NBA GMs Think the Celtics Will Rule the World

If you ask NBA general managers, there’s almost no debate about who will be lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy this season. In the annual GM survey released Tuesday, a whopping 83% of respondents have crowned the Boston Celtics as the team most likely to repeat as NBA champions. Coming off their 18th franchise title (and making it look easy against the Dallas Mavericks), the Celtics seem unstoppable. Only 13% of GMs see the Oklahoma City Thunder making a Cinderella run, while a lonely 3% think the Mavericks could redeem themselves.

And it’s not just the Finals they’re predicted to dominate. A massive 97% of GMs picked them to run the Eastern Conference, which is quite the glow-up from last season's 53%. I guess it's safe to say the Celtics are sitting comfortably in the driver's seat...unless you're one of the 3% still riding that Mavs hope train

Risacher Dazzles in Hawks’ Preseason Opener

Now, let’s shift gears to some preseason action. The Atlanta Hawks hit the court for their first preseason game against the Indiana Pacers, and all eyes were on their shiny new rookie, Zaccharie Risacher. And he impressed. Risacher looked like he’d been around the block, showing off his scoring touch and playmaking skills.

He dropped a cool 18 points and gave Hawks fans a little taste of what’s to come this season. Hawks fans, get excited, Risacher could be the X-factor the team's been waiting for. It’s still early, but keep an eye on this guy.

LaMelo Ball Is Back, and He's Coming for Everybody

The Charlotte Hornets’ star guard put on a show in their second preseason game against the Miami Heat, leading the Hornets to a 111-108 victory. LaMelo lit up the scoreboard with 24 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block, while also draining six of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc. Not bad for a night’s work in just 23 minutes of playing time.

With all the injuries LaMelo’s dealt with over the past two seasons, fans are crossing their fingers that this will be his year to truly shine. And with performances like this, it’s safe to say Ball is looking ready to roll. Can this be the season he leads the Hornets to new heights? Only time will tell, but Hornets fans have every reason to be optimistic.

RJ Barrett's Preseason Cut Short

RJ Barrett will be out for the remainder of the preseason after suffering an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder during Sunday’s 125-98 win over the Wizards. He scored an impressive 17 points in just 14 minutes before the injury sent him to the locker room.

The Raptors have said they’ll provide another update after the preseason, but here’s hoping Barrett can make a comeback when the regular season kicks off on October 23 against the Cavs.

Brogdon Bounces into Surgery

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon is going under the knife after tearing a ligament in his right thumb during practice on Saturday. Not exactly the way you want to start a new season after being traded from Portland, but Brogdon is set for surgery.

No recovery timeline just yet, but Brogdon will be missed as he averaged 15.7 points and 5.5 assists last season. Get well soon, Malcolm, Washington is going to need those buckets.

Lynx Stampede Into the WNBA Finals

And now, for some good news! The Minnesota Lynx have punched their ticket to the 2024 WNBA Finals after demolishing the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 of their semifinal series. The Lynx came out blazing, dropping 31 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Napheesa Collier was in beast mode yet again, scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. She’s the first player in WNBA history to score at least 25 points and snag 10 rebounds in three consecutive playoff games.

The Lynx now head to the Finals to take on the top-seeded New York Liberty, who are still searching for their first championship. With the Liberty making their sixth Finals appearance, it’s going to be one heck of a showdown.

Game 1 tips off Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The Players Unlimited Team