimeter. Probably the greatest defensive threats within the league, No. 21 completed with over 1.7 blocks and one steal per recreation.

Should you recall, Embiid completed the season on a tear, together with a 52-point efficiency towards the Boston Celtics in the direction of the top of the season. With the fourth greatest odds to win the award, Embiid finds himself but once more in the midst of a raveled franchise. Having handled the same challenge prior with Ben Simmons, Sixers guard James Harden has requested a commerce out of Philadelphia. His absence from coaching camp primarily leaves Maxey and Embiid because the core items of the group.

Whereas he is managed to remain wholesome the final two seasons, Embiid hasn’t performed over 68 video games in his whole profession. Deemed wholesome, the massive man can have the duty of carrying the 76ers whereas they fill the Harden void beneath new coach Nick Nurse.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: +800

Protection➡️Offense pic.twitter.com/bMwyMkqIum

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 19, 2023

2022-2023 Season Stats :PPG: 30.1 | FG: 36.6 % | 3 PT: 35 % | FT: 85.4 % | REB: 8.8 | AST: 4.6 | STL: 1.1 | BLK:0.7

After six seasons beneath his belt, it appears as if it is championship or bust for Jayson Tatum and the Celtics, am I proper? On a totally loaded roster, Tatum averaged profession highs in factors (30.1), assists (4.6), rebounds (8.8), and minutes performed (36.9). Though it looks like an extended shot, Tatum is getting into the prime of his profession, alongside Jaylen Brown. Showing in 9 straight playoffs, the Boston Celtics have excessive expectations this season, and likewise for Tatum.

In addition to Tatum carried out with Brown within the lineup, Brad Stevens acquired Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Vacation, amongst others. Understanding what it takes to sacrifice to win, it is unclear if the additions to the Celtics roster will hinder Tatum’s MVP case. We have seen Tatum elevate his recreation, and rise to the highest, though his shot choice can enhance. One of many more healthy candidates, No.0 has performed over 70 video games in two straight seasons.

Totally wholesome, can Jayson Tatum lead the Celtics to their first banner for the reason that 08 season? If that’s the case, it could take sacrifice from all gamers to realize their championship targets.

Darkish horse candidate: Shai Gilgeous Alexander: +1600

Our Prediction: Nikola Jokic: +450

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: -125

👀We won’t cease watching Wemby

He is +100 to win ROTY

15 factors| 4 blocks | 1 steal | 3 rebounds

(by way of @KevinOConnorNBA )pic.twitter.com/8o3CQd4OzU

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) October 21, 2023

Again in June, Victor Wembanyama was chosen first general by the San Antonio Spurs. Thought of the largest generational expertise since LeBron James, Wembanyama hasn’t disillusioned within the preseason. Standing at 7′ 4, Wemby is extremely athletic for his dimension, and might stretch the ground, capturing from lengthy vary. With a shaky summer season league debut, the French sensation has lived as much as the hype ever since, giving followers a glimmer of hope submit Duncan and Ginobili period.

Favored the win the MVP at -125 odds, it is onerous to fade that right here. I’ll go forward and make a daring prediction Wembanyama may probably be included within the MVP dialog. Surrounded by a younger Spurs core led by Greg Popovich, Wembanyama is the perfect participant on this draft class, by a mile. No. 1 is a participant that may have an immediate impression on each side of the ground and has already present cased abilities which query if he is even human. With an eight-foot wingspan, it’ll be practically unattainable for gamers to attain over him on a nightly foundation.

In 4 preseason video games, Wemby is averaging 19.3 factors, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and one steal. He is eight general within the preseason rankings, main all rookies.

Scoot Henderson, Portland Trailblazers : +240

Shaedon Sharpe
Anfernee Simons
Scoot Henderson

The Blazers younger core is enjoyable 🔥

(🎥 @IQfor3) pic.twitter.com/stxUjA1m8p

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 17, 2023

The Portland Trailblazers shocked the NBA world once they drafted Scoot Henderson third general from G-League Ignite. The obvious inheritor to Damian Lillard, Portland finally traded their celebrity to the Milwaukee Bucks. Henderson now joins a enjoyable Blazers younger core, and a crowded backcourt of Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe.

