Everybody knows who the title favorites are this year. The Boston Celtics represent the Eastern Conference as the favorite, holding a league-best 45-12 record and having arguably the most competitive starting lineup in the NBA, led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. The Milwaukee Bucks are right behind the Celtics with a superstar duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard and have the talent to realistically make the Finals.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Phoenix Suns are considered the title favorites because of their superstar players which include Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker among others. It is widely expected that one of these three teams will make the Finals to represent the West, but we cannot count out the dark horses.
We have named the 10 biggest dark horses in the 2023-24 campaign who will do their best to sneak into the playoffs and make a deep run with a shot to make the NBA Finals.
1. Miami Heat
Team Record: 32-25, 6th in Eastern Conference
Rankings: 27th PPG, 4th OPPG
The Miami Heat’s current standing as the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference belies their potential as a dark horse contender for the 2024 NBA Championship. Despite a lukewarm regular season performance with a record of 32-25, their recent surge, marked by an impressive 8-2 streak over the last 10 games, showcases their ability to elevate their game when it matters most.
Led by the seasoned leadership of Jimmy Butler, who exudes confidence in their ability to overcome any challenge, the Heat embody a team that thrives under pressure and is primed for a deep postseason push. Their strategic trade deadline acquisition of Terry Rozier adds depth and versatility to their roster, while the emergence of exciting rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr provides a promising X-factor that could propel them to championship contention.
Historically, the Miami Heat have a reputation for turning up the intensity during the playoffs, evidenced by their appearances in the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. This resilience and ability to peak at the right time, combined with their strong defensive prowess as the 4th ranked team in opponent points per game, positions them as a formidable force capable of surprising even the most dominant teams in the league. Jimmy Butler has stated “It is that time of year”, so watch out for the Heat.
2. New York Knicks
Team Record: 35-23, 4th in Eastern Conference
Rankings: 19th PPG, 3rd OPPG
With a current standing of 35-23, securing the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks have emerged as a formidable force, bolstered by savvy moves at the trade deadline, notably the acquisition of OG Anunoby, which has injected renewed energy into the team. Despite facing challenges, including injury setbacks for Julius Randle, the Knicks have showcased resilience, anchored by standout performances from Jalen Brunson, whose stellar play positions him as a strong contender for an All-NBA Team spot.
While their recent 3-7 record over the last 10 games hints at some struggles, the depth of talent within the roster suggests they remain well-positioned to make a significant postseason push, with the potential to challenge the Miami Heat for a coveted spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown in the playoffs. Even if the Knicks do not have the star power of the Celtics or Bucks, they can’t be counted out.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Team Record: 40-17, 2nd in Western Conference
Rankings: 3rd PPG, 13th OPPG
With an impressive 40-17 record, securing the 2nd seed in the competitive Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder have defied expectations with their youthful roster and dynamic style of play. While they may be viewed as a team still in the early stages of development, their current standing suggests they are poised to capitalize on favorable matchups and potentially make a deep run in the playoffs, possibly even reaching the Western Conference Finals.
Led by standout talents such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose All-NBA First Team caliber play anchors the team, along with strong contributions from emerging stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, the Thunder possess a potent combination of offensive firepower and youthful energy that positions them as a formidable threat capable of competing with the top teams in the league on any given night, setting the stage for an exciting postseason journey filled with potential upsets and breakout performances.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Team Record: 40-17, 1st in Western Conference
Rankings: 20th PPG, 1st OPPG
Sitting comfortably atop the Western Conference with a stellar 40-17 record, the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as unexpected frontrunners, propelled by a potent blend of emerging talent and defensive prowess. Spearheaded by rising star Anthony Edwards, whose electrifying play hints at a future as a face of the NBA, and supported by the formidable duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, renowned for their defensive dominance, the Timberwolves boast a legitimate Big Three capable of competing with the league’s elite.
Despite their modest offensive ranking, their unrivaled defensive efficiency, ranked 1st in the league, solidifies their status as formidable contenders poised to make a deep playoff run, with aspirations of potentially reaching the Western Conference Finals and beyond, embodying the essence of a true dark horse in the pursuit of basketball glory this season. If Edwards can raise his level as the months go by, expect the Timberwolves to look like an even stronger side.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Team Record: 38-19, 2nd in Eastern Conference
Rankings: 16th PPG, 2nd OPPG
With a solid record of 38-19, clinching the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcase a formidable defensive unit anchored by the dominant presence of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the paint. However, their success hinges on the health and performance of key players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the latter of whom has been plagued by injuries throughout the season.
