With a September 9th, 2022 release date, NBA 2K23 content is sure to come in heaps over the next few weeks. But from everything we’ll learn about the upcoming esports title until then. Nothing excites basketball fans more than official player and team ratings.
With the ratings just around the corner, it’s time to make some predictions about what the top 10 teams will look like in NBA 2K23.
NBA 2K23 – Top 10 Team Predictions
10) Minnesota Timberwolves – NBA 2K22 OVR 81
The Timberwolves almost beat the Memphis Grizzlies with 56 wins in the first round of the playoffs last season. Including keeping them 10 points clear in the fourth quarter of Game 6. Not only that, but the organization just brought in star center Rudy Gobert. This means they now have two front court players (Gobert and Towns) who could easily command 90 OVRs in NBA 2K23. Add that to rising superstar Anthony Edwards and steady contributions from D’Angelo Russell, and Minnesota should have one of the better overall ratings in the game.
Prediction – 82 (+1)
9) Los Angeles Clippers – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Heading in the opposite direction we have the Los Angeles Clippers. On the pitch they will have both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard back at full strength, the latter of whom was out all year with a cruciate ligament rupture. Also, they just signed point guard John Wall, who always boasts a solid 2K rating. Now, NBA 2K ratings don’t typically affect real-life injuries, which is why the Clippers have maintained a solid rating in NBA 2K22. However, since this team didn’t lose any key players, they will get their two stars back in the lineup. You should once again have one of the better ratings in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 82 (+0)
8) Los Angeles Lakers – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers were another team out due to injuries and inconsistencies. Anthony Davis played less than half the regular season and subsequently missed the playoffs. While Russell Westbrook had his worst statistical season yet. Whether or not Westbrook will be traded remains to be seen, but this team’s NBA 2K rating should remain the same. LeBron has had an incredible MVP-worthy year, which should help her rating a bit. They also added solid depth with Lonnie Walker, Thomas Bryant and Juan Toscano-Anderson.
Prediction – 82 (+0)
7) Atlanta Hawks – NBA 2k22 OVR 82
At the other end of the spectrum we have the Atlanta Hawks. After a surprise trip to the 2020-21 Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks fell dramatically last season. Including a brutal five-game loss to the Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Nonetheless, the front office made quite a splash this summer when they brought in All-Star guard Dejounte Murray. Formulating a deadly trio of Murray, Trae Young and John Collins. All should be at the top for their respective positions as NBA 2K23 ratings drop.
Prediction – 83 (+1)
6) Miami Heat – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Losing PJ Tucker certainly won’t be easy, but NBA 2K ratings have never been “elite” in the slightest sense of the imagination. When fully healthy, the Miami Heat are arguably the most balanced team in the NBA. Featuring a trio of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry. Not to mention a solid supporting cast that includes sixth man of the year Tyler Herro, sharp-shooting forward Duncan Robinson and talented two-way winger Max Strus. This team should once again achieve a high rating in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 83 (+1)
Related: NBA 2K23 – Top 10 Point Guard Predictions
5) Milwaukee Bucks – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
The Bucks were another team that struggled with inconsistencies last season. Despite finishing the regular season with 51 wins and the second-best tally in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated in the semi-finals of the conference and suffered a major loss from All-Star Khris Middleton’s injury. Regardless, Giannis Antetokounmpo was one of the top-rated players in NBA 2K22 and somehow got even better last season and nearly took home his Tier 3 MVP. Additionally, the team didn’t lose any significant players and even snapped up three-point specialist Joe Ingles on a low-end deal.
Prediction – 83 (+1)
4) Philadelphia 76ers – NBA 2K22 OVR 83
The Philadelphia 76ers were at times considered the favorites for the 2022-23 NBA championship. Until they failed in the semifinals of the Eastern Conference against the Miami Heat. Despite falling short of expectations last season, the front office was able to make some solid moves by bringing in PJ Tucker and they still have second place MVP, Joel Embiid, as well as James Harden. Not to mention Tyrese Maxey, who is also set to get a higher rating in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 83 (+0)
3) Phoenix Suns – NBA 2K22 OVR 83
After nearly winning their first-ever NBA championship in 2020-21, the Suns came close to being eliminated in the first round of the 2022 playoffs. Then, to make matters worse, they lost in the next round to a Dallas Mavericks team led by Luka Doncic. All of their big stars fought, including Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker. Still, Ayton just signed a big deal to stay in Phoenix and this team hasn’t lost any key players from last year. They also had the best record in the NBA last season, and most of their core is in the prime (or just beginning) of their careers.
Prediction – 83 (+0)
2) Boston Celtics – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
There is arguably no team in the NBA that has improved its stock more than the Boston Celtics. After an ugly 19-21 start earlier in the year, Boston teamed up to win the next 35 of 41 games. Before they exploded in the playoffs en route to their first NBA Finals since 2010. Jayson Tatum proved to be one of the best small forwards in the league, Jaylen Brown one of the best shooting guards, and Marcus Smart one of the best point guards. Not only that, but the team somehow found a way to bring Malcolm Brogdon into the mix. There’s no way they won’t walk away with one of the better ratings in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 84 OVR (+2)
1) Golden State Warriors – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Sure, the Warriors lost Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., both of whom played a role in Golden State winning the NBA title last season. However, they also have basketball’s best player, Steph Curry, All-Star (and near Finals MVP), Andrew Wiggins and a rising superstar in Jordan Poole. You should also see improvements from youngsters Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman. They all dominated Summer League 2022. I’m sure adding Donte DiVincenzo won’t hurt either. It’s certainly an aging core, but I doubt NBA 2K23 will care. This team deserves the top spot once again.
Prediction – 84 OVR (+2)
That concludes our predictions for the top 10 teams in NBA 2K23. Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other NBA 2K23 content here at Gamer Journalist. Like all Michael Jordan Challenges in NBA 2K23, Explained or How to Adjust Dunking in NBA 2K23.
