PRESS BOX: NBA predictions from the CT Sports staff

The NBA season has started. The fight for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy has begun. CT Sports staff predict the teams to win the championship.

Golden State Warriors will win the championship for the second consecutive season. Joel Embiid will take home the MVP trophy. Paolo Banchero will be a surprise for fans this season for Orlando Magic. The team returns Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. Jordan Poole signed a four-year $140 million contract extension.

Marcus Wilson predicts the New Orleans Pelicans will be the contender for the 2023 NBA Championships. His prediction stems from their convincing win against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 19. Brooklyn has the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

The Boston Celtics will be the team hoisting up the trophy at the end of the season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could be a first seed in the East. New Orleans Pelicans have a lot of talent and could surprise the Western Conference.  Zion Williamson will play a key role for the Pelicans this season after a complete weight change.