Are The Warriors The Team To Beat? Here Are 30 Reasons Why You Should Watch The 2022-23 Season

The NBA season officially kicks off October 18 with a pair of high-profile matchups: the Sixers taking on the Celtics and the Lakers matching up with the Warriors. The league is arguably the most talented it has ever been, meaning there is a reason to watch every single NBA team, even the teams that are lottery bound. Regardless of where these squads project to be, they are still worth investing time into watching them play.

Here’s one reason why you should watch every single NBA team:

Atlanta Hawks:

The Hawks swung a huge deal for All-Star Dejounte Murray in the offseason, as they hope their new dynamic backcourt pairing can help spark the success two seasons ago when they made the Eastern Conference finals. Murray should also help bolster their perimeter defense, which was a major issue for the Hawks last season. Expect Trae Young to play more off-ball, now that the Hawks have a proven playmaker alongside him now.

Reason to watch: Dejounte Murray-Trae Young backcourt

Boston Celtics:

The Celtics are coming off a 2021-2022 campaign where they fell short of an NBA Championship by just two games. That should be more than enough reason to be hopeful for this season right? Well, it’s been a rocky offseason as they suspended their coach Ime Udoka for violating multiple team policies. Their Center, Robert Williams III, underwent offseason surgery and will miss the first half of the season. Even with that being said, there should be reason for optimism as they traded for Malcolm Brogdon and should still deploy one of the best, most versatile defenses in the NBA.

Reason to watch: Versatile defense

Brooklyn Nets:

This Nets roster almost looked completely different than the previous edition. After Kevin Durant requested a trade and Kyrie Irving seemingly had friction with the front office, it seemed like this era of Nets basketball would be coming to a close. However, both of their stars are back and this year they’ll get the chance to play alongside Ben Simmons who on paper is a very good fit with their skill sets. He hasn’t played basketball in over a year, but Simmons is still one of the best defensive players in the NBA and works well as a connector on offense.

Reason to watch: Ben Simmons acclimating to Nets stars

The Hornets have had a rough offseason, to say the least. Miles Bridges is no longer on the roster as he’s facing domestic violence and child abuse charges. Former lottery pick James Bouknight was recently arrested for DWI. With that being said, they still have LaMelo Ball. He will miss the start of the season with an ankle injury, but he is one of the most exciting young players in the entire sport. His flash and skill is more than enough reason to tune in, even if they are more than likely heading to the lottery.

Reason to watch: LaMelo Ball

Chicago Bulls:

The Bulls were an elite basketball time for a decent stretch of last season. They were hit by the injury bug, which ultimately led to their downfall. Lonzo Ball is still out and there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding his injury. However, the Bulls still count on DeMar DeRozan, who was an MVP candidate last season. Add in Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic, and this roster still has some talent. If they want to take the next step though, they will need Patrick Williams to take a leap in his development.

Reason to watch: DeMar DeRozan/Possible Patrick Williams leap

Cleveland Cavaliers:

The Cavaliers might just be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. They swung a major deal for All-Star Donovan Mitchell, adding to a core that already has Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. That’s an incredible amount of talent for four guys all 26 years old or younger. It’ll be exciting to see how quick they gel, and how far they push up the Eastern Conference.

Reason to watch: Their core four

Dallas Mavericks:

The Mavs lost Jalen Brunson to free agency but will attempt to remedy that with the addition of Christian Wood. The return of Tim Hardaway Jr. will certainly help. Look for a bigger role from Spencer Dinwiddie. And while this may be an incredibly obvious answer, the Mavs still have Luka Doncic who might just win MVP this season. He’s a generational superstar who gives them a chance anytime he steps on the floor.

Reason to watch: Luka Doncic

Denver Nuggets:

Coming off back-to-back MVP awards, the easy answer is Nikola Jokic. He’s not just one of the best passing big men of all-time, he’s one of the best passers period. However, the Nuggets are finally healthy. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. give them one of the most formidable starting fives in the NBA. This team might just win 60 games this season and are going to give other pretenders in the Western Conference problems all year long.

