We are just past the quarter-way point of the 2023/24 NBA regular season, and, to an extent, everything is going as expected.
By that, we mean there hasn’t been too much in the way of shocks. By and large, those teams expected to do well have performed well, and those who weren’t haven’t.
Of course, there are exceptions: Both the Timberwolves and Thunder are exceeding expectations. And we might argue that nobody expected the San Antonio Spurs to be this bad.
But as we trundle toward 2024, who are the struggling teams that still might turn things around?
Which teams have not been just as bad as their record shows?
Those live betting on NBA games will tell you that momentum can shift in a single moment, and there is still plenty of time for teams to get it right.
Let’s have a look at who should improve – and who is improving – after a sluggish start:
Golden State Warriors
Despite having a losing record and currently being out of the Playoff spots, there is confidence that GSW can turn things around. They remain among the favorites to win the NBA Championship, albeit a long way behind the top contenders like the Boston Celtics.
Nonetheless, the consensus is that the Warriors can start moving up the standings, although they have some quality to overhaul in the Western Conference.
Prediction: Experience and nous will see the Warriors reach the Playoffs again.
LA Clippers
It’s quite an easy one because the Clippers’ resurgence has already started in December, and it looks like it will continue as they have been impressive in recent weeks.
The Clippers’ good form has been aided by James Harden, who agreed to join the team in November. Harden, while not everyone’s idea of a stability player, has added experience and guile to the team, as well as a lot of quality.
Prediction: A team growing in confidence and with blue-chip additions like Harden can be a dangerous foe in the Playoffs.
Miami Heat
Miami lost four of the five opening games, so it was thought that last season’s surprise NBA Finalists might be in trouble. But the Heat have been grinding away all through November and December, largely thanks to superb performances from Bam Adebayo.
A nice run in November, in particular, which included wins over the Nets, Lakers, and Grizzlies, set the tone for Miami’s resurgence, and they look well-placed to make it into the Playoffs again.
Prediction: A run to the NBA Finals may be beyond them this year, but Miami will have another winning season and a chance to do some damage in the Playoffs.
New York Knicks
Like Miami, the Knicks had a poor start to the season. And, like Miami, they have stabilized things to start showing what they can really do on the court.
Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have been the undoubted stars of the show, and there is now a growing consensus that the Knicks can reach the Playoffs for the second time in two seasons – something they haven’t done in a decade.
Prediction: Tom Thibodeau guides the Knicks to the Playoffs again. And more importantly, he shows that the franchise is building something for the future.
