Every new NBA season brings a fresh wave of excitement and the 2023-24 season is no different. If there's one game you absolutely cannot miss, it's the repeat of last year's finals between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat. Both teams are led by superstars who consistently deliver jaw-dropping performances. Nikola Jokić, at 28 years old, is looking to add to his already staggering stats. His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) last season was an impressive 31.4, putting him among the best in the league. Jimmy Butler, on the other hand, made headlines during the playoffs with his fearless play, averaging over 26 points per game. Trust me, when these two titans clash, it’s going to be basketball at its best.
There's a buzz around the newly revamped Los Angeles Lakers too. After falling short of expectations last season, they made significant changes in the off-season. LeBron James, who is entering his 21st season at the age of 39, remains a force of nature. His career average of 27.2 points per game speaks volumes about his scoring prowess. Alongside Anthony Davis, who had a career-high of 3.1 blocks per game last season, the Lakers are out to reclaim their spot at the top. The rivalry with the Golden State Warriors gets juicier, especially as Steph Curry, who now holds the record for the most three-pointers in NBA history, aims to continue his long-range shooting dominance. You can't miss their regular season showdowns for anything in the world. They rarely fail to deliver high-octane entertainment.
The Brooklyn Nets also promise some thrilling matchups this season. After a tumultuous last couple of years, they've finally found stability. Mikal Bridges, the rising star they acquired from the Phoenix Suns, displayed incredible defensive skills, keeping opponents’ field goal percentage to just 41%. Alongside him, watch out for Nic Claxton, who is coming off a season where he led the league in field goal percentage at 67.4%. When they face off against Eastern Conference giants like the Milwaukee Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s bound to be a clash of titans. Giannis, who averaged 29.9 points and 11.6 rebounds last season, will test Brooklyn’s defense in ways few others can.
Speaking of the Bucks, it's going to be thrilling to see how they integrate Damian Lillard into their system. After being acquired in a blockbuster trade, Lillard brings his career average of 24.7 points and 6.6 assists per game to Milwaukee. Pairing him with Giannis will create one of the most formidable duos in recent memory. For context, Lillard scored 71 points in a game last season, showcasing his explosive capabilities. This combination alone makes any Bucks game worth watching, especially against teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, where Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, will be looking to assert his dominance in the paint.
Emerging talents are also catching attention this season. Look no further than the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, following his first All-Star appearance last season, has shown tremendous growth. His ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities is evident in his 31 points per game average. When the Thunder face off against teams with defensive stalwarts like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who led the league in defensive efficiency last season, you get to see pure, unfiltered competition—one star trying to break through a well-oiled defensive machine.
And then we have the Dallas Mavericks, with the ever-entertaining Luka Dončić. Last season, Luka averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, numbers reminiscent of prime-season triple-doubles. Paired now with Kyrie Irving, who added 27.0 points per game after joining the Mavs, the team is brimming with offensive firepower. When they face defensive giants like Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who’s won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times, it’s a battle of unstoppable offense meeting impenetrable defense.
If we’re talking about high-stakes emotional games, don’t overlook the matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Suns, now with Kevin Durant who boasts a career playoff scoring average of 29.5 points, have created quite the super team. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson of the Pelicans, who are both exciting to watch in their own right — Ingram with his silky smooth scoring and Zion with his sheer power and agility (when healthy) — make for a tantalizing encounter. Factor in basketball history buffs who know that Zion scored over 27 points per game in his second season, and you understand why the anticipation is palpable.
Like every year, Christmas Day games are ones to circle on your calendar. The NBA makes sure to feature marquee matchups on this day. Last year, we had the pleasure of watching the Celtics vs. Bucks, and both teams didn’t disappoint. This year, the rematch will have even higher stakes. Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, who poured in 30.1 points per game last season, squares off against Giannis. Both are young, hungry, and at the peak of their powers, making it a must-watch for any basketball aficionado.
The New York Knicks, buoyed by their playoff appearance last season, promise entertaining games this year too. Julius Randle, who averaged 25.1 points and 10.0 rebounds, leads the charge, but it’s Jalen Brunson’s contribution that stands out. Brunson, who was acquired from Dallas, averaged 24 points per game in the playoffs, showing he thrives under pressure. Games against Atlantic Division rivals like the Toronto Raptors are definitely worth tuning into, especially considering the fierce competition historically among these teams.
Lastly, don’t forget the international flavor the league has embraced so well. The San Antonio Spurs have brought in the most hyped rookie since LeBron James: Victor Wembanyama. At 7'4", with a wingspan of 8 feet, Victor is not just tall, he's incredible at stretching the floor and may redefine the center position in the modern NBA. He’s playing under Coach Gregg Popovich, who has the most wins in NBA history. Spurs games are now more intriguing than ever as we all want to see how this generational talent evolves.