Sports are a massive part of life around Nigeria and something that many people in the country like to watch. While soccer might be the most popular still, there are other examples that have a passionate following. Basketball is a case in point and is a sport that many Nigerians around the world love to keep tabs on.
Although there are multiple basketball leagues to keep track of, the NBA is the preferred choice for many. This is due to its exciting games, iconic teams and superstar players. This premier basketball league is huge around global sports betting too and can be found at online sites that offer sports to wager on. The current 2023/24 NBA season shows just why the league has such a following in places like Nigeria, and has served up a feast of on-court action for fans.
But what can we expect to see from this NBA season?
Wembanyama to clinch Rookie of the Year
Although much of the sports headlines in Nigeria might be filled with the Super Eagles’ superb AFCON performance, fans of the NBA still have lots to read about. Although there is plenty of time for others to take the Rookie of the Year award in the current NBA season, the form shown by young talent Victor Wembanyama so far makes it hard to see anyone else clinching it. Since joining the Spurs, he has shown his class and certainly looks at home on the biggest stage in global basketball.
When his most recent stats from early February are considered, it becomes clear what a season he is enjoying. A points per game average of 20.3, for example, is excellent for someone of his experience, as is his 31% three-point rate. Wembanyama has also been a real hit on defense, with a high defensive rebound rate and awesome shot-blocking abilities. All of this has made him a good choice for Rookie of the Year come season end.
Boston Celtics to make it to the NBA Finals again
There is no doubting that the Celtics have enjoyed a strong 2023/24 season to date and dominate the Eastern Conference. It is safe to predict that they should continue this form heading through the rest of the season and breeze into the playoffs.
The addition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis has made a brilliant roster (that already includes stars such as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum) even better. As a result, they are powering through 2024 as a top Eastern side and one that not only has a strong offense to call on but a top-three defense as well. This should see them make another Finals appearance come season end, and have a real chance of becoming champions again.
Nuggets to go for back-to-back championships
The 2023 NBA Finals saw the Denver Nuggets clinch their first every championship, leading to wild celebrations among fans. Although it has been done in the past, winning back-to-back championships is never easy – but we could see this happen when the current season finishes.
The Nuggets, after all, are purring along nicely in the Western Conference so far and should easily make the playoffs. It is also key to remember that they managed to keep together most of the championship side from last year coming into 2023/24.
This gives them a real edge to make the Finals again – not just in terms of talent but also in big-game experience and team cohesion. Nikola Jokić is certainly a big player for them and the team will also be hoping Jamal Murray’s recent injury does not rule him out for the season.
NBA All-Star Game will be a classic
Every year, the NBA All-Star Game is something fans look forward to, with the best players turning out for their respective conferences to do battle. For the 2024 edition, the action will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Sunday, February 18.
As is normally the case, this should be a great game that has lots of creativity, shooting and defensive work on show. When players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are on court, fireworks are almost guaranteed.
NBA 2023/24 season: what can we expect next?
For fans of basketball in Nigeria, the NBA is a top league to keep track of and stay up to date with. This is easy to see from the drama already experienced in the 2023/24 season and the awesome games the competition has produced. There is a long way to go yet, though, and this means that looking ahead to what we can expect to happen remains fun. Although making accurate guesses is always tough midway through any campaign, the predictions listed here seem likely to pan out.
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