5 teams that can win NBA In-Season tournament 2023

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#3 Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are 4-1 and have seemingly solved the road issues that hounded them last season. Steve Kerr recently said that they’re excited to try and become the first NBA In-Season Tournament winner. They may just end up doing that.

Golden State’s defense is fourth in defensive rating (101.4 DRTG) while its offense is 10th (113.0). They have a veteran roster that has won everything there is to win on the biggest stage in the NBA.

Having Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in a knockout game is always an advantage. The Dubs could add the NBA In-Season Tournament to their dynasty.

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#2 Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have been dominant to start the season. They are 4-0 and are only going to improve. Boston tops the NBA in offensive rating (124.8 ORTG) by a mile. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis has added a dimension on offense that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have not experienced before.

Jrue Holiday’s acquisition has helped shore up their defense. They are fifth in the league in defensive rating (104.7). An argument could be made that they could be higher had they not taken their foot off the throats of their opponents in lopsided wins.

Boston’s net rating of 20.1 is absurd. The difference in net rating between the Celtics and the second-placed Philadelphia 76ers is roughly the difference between Philly and the 10th-ranked Sacramento Kings.

If they don’t regress, the Boston Celtics could win the NBA In-Season Tournament.

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#1 Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have to be the favorites to win the NBA In-Season Tournament. They are the defending regular-season champions and have arguably the best player in the league.

Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic could win another Michael Jordan Trophy. Jokic’s pick-and-roll with Jamal Murray remains a nightmare to defend.

Denver’s offensive rating (113.1 ORTG) is ninth while its defensive efficiency is sixth (105.3 DRTG). They will be more than ready to step up when the games matter most. The Nuggets could become the first team to own the Larry O’Brien Trophy and win the NBA In-Season Tournament.