Basketball is back. The NBA season kicks off tonight, and we at According 2 Hip Hop are going to break down what’s in store for the 2023-2024 season. This season we get a little European inspired competition with the first-ever NBA Cup, a phenom entering the league in Victor Wembanyama , year 21 Lebron watch, a new dynamic duo in Giannis and Dame, and the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
NBA Cup
The NBA Cup is the new kid on the block this season. Inspired by European soccer leagues, it’s a midseason tournament that adds a whole new layer to the NBA calendar.
30 teams are split up into six five-team groups.
The four group stage games will be played in November on Fridays (Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24) and Tuesdays (Nov. 14, 21 and 28).
The quarterfinals will be played Dec. 4 and 5 at the higher-seeded team, and the semifinals and championship game will be Dec. 7 and 9 in Las Vegas.
A2HH Prediction:
This European format may benefit players who understand it. And no one understands the Euro game more than Luka Donic. Dallas Mavericks win the first NBA Cup with the Miami Heat as the runner-ups.
Eastern Conference
In the Eastern Conference, the competition will be stiff (“Pause” as Cam would say), with a few teams making moves in the offseason. The Miami Heat, fresh off an impressive run in last year’s playoffs, have their sights set on making their 3 Finals appearance in 5 seasons. A new look Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be a team to watch if they find their chemistry. James Harden’s status and public feud with management puts Joel Embid and new coach Nick Nurse in a tough spot to start the season. The Boston Celtics with the addition of Drue Holiday are poised to contend yet again.
A2HH Prediction:
The East will be tough but in the end it will come down to Miami vs Boston for a trip to the NBA Finals. The Celtics prevail and represent the East.
Western Conference
Over in the wild, wild West, the Joker and the reigning defending champions look to defend their crown. The Los Angeles Lakers and year 21 LeBron James is in a race against Father Time. The Phoenix Suns with a new coach and Bradley Beal look to challenge Denver for the top spot. Several questions remain in the West. Will James Harden get his wish and get to LA (Clippers)? Will the young Kings under Mike Brown turn the page? Can Luka with Kyrie run the table and win the NBA Cup, MVP, Finals MVP, and Larry O’Brien? Or will Chef Curry cook up one more dish and get the Warriors back to the Finals?
A2HH Prediction:
The West is more loaded than an episode of Yellowstone. It will come down to Phoenix and Dallas for the Western Conference crown. Durant and Luka will battle but in the end we’re going with the Suns as the last team on the ranch.
NBA Finals
Boston vs Sun (Boston in 7)
Award Contenders
MVP – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Defensive Player of the Year – Jaren Jackson Jr.
Rookie of the Year – Victor Wembanyama
6th Man of the Year – Malcolm Brogdon
Coach of the Year – Erik Spoelstra
As the NBA season tips off, remember that anything can happen. Stay tuned to According 2 Hip Hop for all the latest NBA news and updates. Let us know if you all wanna run against us on NBA 2K.