NBA: Way-too-early bold pre-season playoff predictions for the 2023-24 season

Our way-too-early pre-season playoff predictions for the 2023-24 NBA season. 

The 2023-24 NBA season is here and while it may be a bit premature, this is the time when predictions take center stage. Playing the prediction game is fun. Hope is at an all-time high for all teams and while it may not be entirely fair, predicting how the season will play out is an entertaining exercise.

Let’s get to our way-too-early pre-season playoff predictions for the upcoming NBA season.

NBA Pre-season Playoff Predictions

Western Conference Play-In Tournament teams

7. Sacramento Kings 

8. LA Clippers 

9. Minnesota Timberwolves 

10. Houston Rockets 

Admittedly, the Western Conference is going to be difficult to predict. It’s deep and there are many teams that could be viewed as potential candidates to make the Play-In Tournament. However, there has to be a cut-off, and some tough decisions need to be made. Let’s begin with the Sacramento Kings.

I predict they’ll finish in the 7th slot and after taking a bit of a step back this season, they’ll still find a way to make the dance. The LA Clippers are another team that I believe is going to struggle this season. Of course, the acquisition of James Harden could change that but I’m not confident that’s something that’s going to happen at this point.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are basically going to be what they were last season and I still think they need to figure out the Karl-Anthony Towns/Rudy Gobert dynamic. The one “surprise” is the Houston Rockets. I believe they’re going to be better than most think and they’re going to make it in the Play-In Tournament.