Henderson ought to slide into the beginning position as level guard, though the acquisition of Malcom Brogdon might problem him for minutes. With the departure of Lillard, Portland additionally gained middle Deandre Ayton alongside Jerami Grant. The magnitude of the guard’s position is unclear this 12 months, particularly with such younger expertise round him.

Out as a result of an damage within the Summer season League, Henderson had underwhelming preseason. Averaging solely 13.5 factors per recreation, the purpose guard dished out greater than 5 assists, and completed beneath 30 p.c from three. Infamous for his explosiveness, Henderson ought to get loads of assaults to the basket.

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: +280

The BEST PLAYS from Chet Holmgren’s 2023 #NBAPreseason ⛈️

OKC opens their season towards the Bulls on Oct. 25 (8pm/et on the NBA App) pic.twitter.com/o8hqiaD8MR

— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2023

Middle Chet Holmgren stands at 7 foot 1 and was drafted 2nd general in 2022 draft by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. It is a essential time for Holmgren, who was out for your entire 2022-2023 season as a result of a Lisfranc damage on his proper foot. Very similar to Wembanyama, Holmgren has a particularly versatile ability set, particularly for his dimension.

Holmgren will be part of a younger, gifted Thunder group, led by Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams amongst others. Able to make a direct impression, Holmgren impressed in preseason, particularly towards Wembanyama. There is no doubt Holmgren will be part of a Thunder group that desperately wants a giant man who can defend. In 4 preseason video games, the middle averaged 16.3 factors, 5 rebounds, and a couple of blocks.

Seen going head-to-head towards Wemby, the league ought to be in for an actual deal with with Holmgren. As a lot as I like Holmgren as a Rookie of the 12 months Candidate, SGA is my darkish horse MVP winner, and might be scoring a majority for the Thunder. I imagine it should take just a few years for Holmgren to actually showcase all of his capabilities.

Darkish horse candidate: Cam Whitmore: +2500

Our Prediction: Victor Wembanyama: -120

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets: +800

Mikal Bridges finishes the BEAUTIFUL fastbreak 😤pic.twitter.com/qUVIZ5BzHZ

— Nets Nation (@NetsNationCP) October 19, 2023

Brooklyn Nets ahead Mikal Bridges is the overwhelming favourite to win most improved participant after he was included within the Kevin Durant commerce. A lockdown defender, Bridges completed the season with 20.1 factors, 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per recreation. After spending his first 5 seasons in Phoenix, the ahead exploded in 27 video games with the Brooklyn Nets. No. 1 averaged 26.1 factors, 2.7 assists, 1 steal, and 4.5 rebounds together with his new group. Efficient from lengthy vary, Bridges confirmed giant manufacturing in such a brief period of time. With sooner or later till tip off, Bridges is predicted to be focus of this group and is predicted to remove the award.

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers: +1000

TYR3S3. pic.twitter.com/8xCZ4gcYpN

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 21, 2023

Tyrese Maxey appears to have the complete inexperienced mild by the Philadelphia 76ers group. Below new coach Nick Nurse, the 76ers refused to incorporate Maxey in any commerce negotiations. With a disgruntled James Harden, Maxey might be left carrying this group, together with Joel Embiid. That is if Harden is traded, he is technically nonetheless a member of the 76ers. Actually a rising star within the NBA, Maxey averaged profession highs in factors (20.3), and three-point share (43.4).

It is a monumental alternative for Maxey, who did not obtain a contract extension, and within the wake of Harden holding out. Now might be his time to shine and show why he is one of the vital elite shooters and rising stars within the league. For essentially the most half, gamers sometimes play with somewhat bit extra tenacity on contract years.

Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards: +1100

JP in simply 27 minutes tonight. 😮‍💨#ForTheDistrict | @CapitalOne pic.twitter.com/pJ1e3ZTehp

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 19, 2023

Jordan Poole lastly bought a recent begin, after a tumultuous time with the Golden State Warriors. Averaging over 20 factors with the Warriors, Poole will be part of a Washington Wizards group, the place he might be a starter. With numerous accidents to the Warriors, Poole was capable of common over 24 factors as a starter for Steve Kerr, which is extraordinarily spectacular. On a revamped Wizards roster, search for Poole to prepared the ground, with the departure of Bradley Beal. Not a finalist after filling for the injured Klay Thompson, search for Poole to steer this core, together with Kyle Kuzma.

Darkish horse candidate: Desmond Bane

Our Prediction: Mikal Bridges

Boston Celtics: +400

2022-2023 Standings: 57-25 2nd in Jap Convention

The Boston Celtics have not gained an NBA Championship since 2008 and have made 9 straight postseason appearances. On Media Day, Boston Celtics Administration talked about they’re all in on banner 18, and effectively past this season. After a heartbreaking recreation 7 loss to the Miami Warmth within the Jap Convention Finals, it was obvious Boston wanted to reconstruct their lineup.

The Celtics finally parted methods with Marcus Good and Grant Williams and bought Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Vacation. Signing Jaylen Brown to a multiyear extension was essential for the Celtics, as Brown and Jayson Taytum proceed to develop alongside one another.

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla will now have a full season beneath his belt, after taking up the firing of Ime Udoka. With a really top-heavy roster, the Celtics will rotate between a double-big lineup, and a smaller lineup of Derrick White and Jrue Vacation. If the Celtics can keep wholesome and develop chemistry, they’ve an actual shot of profitable all of it.

Milwaukee Bucks: +400

2022-2023 Standings: 58-24, 1st in Jap Convention

The Milwaukee Bucks completed first within the Jap Convention, regardless of an damage riddled season. Giannis Antetokounmpo sadly suffered an damage within the Jap Semifinals towards the Miami Warmth, through which they misplaced the collection. With the acquisition of Damiam Lillard, the Bucks will obtain a pure born scorer, along with Giannis and Khris Middleton. To me, the Bucks and the Celtics are the clear-cut favorites within the East, with each favored at +400 to win the NBA title.

Denver Nuggets: +550

2022-2023 Standings: 53-29, 1st in Western Convention

It has been somewhat over 130 days for the reason that Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Warmth to win their first NBA Championship. For essentially the most half, the Nuggets saved their core roster, apart from Bruce Brown. With an distinctive quantity of expertise within the West, Denver is more likely to face both the Suns or Lakers, or probably Warriors within the playoffs. So long as the Nuggets have Jokic and are wholesome, I see them competing for one more title this 12 months.

Phoenix Suns: +650

2022-2023 Standings: 45-37, 4th in Western Convention

The Phoenix Suns vastly disillusioned final 12 months, after buying and selling for Kevin Durant mid-season. After shedding recreation 5 and 6 towards Denver within the playoffs, it was obvious Phoenix wanted to work on their chemistry. This offseason, the Suns determined to maneuver on from veteran guard Chris Paul and bought Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. Transferring on from middle Deandre Ayton, the Suns will problem the Western Convention with a brand new massive three. Given Devin Booker performed with Chris Paul up to now, it is going to be fascinating to see if he performs extra off ball with Beal now in Phoenix.

With Jusuf Nurkic at middle, will the Suns be capable of sustain with Jokic within the west? In a top-heavy rotation, Phoenix is skinny in depth. We have seen Kevin Durant play with superstars up to now, is that this the 12 months he lastly will get his third championship?

Darkish horse candidate: Los Angeles Lakers : +1200

Our Prediction: Boston Celtics (+400)

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports activities Content material Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a deal with the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane presently resides in Connecticut/NYC space along with her Cat and Canine. SJ has her undergraduate diploma from the College of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in enterprise administration.