Reason to watch: Return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.

Detroit Pistons:

The Pistons are slowly but surely building one of the better young cores in the league. They’ve added exciting young prospects Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren alongside Cade Cunningham. They might be a season or two away from being truly competitive, but the young talent here is undeniable.

Reason to watch: Young talent developing

Golden State Warriors:

Coming off a championship season and their fourth ring in the past seven seasons, The Warriors greatness is impossible to ignore. The core of their championship is back and looking to make one more run at another ring. Stephen Curry is still one most electrifying basketball player to ever walk the earth and one more ring could make for some uncomfortable all-time debates.

Reason to watch: Can they repeat?

Houston Rockets:

The Rockets have a very exciting young core and the vision behind the roster is starting to take shape. They aren’t to be competitive just yet, but they’ll still be fun. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. are a dynamic backcourt. Alperen Sengun makes a ridiculous pass seemingly once a game and they also have the #3 pick in the 2022 draft, Jabari Smith Jr.

Reason to watch: Young core developing.

Indiana Pacers:

The Pacers have a weird mix of veterans and players still on their rookie contracts, but there is some talent on this roster. It will be Tyrese Haliburton’s first full year in Indy and they’ve added Rookie of the Year candidate Bennedict Mathurin, whose combination of shooting and athleticism is thrilling to watch.

Reason to watch: Bennedict Mathurin ROTY push

Los Angeles Clippers:

The Clippers have the single deepest roster in the league, no question about it. Almost every single player on the roster can make a case for why they deserve minutes. They also have Ty Lue at coach, one of the best at making in-game adjustments. Add that to the sheer amount of combinations of players the team can put on the floor at any given time, and it’s exciting just to think about. Oh, and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy.

Reason to watch: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George + depth

Los Angeles Lakers:

A roster that has LeBron James and Anthony Davis should be perennial title contenders every season. The Laker have somehow managed to bungle that, starting with the ill-fated deal for Russell Westbrook over a year ago. He’s still on the roster but it still feels like something’s got to give. There is a lot of unknown and uneasiness when it comes to the Lakers roster. Regardless, it’ll make for interesting basketball.

Reason to watch: Chaos and Lebron's pursuit of the all-time scoring record

Memphis Grizzlies:

The Grizzlies were one the best teams in the NBA last season. They, like so many other teams, have young talent that took huge steps last season. Headlined by the walking highlight reel in Ja Morant, the Grizzlies will be looking to take another step forward. They did trade away some of their depth from last season which might lead to some regular season regression.

Reason to watch: Ja Morant

Miami Heat:

The Miami Heat just missed out on yet another NBA Finals trip last season. The loss of PJ Tucker in the offseason certainly stings, but the Heat have a proven track record of making rotation players out of end of the bench guys. Their defense will still be elite and Bam Adebayo will have his name in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation all year long. Jimmy Butler is still Jimmy Butler, and Tyler Herro will look to take a step forward this year.

Reason to watch: Defense

Milwaukee Bucks:

Khris Middleton suffered an untimely injury in the playoffs last season which ultimately was the major reason for their exit. Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the best player in basketball right now and the Bucks will be strong title contenders yet again. They may need another perimeter scorer off the bench, but as long as the Greek Freak wears a Bucks jersey, they are threats to win a ring every season.

Reason to watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Minnesota Timberwolves:

As the league decides to zig, the Wolves have decided to zag. Their blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert gives them the biggest frontcourt in the league with Karl-Anthony Towns alongside him. The twin towers experiment will be fun to watch regardless of which direction it goes. Anthony Edwards could make a leap to an All-Star season as well. There’s a lot of variance in where this team ends up.

Reason to watch: Rudy Gobert/KAT pairing

New Orleans Pelicans:
Zion is back! He is one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA and has a good amount of talent alongside him. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are elite perimeter scorers. The Pelicans will have one of the best offenses in the league but conversely, will have one of the worst defenses. Who needs defense when you can just outscore the opponent?

