About two months after the end of the regular season NBA, the tops of the standings of the two Conferences of the US league are taking on a very different shape. In the Eastern he leads a group of four teams that closely follow each other, but among which the Celtics, who boast the best record of the season. The Western instead has only one ruler, i Nuggets of the unstoppable Jokic.
NBA: Celtics and Nuggets lead the league
With 41 victories out of 57 matches played, Boston continues its triumphal march. Not even the absences of Brown, Smart e Brogdon managed to slow down the men of Joe Mazzullathat yesterday they also overwhelmed the very good Grizzlies for the fourth consecutive victory. However, their next opponents will be the most in-form team in the NBA, as well as the main rivals for the throne of the Eastern grouping.
It is obviously about the Bucksdragged from Antetokounmpo in a 10-win streak that earned him second place in the Eastern standings. A challenge that has the flavor of an anticipated Conference final, and that re-proposes the one seen in the semi-final series of the last playoffs. The Celtics won it 4-3, then became runners-up in the league. This time, however, the duel between the Greek champion and Tatum may have a different outcome.
Denver, however, appears to be unrivaled, comfortably leading the Western league with a 40-18 record. Important numbers for a team that finished only sixth last year, and then eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual champions Golden State. Waiting for the signature of Reggie Jacksonthe Nuggets enjoy one Jokic MVP version. The best player of the last two NBA seasons is definitely aiming for a third crown, after having scored 6 triple-doubles in the last seven games, and 21 in total since the beginning of the season.
NBA, the favorites of the predictions
The situation in the rankings can only be reflected in the predictions relating to the victory of the 2023 Finals, which see bookmakers betting decisively on the triumph in Boston. Milwaukee follows close behind, confirming the perception of a more competitive Eastern Conference than Western.
To complete the podium of the favorites, however, there are the Nuggets, who have to settle for the wooden medal. The bronze, surprisingly, goes to the Suns. Phoenix is not having its best season, and with its current record of 31-27 it is only the fourth force in the Western grouping. But the last transfer window brought Arizona a reinforcement of the caliber of Kevin Durant. The former Nets player is currently sidelined with an injury, but will train with Devin Booker one of the potentially most effective offensive pairings in the NBA. And that many expect will make him feel all the weight of him in the post-season.
