LIVE SHOW: Opening Night Preview, NBA Predictions

NBA predictions: Thunder to dominate, Jokic for MVP? Experts forecast a thrilling 2023-2024 season. Rylan Stiles and Derek Parker break down their bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season. From the Oklahoma City Thunder's potential 63-win campaign to heated debates over MVP candidates like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this analysis covers it all. The hosts dissect both conferences, offering insights on rising stars, playoff contenders, and even next year's draft prospects. Will the Thunder live up to the hype? Can Victor Wembanyama secure Defensive Player of the Year as a rookie? Tune in for expert takes on these questions and more, including a full playoff bracket breakdown and NBA Finals predictions that might surprise you. 0:00 Intro 5:12 Western Conference standings predictions begin 12:51 Eastern Conference standings predictions 28:45 MVP and other NBA award predictions 40:17 Playoff bracket predictions for both conferences 54:40 NBA Finals predictions: Thunder repeat as champs? 1:00:38 Top draft pick predictions for next year 1:03:34 Handing out technical fouls to close the show Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50 the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop. DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply. No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details. DoorDash — In your bag all season long. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney . Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. SKIMS Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba . Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Mint Mobile Ready to say yes to sayingno?Make the switch at https://MintMobile.com/LOCKEDONNBA Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo). Limited-time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details. BILT Turn your rent into rewards and start earning points around your neighborhood by going to https://joinbilt.com/lockedonnba . PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Rugiet Ready to level up your confidence in the bedroom? Head to https://www.rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNBA for 15% off your first order. Peloton Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com . Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarch.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.