NBA pre-season switches up the game

The NBA season is not what it used to be anymore, the entire league has changed and it will be a whole different ball game this year. 

This season has been off to a good start and has been going at a good pace. A lot of teams have been keeping it lowkey and allowing this time to have fun before the real season starts. 

The trades that happened earlier this year will make the difference between a winning team, and a losing team. 

Every team has been gentle so far in the preseason; during the regular season many teams will pick up the momentum, and that is when the true challenge will begin.

The Chicago Bulls are a great regular-season team, as they can accomplish a good amount against other teams.

Last season, the Chicago Bulls ended up ranking sixth, with 46 wins and 36 losses. Even though they lost one of their star players, Lonzo Ball, they still did a decent job. Hopefully this season they can rank higher with him back on the team and fully healthy.

Even with great star players, the Chicago Bulls are matched against so many teams that have playoff experience, like the Boston Celtics who went toe to toe with the NBA champions of last season, the Golden State Warriors. 

This can cause trouble for the Chicago Bulls, but they have a chance with players like Demar Derozan and Zach Lavine, who have been putting up amazing numbers and are reliable against tough opponents. 

I believe this season we will see the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season. With great team effort and excellent coaching, the trophy may make its way to Chicago this year. 

The Golden State Warriors won last year due to a lot of teams not being at their best. Many players were injured and could not play last season. Now, they are fully recovered and ready to play, which will change the game. 

On top of many star athletes coming back to the court this season, new techniques by players will help the teams that could not qualify last year to potentially make it this year.

The New Orlean Pelicans is a team to look out for this season, as their star player Zion Williamson is an excellent power forward. 

Williamson is ready for the upcoming 2022-2023 season. He already has eye-catching stats and is putting up big numbers for the team. 

The Boston Celtics are also a big threat this year. They were the finals contenders last season and held up well against the Golden State Warriors. If they improve their play style, they will have a chance of winning this year.

Historically, the Boston Celtics have always been a threat. They are still the team with the most championships and they have the second most finals appearances out of any team in the NBA. 

NBA is coming back, and I’m definitely excited to see what this season is going to bring fans.

This season has the potential to be one of the best yet. There is so much to look forward to, and fans will get to watch basketball in its prime. There are so many players at such an efficient level.

If each team keeps the momentum up, it will be interesting to see which team comes on top.

For the championship, my predictions are as such. The Chicago Bulls will make the playoffs, as previously stated, and they will last for a long time. If all members stay healthy and continue to play at the level they have been so far, they can at least make it to the semifinals.

For the champions of the 2022-23 season, there are three teams that come to mind — the first being the Golden State Warriors, who can take it for the second year in a row.

They are one of the most effective teams in the NBA at the moment. They have a great team roster with players such as Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

The younger players will also help carry the momentum that the starters bring to the team. Overall they are one of the best teams right now.

The second team that I believe can win it all are The Philadelphia 76ers. They always have an amazing regular season and play at a high level that can compete with the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets.

The Philadelphia 76ers have a great offensive and defensive team. With players such as Joel Embiid, a great all-around player, James Harden who is a great offensive player, and Tyrese Maxey who is an excellent point guard, this makes for a well-rounded team. 

The Milwaukee Bucks are my third pick to win. They are another team that are at their best this year and have some of the best team chemistry. 

Last season, the Milwaukee Bucks almost made it to the finals without their star player Kris Middleton, and would have made it to the finals if they had him. 

This season will be one to watch as superstar player Giannis Antetokounmpos has a lot to prove.

Let’s sit down and watch this season and enjoy great basketball. This season is going to be packed with amazing moments, and I’m sure we will be very surprised with who brings home the championship this 2022-2023 NBA season. 

Graphic by- Rachel Fratt