NBA Season Preview: When does the season start?

2022 NBA Finals - Game Six

NBA Season Preview: When does the season start?

The 2022-23 NBA season is upon us and, after a wild offseason, the whole scope of the league has changed. We also saw lots of drama in the regular season and postseason last year, with the implosions of the Lakers along with the Brooklyn Nets, the beef between the Warriors and Grizzlies, and even Draymond Green’s podcast made waves. So with a constantly evolving league, let’s get you caught up on what to look for this year.

When does the season start?

The 2022-2023 NBA season starts on October 18th with a marquee matchup between last season’s Eastern Conference Champions Boston Celtics and their rival, the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will be followed by a matchup with the NBA Finals champions, the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. The rest of the NBA will start their regular season games on October 19th with plenty of insane matchups.

Who were NBA Free Agents in 2022

The NBA free agency market was actually overshadowed by the trade market for the first time in what has seemed like years. However, that doesn’t mean there was some big signings this year. Here are the top ones

Mavericks PG Jalen Brunson signs with New York

The New York Knicks made a huge splash by signing breakout PG Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who scored 16 PPG in the regular season, broke out in the playoffs and helped the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals with a playoffs PPG of 21.8. He signed a four year, 106 million dollar deal and will slot in with R.J. Barrett, and Julius Randle

Heat PF P.J. Tucker signs with Philadelphia

The Miami Heat lost a huge defensive piece as they try to make another NBA Finals run since making it in 2020. Tucker, known for his defensive prestige, decided to sign with Philly and reunite with former Houston Rockets teammates James Harden and Danuel House. He hopes to be the missing piece that the Sixers need to get to the NBA Finals.

Lakers PG Malik Monk signs with Sacramento

With one foot in a rebuilding window, the Kings are trying to cobble together a play off team. After a trade that paired Domantas Sabonis with DeAaron Fox, the Kings were unable to finish off a playoff run. However this much needed guard depth should help the Kings win a few more games on a bargain 19 million, 2 year contract.

What trades were made in the 2022 NBA offseason?

As mentioned previously, the trades in the offseason were a big storyline. Not only were the trades a big storyline but the trades that never happened were also huge. Here are the biggest trade related storylines.

The Brooklyn Nets try to trade Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving

After a 2022 season that saw both stars take issue with Brooklyn, the Nets finally had enough. Both stars announced their intentions to leave the franchise and play for star teams, and the Nets seemed willing to oblige. Alas, the only Kyrie trade that seemed possible was one for the Lakers Russell Westbrook and the Nets were unwilling to take him on. For KD, the Nets tried trading with the Raptors, Celtics, Suns, and more but the asking price was too steep for those franchises. So it was announced that both players will be running it back with the Nets in 2022.

The Atlanta Hawks trade for Dejounte Murray

The Hawks needed star power to put beside a Trae Young entering his prime, and the Spurs were the perfect match. The Spurs kicked off their rebuild by collecting four first round picks and a salary dump in Danilo Galinari. Meanwhile, the 25 year old star Murray was sent to the Hawks. The Hawks look to recapture the magic that sent them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 with a brand new All Star in the lineup.

The Minnesota Timberwolves trade for Rudy Gobert

After an unforeseen comeback to snag a playoff spot, the Timberwolves window is open. Meanwhile, the Jazz suffered an embarrassing first round defeat and tensions were at an all time high. This made a Rudy Gobert trade seem inevitable and boy did the Jazz make a killing dealing him. The Jazz received five players, including rookie Walker Kessler, and FIVE first rounders. It was a hefty price to pay for the multi-time DPOY but slotting him in with KAT, D-Lo, and Ant will be a game changer in the West.

The Cleveland Cavaliers trade for Donovan Mitchell

The Spidah’s time in Utah also came to a tragic end in the offseason. While it seemed like New York would be the one to get the All-Star SG, the Cavs swooped in to complete their rebuild. They traded Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and five picks to get him. This trade puts them at the forefront of the East and could put the Cavs in the Finals for the first time since the LeBron era.

What is the NBA Playoff Schedule?

The NBA playoffs will start with the recently implemented play-in game. This will take place on April 11th and last through the 14th. The actual playoffs will begin the following day on April 15th. The NBA championship will begin to be decided on June 1st with a potential game seven listed for June 18th. The NBA season will conclude with the 2023 NBA Draft on June 23rd.

Who are the NBA MVP 2022 candidates?

Milwaukee Bucks F Giannis Antetokomnpo

The two-time MVP will be going for the third in the 2023 season. The Bucks star has routinely been the best player in the NBA and last year was no different. With top tier defense and a career high 29.9 PPG last season, Giannis will look to take the next step. If he even sniffs the #1 seed in the East with those stats, it will be hard not to give the Greek Freak an MVP award. Especially if he improves his three point shooting.

Denver Nuggets C Nikola Jokic

The Joker has been a favorite of NBA voters in the past two years but will voter fatigue set in? He led the league in Win Shares for the second year in a row and carried a heavily injured Nuggets team into a premier playoff spot. With the return of Jamal Murray and a full season of MPJ, Jokic could have even better stats in 2023 after setting career highs in PPG and RPG. Could Jokic be the first to have an MVP three-peat?

Chicago Bulls G Demar Derozan

Like a fine wine, Demar seems to just get better with time. In his age 32 season, Derozan set a career high in PPG and 3P%. He helped the Bulls renaissance kick off and led them into the playoffs in spite of massive injuries. With a full squad helping to shoulder some of the load, it’s not crazy to see him as a MVP contender. He’ll get help from Lonzo Ball, Zach Lavine, Alex Caruso and more but the Bulls could come marching in 2023.

Who are the past five NBA Finals winners?

Here are the last five NBA Finals winners by year:

  • 2022: Golden State Warriors
  • 2021: Milwaukee Bucks
  • 2020: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2019: Toronto Raptors
  • 2018: Golden State Warriors

When is the 2022-23 NBA All Star Game?

The 2022-2023 NBA All Star Game will take place Sunday, February 19th 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NBA fans will select the starters and captains by fan vote while the Media, Coaches and Fans will select the reserves. The Captains will be the two highest fan vote getters and will pick their own All-Star NBA team.