Mitchell’s offensive prowess (28.1 PPG) adds a dynamic scoring threat to the Cavaliers’ lineup, but Garland’s return to full health and form will be pivotal in maximizing Cleveland’s potential for a deep playoff run. While their offensive output may rank modestly, their stifling defense, ranked 2nd in the league, provides a strong foundation for success, with aspirations of surpassing last year’s disappointing first-round exit and making a significant impact in this year’s postseason.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
Team Record: 33-24, 5th in Eastern Conference
Rankings: 12th PPG, 14th OPPG
The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves heavily reliant on the health and performance of their star center, Joel Embiid, whose absence due to injury has left a noticeable void in the team’s lineup. Embiid’s potential return to full strength following a meniscus procedure could significantly alter the trajectory of the 76ers’ season, especially considering his status as a frontrunner for his second-straight MVP award before his injury.
However, the team’s struggles in Embiid’s absence underscore the challenges they face in maintaining momentum and playoff positioning as they have fallen to 5th. While there is speculation about the possibility of sitting Embiid out for the remainder of the season, the 76ers remain a formidable force to reckon with in the playoffs, provided their key players (including Tyrese Maxey) can stay healthy and contribute effectively, making them a wildcard contender worth monitoring closely as the postseason approaches.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
Team Record: 31-28, 10th in Western Conference
Rankings: 13th PPG, 18th OPPG
Despite a middling record of 31-28, placing them 10th in the competitive Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers remain a team to watch closely in the postseason, largely due to the transcendent talents of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While the Lakers have faced challenges this season, including a heavy reliance on the 39-year-old LeBron, the dynamic duo of James and Davis has the potential to elevate the team’s performance in the playoffs, as demonstrated by their run to the Western Conference Finals last year.
However, with opposing teams likely having a solid understanding of their key players such as D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves who won’t sneak up on anyone, the Lakers face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. Nonetheless, the combination of James and Davis’s championship pedigree and ability to excel in clutch situations makes the Lakers a dark horse candidate capable of surprising even the toughest opponents in the postseason.
8. Golden State Warriors
Team Record: 30-27, 9th in Western Conference
Rankings: 6th PPG, 20th OPPG
The Golden State Warriors have had a difficult campaign, dealing with ejections and a suspension for Draymond Green and constant trade rumors involving Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and even Chris Paul. Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga have been the two bright spots, but the Warriors are getting back to their best now that Green is back with the team.
Golden State has gone 8-2 over their last 10 games, can outshoot any team in the league, and are finding their rhythm. Their offense has been clicking and Curry’s 27.7 points per game average looks promising, and you can never count out the four-time NBA champions because they could go on a tremendous run over the next few months and enter the playoffs on fire.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Team Record: 33-24, 8th in Western Conference
Rankings: 7th PPG, 19th OPPG
With a record of 33-24, the Dallas Mavericks boast a formidable offensive arsenal led by the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, both of whom are elite scorers capable of changing the course of a game single-handedly. While the Mavericks have made notable acquisitions such as Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington to bolster their roster, there remains a palpable need for one more star player to complement their existing talent and elevate the team to true championship contention.
Nevertheless, with Doncic’s MVP-caliber performances, averaging an impressive 34.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, the Mavericks possess the firepower to compete with the best, as evidenced by their run to the Western Conference Finals in the 2022 season. As they continue to refine their roster and harness their offensive firepower, the Mavericks remain a dark horse candidate with the potential to make a deep playoff run and challenge for basketball’s ultimate prize.
10. New Orleans Pelicans
Team Record: 34-24, 5th in Western Conference
Rankings: 14th PPG, 8th OPPG
Positioned as 5th in the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans showcase a promising core led by the dynamic trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. Despite not being considered among the league’s elite, the Pelicans have demonstrated resilience and cohesion, evidenced by their impressive 7-3 record over the last 10 games. Under effective coaching, this team has the potential to surprise opponents, particularly on their best nights when Williamson is playing at his peak.
While youth may be considered a potential obstacle, the Pelicans remain a dark horse contender, poised to capitalize on their talent and momentum to make a significant impact in the postseason, making them a team worth keeping an eye on as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Honorable Mention
Indiana Pacers
Team Record: 33-26, 7th in Eastern Conference
Rankings: 1st PPG, 28th OPPG
With a record of 33-26, securing the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers boast the league’s top-scoring offense, a testament to their offensive firepower led by the exceptional playmaking of Tyrese Haliburton, who has been likened to a modern Steve Nash with his remarkable averages of 21.5 points and 11.6 assists per game, earning his second All-Star Team selection.
The recent addition of Pascal Siakam further strengthens their roster, forming a dynamic duo alongside Haliburton, while the presence of Myles Turner adds defensive solidity. Despite their struggles on the defensive end, ranking 28th in opponent points per game, the Pacers’ potent offense positions them as a team capable of outscoring any opponent in the playoffs, making them a dark horse contender with the potential to make waves as they continue to build their core for future success.
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