Early predictions for the forthcoming NBA season

The leaves are turning brown, and the days are getting shorter. It can only mean one thing. A new season of NBA action will soon be upon us! The regular season gets underway on October 18 with last season’s top teams in action. Reigning champions the Warriors will officially receive their championship rings before starting their defense against the visiting Lakers, while Eastern Conference champions the Celtics welcome the 76ers to TD Garden Arena.  

That’s just the start of a regular season that will encompass 1,230 games over a six-month period – see the full schedule at nba.com/schedule?cal=all&region=1. Here, we take a look at the season ahead and make a few bold predictions.  

Celtics will dominate the Eastern Conference 

Perhaps not too bold a prediction to start with, but many fancied the Celtics to go all the way last year, and they will still be smarting from falling at the final hurdle. Expect them to come back even stronger this year. Statistically, the Celtics are the most successful team in NBA history, and they will be all too well aware that they have only lifted the title once since the glory years of the 1980s. 

The Clippers will come of age 

Unlike the Celtics, the Clippers have no glorious record to protect. They will always be perceived as little brothers to the Lakers, but this year they have the belief, the firepower and the leadership to win 60+ games. The bookmakers are struggling to decide between the Clippers and the Warriors for a Western Conference favorite. If you feel like weighing in with a couple of dollars, take a look at https://www.gambleonline.co/sports-betting/nba-basketball/ to find the best deals and offers.  

Raptors could be a dark horse 

In 2019, the Raptors made history with their incredible finals victory over the Warriors. As the only NBA team with an entire nation’s expectations weighing on its shoulders, Toronto is no stranger to pressure. The bookmakers have them as 20-1 outsiders for the Eastern Conference and 40-1 long shots to repeat the heroics of 2019. Precious Achiuwa could prove to have been a vital signing, and he might just spell the difference between the Raptors mixing it in the playoffs and being consigned to the list of also rans.  

Don’t rule out the Pistons 

It’s almost 20 years since Detroit’s last Championship, and they have only made the playoffs once in the past 10 years. This year, they stand a chance of making a real splash in the Eastern Conference. Nobody is suggesting they will be collecting championship rings this time next year, but in Jaden Ivey, they have a real contender for Rookie of the Year, while Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duran are also tremendous talents. If you’re looking for a team that is sure to entertain and that has the potential to slay a giant or two in the weeks ahead, look no further than The Palace of Auburn Hills, where they will get their season started against the Orlando Magic on October 19.