Suplex’s 2023-24 NBA Regular Season Predictions

2023-24 NBA MVP - Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Luka has been a Top 5 player in the league arguably since the moment he first stepped foot on an NBA court. An MVP season has eluded him thus far, but not after this year. Doncic is finally playing with someone on the level of his own in Kyrie Irving. Playing a full season with Irving should help relieve him with the stress of constant defensive attention and double teams. I fully expect the Mavericks to be a Top 5 team in the West this year and Luka to put on a season worthy of an MVP.

2023-24 NBA Defensive Player of the Year - Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

This of course comes with a huge asterisk as Davis has been struggling mightily with staying healthy the past 3 years. But just using the eye test, I think we all know when healthy and available, AD is one of the best defensive players in the league. His shot blocking ability is possibly second to none and at his size he can move with anyone. The Lakers revenge tour is going to start on the defensive side of the ball and look for AD to lead that charge this year.

2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year - Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

This was my hardest prediction to make by far. Scoot has the second best odds to win ROY after Victor Wembanyama. It will be a close battle between the two all season but I just believe an 82 game schedule might be too grueling for Wembanyama this early in his career. Call me a little crazy not picking the greatest prospect since Lebron James, but just know Scoot Henderson is that guy!

2023-24 NBA Coach of the Year - Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder

A finalist for the award a year ago, Daigneault helped show that the future is bright in OKC. With Chet Holmgren returning from injury this year and SGA still playing at an All-NBA level, expect the Thunder to make a huge jump this season.

Top Seed in the Western Conference - Denver Nuggets

Regardless of all the noise the other teams in the west have made this offseason, the reigning NBA champions are still the team to beat.

Top Seed in the Eastern Conference - Boston Celtics

Milwaukee made the biggest splash this offseason but Boston countered them by acquiring Jrue Holiday. Adding Holiday and Porzingis to the mix makes this the most complete team in the East and sees the playoffs going through Boston come April.