The 2022/2023 NBA season is one of the most competitive seasons witnessed in recent times. This is the first regular season in about three years, so there is a belief that proceedings in the NBA have returned to normalcy.
Many players scattered across NBA teams are vying for all-star places. Likewise, players are deeply committed to helping their team amass maximum points during the crazy NBA schedule for the season. A detailed breakdown of every NBA regular season game provides accurate information about the teams in contention for playoffs.
Most season previews tipped the top teams to compete for playoff places. However, some underdog teams also proved to be worthy competitors this season.
Who are the current underdogs for the 2022/2023 season?
So much has happened under eight weeks into the new regular NBA season. Most performances and results show the fierce competition in the game. This will determine who comes out on top at the end of the 2022/2023 NBA season.
While the top teams in the NBA are heavily touted to emerge victorious this season, some underdogs are stepping into the mix and rightly giving them a run for the top spots.
These underdogs include Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Here is how these underdog teams are performing:
Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers were in the competition for playoff last season, but a sharp turn of events resulted in unprecedented losses occasioned by injuries to important players.
Indiana Pacers’ firepower on the court is unassuming. The Pacers are pursuing this season with renewed determination after rebuilding the team with adequate reinforcements in Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton. Opponents are already dealt hard blows before realizing the actual firepower that the team possesses.
Atlanta Hawks
Last season was poor, and Atlanta Hawks fell below expectations. The Hawks’ transfer business helped to cement their place on a few NBA season previews. With the additions of Hunter and Trae Young, many Hawks fans are backing them to reclaim their spot as one of the top NBA teams in the Eastern Conference League.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have always been a force to reckon with in the NBA every season. Last season started for Chicago Bulls, but the brilliant performances fizzled out after a series of injuries and player unavailability rocked the team.
While the Bulls are still struggling to find their feet this season, the team’s prospects are more favorable due to the availability of DeMar DeRozan, LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. If these players can keep up their performances, Chicago Bulls can regain their place among the top teams of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The consistent rankings from last season are no fluke results. Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly missed out on playoff places the previous season. This season, the arrival of Donovan Mitchell is a needed boost to the team whose core of Garland, Allen, and Mobley is still retained.
The Cavaliers have begun this season much better than last season. Many experts now predict that they will most likely finish in one of the top two spots of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Wrap Up
NBA predictions are usually tricky due to the dynamic nature of the game. Every player must be ready to help their teams seize opportunities as they come. The potentials of these underdog teams are not in doubt. The 2022/2023 NBA season holds a lot in store if all goes well for them.
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