What Is the NBA In-Season Tournament?

Who Is the Favorite to Win the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament?

Boston Celtics

Key Players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis

Additions: Kristaps Porzingis, Oshae Brissett, Dalano Banton

Losses: Marcus Smart, Grant Williams

Hot off the disappointment of their 2023 Eastern Conference Finals elimination, the Boston Celtics open the season as the favorite to win the inaugural NBA Play-In Tournament. The public's backing of the Boston Celtics comes from their historical success during the regular season. Dominating their opponents through scheduled games gives fans, and bettors hope that their form will help them into the knockout phase with ease. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the Celtics again, but distinct changes around the team's defense make their position as favorite less secure than it would have been in previous years.

Who Are the Contenders to Win the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament?

Denver Nuggets

Head Coach: Michael Malone

Key Players: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon

Additions: Justin Holiday, Julian Strawther

Losses: Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, Thomas Bryant

The Denver Nuggets enter the season as the second favorite to win the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament. Coming off of their NBA Championship in 2023, the Nuggets have a target on their backs, as every team in the league will be coming for their crown. After some critical losses in the off-season, the Denver Nuggets have yet to impress with through free agency. Still, with a two-time MVP and a Championship-level roster, the Nuggets are a favorite to succeed in the early season.

Milwaukee Bucks

Head Coach: Adrian Griffin

Key Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday

Additions: Robin Lopez, Malik Beasley

Losses: Jevon Carter, Joe Ingles

Despite surging to the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season, consistent injuries and lack of composure led to an early playoff exit for the Milwaukee Bucks. When healthy and led by Giannis Antetokonmpo, the Bucks looked like an unstoppable force. With new head coach Adrian Griffin in tow, expectations are high for the Milwaukee Bucks to achieve new heights. Driven by one of the league's most significant competitors in the Greek Freak, expect the In-Season Tournament crown to be a focus for the Bucks as they aim to return to the top of the NBA.

Phoenix Suns

Head Coach: Frank Vogel

Key Players: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal

Additions: Bradley Beal, Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe

Losses: Chris Paul, Cameron Payne

The Phoenix Suns rocked the NBA last season by acquiring Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, but a muted playoff performance derailed the hype train. However, after making another big move by trading Chris Paul for perennial All-Star Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns look like early favorites for both the In-Season Tournament and NBA Championship through the 2023-24 season. While they've lost continuity to create a super team, the Suns' talent level is among the top in the NBA. Expect their eagerness to prove their quality to play a significant factor in their early-season success and run at the In-Season Tournament crown!