The NBA season is right around the corner, and with it comes an abundance of teams that could make a lot of noise throughout the year. 

Some teams will hope to build off of encouraging play while others will look to improve outright following disappointing seasons. Every team will give it their best shot to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of the year, but only one team will be lucky enough to do so. 

Here are predictions for how teams will finish in the NBA season as well as individual end of the year awards. 

Championship contenders

Boston Celtics 

This is certainly no surprise to many. The Boston Celtics are the defending champions of the NBA, and they are essentially running back their roster from their championship run. The team is led by the electric duo of forward Jayson Tatum and guard Jaylen Brown, last year’s NBA Finals MVP. The team also features a quartet of some of the best supporting stars and role players in the league in centers Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis and guards Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. The combination of shot creating and defensive versatility will be a problem for every team in the NBA this season. 

Oklahoma City Thunder 

This group was one of the youngest teams in the NBA last year, but that didn’t stop them from taking the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. This year, the Thunder have reloaded in free agency by bringing in guard Alex Caruso, a defensive guru, and center Isaiah Hartenstein, a rim-protecting enforcer. They join what’s already a stacked lineup that includes forward Jalen Williams, center Chet Holmgren and last year’s MVP runner-up, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The team’s defensive ferociousness and depth will allow them to compete at the highest level this season. Although this team is still very young, it is hungry and experienced, and that’s a scary combination. 

New York Knicks 

The Knicks were one of the most fun teams to watch last year, and for good reason. The team built a reputation for its scrappy and physical play as injuries slowed the Knicks down in the playoffs, but the team is now fully healthy as it looks to regroup for this season. The Knicks made noise in the off-season by trading for center Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the best three-point shooting big men in the league, as well as Mikal Bridges, one of the best two-way players in the league. He joins forces with guard Jalen Brunson, a crafty scorer and MVP finalist last season. Similar to the Celtics, the team is loaded with two-way talent such as forwards Josh Hart and OG Anunoby. The team will definitely rely on its two-way play down the stretch this year.  

Denver Nuggets 

The NBA champions of two seasons ago, the Nuggets still have a roster worthy of title contention. The Nuggets have what some consider to be the best player in the world in center Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP is a nightly triple-double threat who can beat teams with his scoring and facilitating ability. The team also has the perfect companion to Jokic in guard Jamal Murray, a three-level scorer that can be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Forwards Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. round the team out as solid role players. The Nuggets will hope to ride Jokic’s dominant play to stay ahead of other teams throughout the season. 

Philadelphia 76ers 

The 76ers dealt with injuries throughout last season but still managed to make a postseason run despite the setbacks and roster concerns. This year, they seem primed to make noise after making a splash in free agency by signing forward Paul George, one of the most coveted players in the offseason. The addition of George creates a gnarly big three on the 76ers, as he joins center Joel Embiid ( a former MVP) and guard Tyrese Maxey (reigning Most Improved Player). The three of them are sure to create problems for opposing teams — however, there are health concerns related to Embiid and George’s history. If the group can stay healthy, their combined offensive prowess will be hard to stop for even the best defenses. 

Dallas Mavericks 

The NBA Finals runner-ups last season, the Mavericks are sure to be a force once again this year. The team has a great mix of veteran and young talent, headlined by the prolific backcourt duo of guards Kyrie Irving and MVP finalist Luka Doncic. Similar to Jokic, Doncic is also regarded by some as the best player in the world due to his dazzling scoring and passing abilities. The Mavericks also brought in sharp-shooting guard Klay Thompson to shore up its three-point shooting. He joins several three-point threats on the roster, with the most notable being forward PJ Washington and guard Quentin Grimes. The team will hope to ride its ability to space the floor and shoot lights out to retake the Western Conference. 

Teams to look out for 

Memphis Grizzlies 

The Grizzlies were shredded by injuries last year and failed to make the postseason entirely. However, they’re fully healthy and expected to wreak havoc in the Western Conference this year. They’re led by a human highlight reel, guard Ja Morant, whose incredible athleticism makes him a matchup issue for opposing defenses. He’s supported by one of the most prolific defenders in the NBA, forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and one of the best three-point shooters, guard Desmond Bane. With the addition of rookie center Zach Edey, the reigning Naismith College Player of the Year, the Grizzlies are sure to get back to the top of the conference for a postseason run. 

Orlando Magic 

Similar to the Thunder, the Magic were one of the youngest teams in the league last year. Despite the inexperience, the Magic earned a top five seed in the Eastern Conference and only look to improve. Forward Paolo Banchero is entering his third year in the league, and many are calling him a dark horse MVP candidate. He’s joined by other young and budding talent in guard Jalen Suggs and forward Franz Wagner. The Magic also made a free-agency splash by signing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion who looks to inspire the team with his much needed veteran presence. If the Magic’s young talent can take another step forward, the sky’s the limit for this team. 