Reason to watch: Zion/offensive firepower

New York Knicks:

The Knicks are coming off a disappointing season in which they missed the play-in and traded away their lottery pick. They missed out on Donovan Mitchell but did sign Jalen Brunson, their first legitimate starting point guard in years. RJ Barrett continues to develop, and the Knicks have several intriguing young prospects who could all pop. Look for the Knicks to be a scrappy team all year long.

Reason to watch: Positive point guard play alongside young talent

Oklahoma City Thunder:

On the surface, there might not be much reason to watch. The Thunder are actively tanking and it’s a secret to no one. However, there are some fun young players on the team who are worth taking time to check out. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander will be an All-Star once he gets some NBA ready talent around him. Josh Giddey is an exceptional passer and there are numerous other draft picks with unique skill sets.

Reason to watch: Young talent

Orlando Magic:

The Magic are quietly putting together one of the best and biggest young cores. Their frontcourt of Wendell Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner are all 6’10 and skilled. They are all good passers and it makes for an exciting brand of basketball. They have numerous options at point guard and if all goes right, could make a run at the play-in game.

Reason to watch: Flexible Frontcourt

Philadelphia 76ers:

The 76ers have finally built what feels like an optimal roster around perennial MVP candidate Joel Embiid. James Harden looks healthy and Tyrese Maxey’s development has given them a legitimate number #3 option. The 76ers also made some good moves in the offseason, picking PJ Tucker, DeAnthony Melton, and Montrezl Harell. They are legitimate title contenders.

Reason to watch: Legitimate title contenders

Phoenix Suns:

The vibes in Phoenix are not as sunny as they once were. An ugly DeAndre Ayton contract situation and Jae Crowder’s trade request have made the Suns, who were title contenders the past two seasons, feel primed to take a step back. Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger as well. Still, they have good talent who have now played together for years. When they are playing well, they are a well-oiled machine.

Reason to watch: Roster continuity

Portland Trail Blazers:

Damian Lillard is healthy and back. The Blazers have retooled around him, adding a bunch of two-way players highlighted by Jerami Grant. They will likely be competing for the play-in, but Lillard playing competitive basketball is always a fun watch. Add in Anfernee Simons getting real minutes alongside him, and you can expect some exciting offense.

Reason to watch: Damian Lillard’s return

Sacramento Kings:

Is this the season the Kings finally return to the playoffs? It just might be. Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox headline a roster that has some legit NBA talent. Rookie Keegan Murray looks ready to produce and new head coach Mike Brown should install some defensive discipline. Expect the Kings to make a push for the play-in.

Reason to watch: Return to playoffs?

San Antonio Spurs:

One of the frontrunners in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, the Spurs will be one of the worst teams in the NBA. They do have some intriguing young talent. Josh Primo, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson are all exciting and constantly developing. Greg Popovich is still at the helm and is still a top tier coach.

Reason to watch: Greg Popovich mentoring young players

Toronto Raptors:

The Raptors have taken “positionless basketball” literally and figuratively. Employing a bunch of skilled and talented 6’8" wings who can play on or off-ball. Add in Fred VanVleet’s shooting and playmaking ability, and what you get is a team that will frustrate opponents every game out. Nick Nurse is still one of the most aggressive and creative coaches in the NBA as well

Reason to watch: Positionless basketball

Utah Jazz:

Also in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, the Jazz decided to clean house and rebuild. They’ve chosen Collin Sexton as their guy and he’s been productive when he’s been healthy. Expect him to get a lot of reps as a ball handler. The Jazz do have a lot of veteran talent that they will look to sell off to contenders.

Reason to watch: Collin Sexton

Washington Wizards:

The Wizards seem to be stuck in the treadmill of mediocrity. They are still trying to build around Bradley Beal, pairing former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis alongside him. They are hoping to make a playoff push and they do have some interesting young talent as well. Still, it seems as though this time has been due for a rebuild for years.

Reason to watch: Bradley Beal