NBA: Predicting the top 9 scoring duos of the 2022-23 season
By Dan Knitzer
Predicting the NBA’s top-scoring duos of the 2022-23 season.
For the past few years, SCIC has allowed me to publish scoring predictions for the best NBA duos. This year, there appears to be the highest number of truly formidable offensive duos yet.
Therefore, teams with complementary scorers but no clear alpha like the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors won’t appear on this list, nor will some good second bananas like Darius Garland, Domantas Sabonis, Jamal Murray, or Dejounte Murray.
Let’s get to our predictions.
LA Clippers
Kawhi Leonard: 22 points per game
Paul George: 22 points per game
This is the lowest combined point-per-game duo I’ll include on this list. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will benefit from the almost unprecedented depth of this year’s Clippers roster. Don’t be surprised if neither player exceeds 32 minutes per game, or 65 games played in the year.
Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis: 24 points per game
LeBron James: 24 points per game
Every year, I’ve predicted Anthony Davis to finally seize control of the Los Angeles Lakers as his team, and every year he remains the clear No. 2 to LeBron. LeBron can’t keep playing high minutes per game forever, and I expect this will be the year that number decreases significantly, resulting in fewer shots and points.
Still, I’ve managed to hedge my bets with this prediction.