As I sit down to analyze this season’s NBA landscape, one quote keeps coming to mind—a candid admission from a player who said, "From UE, parang liability ako sa defense. Pero ngayon, yun yung trinabaho ko. Ayokong ganun pa rin yung tingin ng ibang tao." That raw honesty captures something essential about professional basketball today: growth isn’t just about talent; it’s about confronting your weaknesses head-on. In my years covering the league, I’ve seen countless players transform from defensive liabilities into lockdown defenders, and that journey often defines their careers more than any highlight reel. CBS NBA predictions this season aren’t just about who has the best roster on paper; they’re about which teams and players have put in the work to evolve.
Let’s start with the obvious: the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets. They’re sitting pretty with a core that’s largely intact, and Nikola Jokić is, in my opinion, the most complete offensive player in the game right now. But here’s the thing—their defense often flies under the radar. Last season, they ranked 8th in defensive rating, allowing just 108.9 points per 100 possessions, and that’s no accident. Jokić has improved his positioning and awareness, shedding that "liability" label he once carried early in his career. It reminds me of that quote—players who refuse to be pigeonholed. I’ve watched Denver’s film from preseason, and their communication on switches has been crisp; Aaron Gordon, in particular, has become a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Still, I’m a bit skeptical about their depth. Losing Bruce Green hurt more than people realize—he was their energy guy off the bench, and without him, I worry they might drop a few close games in the regular season. My prediction? They’ll finish with around 56 wins, but the Western Conference is a gauntlet, and home-court advantage will be crucial.
Over in the East, the Boston Celtics are the team to beat, and I’ll be honest—I’m bullish on them. They’ve stacked their roster with two-way players, and Jayson Tatum’s growth mirrors that defensive mindset we talked about earlier. Remember when critics said he couldn’t lead a team? Now, he’s averaging 28.7 points per game while taking on tougher defensive assignments. Their offseason acquisition of Kristaps Porziņģis was a masterstroke, in my view. He’s not just a stretch big; he’s improved his rim protection, posting 1.8 blocks per game last season. But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: their crunch-time execution. I’ve seen them falter in the playoffs too often, and until they prove otherwise, I’ll have my doubts. Statistically, they’re projected to win 60-plus games, but I’d put them closer to 58—enough for the top seed, but they’ll need to stay healthy.
Then there are the dark horses, and I’ve got my eye on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a superstar in the making, and his defensive improvement is a textbook example of that "trinabaho" mentality. Two seasons ago, he was often targeted in pick-and-rolls; now, he’s averaging 2.1 steals per game and reading passes like a veteran. I love watching this team because they play with a chip on their shoulder, and Chet Holmgren’s return adds a rim-protecting presence they desperately needed. My gut says they’ll surprise a lot of people and push for 48 wins, maybe even snag a top-four seed if things break right. But let’s be real—their youth might cost them in tight situations, and I’ve seen too many young teams fade down the stretch.
Of course, no discussion is complete without mentioning the Lakers and Warriors. LeBron James, at 38, is still putting up 25-point nights, but his defensive lapses are becoming more frequent—something he’s openly acknowledged, much like that honest quote about being a liability. The Lakers’ roster has depth, but their three-point shooting is inconsistent; they shot just 34.6% from deep last season, and that won’t cut it against elite teams. As for the Warriors, Steph Curry is ageless, but Draymond Green’s leadership and defense are what truly drive them. I’ve always been a fan of their system, but age and injuries are catching up. I predict they’ll hover around 45-48 wins, relying on experience to carry them through.
When I step back and look at the bigger picture, this season feels like a battle between established giants and hungry underdogs. The teams that embrace growth, like the player who refused to be seen as a defensive liability, will rise. In my experience, that’s what separates contenders from pretenders—not just star power, but the willingness to grind. So, as CBS experts weigh in with their forecasts, remember that predictions are just educated guesses. The real story will unfold on the court, where hard work trumps hype every time.
