NBA: How the playoff picture looks a month into the 2023-24 season
Buy or sell the biggest surprises in the early-season NBA playoff picture
Let's play the "BUY or "SELL" exercise with a few of the biggest surprises in both conferences through the first month of the season. Let's start off with the Eastern Conference.
Orlando Magic - There's a lot to like about the Orlando Magic's start to the season. The fact that they're doing it on the defensive end is a positive sign. However, the one question I have is whether Paolo Banchero is ready to be a consistent No. 1 option over the course of the season. I guess we'll find out. Verdict: Sell
Indiana Pacers - The Indiana Pacers might be a year ahead of expectations. Tyrese Haliburton is having a sensational start to the season and may have already made the jump to stardom. While the Pacers have the best offense in the NBA, they also have the league's worst defensive rating by a large margin. I imagine that could end up being their downfall. Verdict: Sell
While I do believe that the Eastern Conference contenders are going to be more of what we've come to know recently, I think we could see some surprises in the Western Conference stick. Let's explore those possibilities.
Minnesota Timberwolves - I may be on an island here but I very much believe in the Minnesota Timberwolves. They have a great defense and a legit superstar in Anthony Edwards. They may not be best-in-the-West good but they have a good chance of finishing in the top 3 or 4. Verdict: Buy
Oklahoma City Thunder - I'm not entirely convinced that the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to finish as a top 6 seed in the Western Conference. For now, I still have to see them doing this over a longer period of time. However, the early returns do seem positive. Verdict: Sell
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Houston Rockets - I'm not sure how much staying power the Houston Rockets have but they've certainly been impressive on the defensive end of the floor. If they can remain strong on that end of the floor, perhaps this start to the season is sustainable.