Houston Rockets 

The Rockets are another young team with a good mix of veterans. The team has one of the deepest rosters in the league, headlined by flashy guard Jalen Green, physical forward Dillon Brooks, up-and-coming center Alperen Sengun and agile guard Fred VanVleet. The Rockets also drafted guard Reed Sheppard, one of the best three-point shooters in college last season. The Rockets main problem has been trying to make their roster mesh together — they had some success towards the end of last season but failed to make the playoffs. Expect this team to stay hot and finally put it together for a postseason run. This team has too much talent and hunger to not do so. 

New Orleans Pelicans 

The Pelicans have always been a team sitting on the edge of the postseason, but with a healthy roster and trade acquisition of two-way guard Dejounte Murray, this team might finally be able to get over the hump and make some noise this season. The team’s bane has always been the health of its stars in forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and they should be good to go for the start of the season. The team’s defensive versatility and numerous players that can take over offensively on a nightly basis also provides reason to be excited about this team going forward. 

NBA Standings Predictions 

Eastern Conference 

1. Boston Celtics 
2. New York Knicks 
3. Philadelphia 76ers 
4. Orlando Magic 
5. Milwaukee Bucks 
6. Cleveland Cavaliers 
7. Miami Heat 
8. Indiana Pacers 
9. Chicago Bulls 
10. Atlanta Hawks 
11. Toronto Raptors 
12. Charlotte Hornets 
13. Detroit Pistons 
14. Washington Wizards 
15. Brooklyn Nets 

Western Conference 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder 
2. Denver Nuggets 
3. Dallas Mavericks 
4. Memphis Grizzlies 
5. Minnesota Timberwolves 
6. New Orleans Pelicans 
7. Houston Rockets 
8. Phoenix Suns 
9. Los Angeles Lakers 
10. San Antonio Spurs 
11. Sacramento Kings
12. Los Angeles Clippers 
13. Golden State Warriors 
14. Portland Trail Blazers 
15. Utah Jazz

NBA awards predictions 

Most Valuable Player: Luka Doncic 

Projected Stats: 34.7 points/9.1 rebounds/11.2 assists/1.6 steals 

Doncic has been in the MVP conversation for the last few years, but it finally seems like this might be the year. He’s fresh off a Finals appearance, and this Mavericks roster should unlock his full potential on both offense and defense. 

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama  

Projected Stats: 27.7 points/13.9 rebounds/5.4 assists/1.8 steals/5.2 blocks

This pick feels like a guarantee as long as Wembanyama can stay healthy throughout the season. Wembanyama’s size and skills give him the perfect tools to be an elite rim protector, and he’s already shown the ability in his rookie season. Expect him to only get better.  

Rookie of the Year: Zach Edey

Projected Stats: 14.3 points/12.8 rebounds/2.8 assists/2.5 blocks  

Out of all rookies, Edey is going into the best possible position. His front-court mate, Jaren Jackson Jr., is a fantastic perimeter defender and floor spacer, and his point guard is the explosive Ja Morant. Edey will be trusted mainly as a lob threat, rebounder, post-scorer and rim protector, a role he’s excelled at since his early days at Purdue. 

Coach of the Year: Nick Nurse 

This is a very difficult award to predict given the unpredictability of the NBA season, but Nurse has the best shot to win it. The 76ers can only improve given the addition of George, and Nurse should have a lot of fun making game plans given his new star trio. The coach has a reputation as one of the best strategists in the league. 

Most Improved Player: Jalen Green  

Projected Stats: 25.3 points/5.8 rebounds/4.1 assists

Green has yet to live up to his draft hype as the No. 2 overall draft pick in the 2021 draft class, but this is the year he puts it all together. He showed flashes towards the end of last season, and I think he’ll keep that momentum going. The Rockets’ roster and depth should give him ample opportunities to showcase his talents. 

Sixth Man of the Year: Donte DiVincenzo  

Projected Stats: 16.3 points/3.9 rebounds/2.5 assists/1.8 steals 

DiVincenzo is fresh off his best NBA season, and he’ll likely be thrust into an even bigger role as the top three-point shooter for the Timberwolves. Expect him to keep up his strong play, especially with the Timberwolves giving up Karl-Anthony Towns.   

Clutch Player of the Year: Jalen Brunson 

Projected Stats: 29.4 points/3.5 rebounds/7.1 assists

Since becoming a Knick, Brunson has always been considered “that guy” as the team’s undisputed closer. With an improved Eastern Conference, the Knicks may find themselves in several close games throughout the year. Expect Brunson to make big shots down the stretch to win these games. 

NBA Finals Matchup: New York Knicks vs Dallas Mavericks 

Winner: Mavericks (4-2) 

Last year’s Finals runner-ups will overcome a scrappy and defensively stout Knicks team to win the second championship in team history. The Mavericks will ride strong performances from Doncic, Irving and center Dereck Lively II en route to the victory. Brunson and Hart play their hearts out, but it’s not enough to overcome a strong-willed Mavericks team. 

NBA Finals Most Valuable Player: Luka Doncic 

Projected Series Stats: 37.2 points/12.3 rebounds/11.4 assists/1.8 steals

Doncic cements his status as an all-time great with a historic Finals performance, as he exercises demons from his championship performance last year. 

John Engoglia is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].