With a release date of September 9, 2022, NBA 2K23 content is sure to come in bunches over the next few weeks. However, of everything we’re going to learn between now and then about the upcoming sports title. There’s nothing that gets hoops fans more excited than official player and team ratings.
So, with ratings just around the corner, it’s time to make some predictions for what the top 10 teams will look like in NBA 2K23.
NBA 2K23 – Top 10 Team Predictions
10) Minnesota Timberwolves – NBA 2K22 OVR 81
The Timberwolves nearly knocked off the 56-win Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs last season. Including holding them to a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter of Game 6. Not only that, but the organization also just brought in star center, Rudy Gobert. Meaning that they now have two front court players (Gobert and Towns) who could easily command 90 OVRs in NBA 2K23. Add that to the budding superstar that is Anthony Edwards and the steady contributions from D’Angelo Russell, and Minnesota should have one of the better overall ratings in the game.
Prediction – 82 (+1)
9) Los Angeles Clippers – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Heading in the opposite direction we’ve got the Los Angeles Clippers. On the court, they’ll be getting both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard back at full strength, the latter of which sat out the entire year due to an ACL tear. Plus, they just signed point guard John Wall, who’s always commanded a solid 2K rating. Now, NBA 2K ratings typically don’t impact real-life injuries, which is why the Clippers maintained a solid rating in NBA 2K22. However, being that this team didn’t lose any key players and they’ll be getting their two stars back in the lineup. They should once again have one of the better ratings in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 82 (+0)
8) Los Angeles Lakers – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers were another team that fell off due to injuries and inconsistency. Anthony Davis played in less than half the regular season, subsequently missing the playoffs. While Russell Westbrook had his worse statistical season to date. Whether or not Westbrook gets traded remains to be seen, but this team’s NBA 2K rating should remain the same. LeBron is coming off an incredible, MVP-worthy year, which should help their rating a bit. Plus, they added some solid depth in Lonnie Walker, Thomas Bryant, and Juan Toscano-Anderson.
Prediction – 82 (+0)
7) Atlanta Hawks – NBA 2k22 OVR 82
On the complete other end of the spectrum, we’ve got the Atlanta Hawks. After making a surprise trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020-21, the Hawks fell off dramatically last season. Including a brutal five-game series loss to the Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Nevertheless, the front office made a big splash this summer reeling in All-Star guard, Dejounte Murray. Formulating a deadly trio of Murray, Trae Young, and John Collins. All of whom should rank towards the top for their respective positions when the NBA 2K23 ratings drop.
Prediction – 83 (+1)
6) Miami Heat – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Losing P.J. Tucker certainly isn’t going to be easy but his NBA 2K rating has never been “elite” by any sense of the imagination. When fully healthy, the Miami Heat are arguably the most balanced team in the NBA. With a trio of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry. Not to mention a solid supporting cast that includes Sixth Man of the Year, Tyler Herro, sharpshooting forward, Duncan Robinson, and talented two-way wing, Max Strus. This team should once again command a high rating in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 83 (+1)
Related: NBA 2K23 – Top 10 Point Guard Predictions
5) Milwaukee Bucks – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
The Bucks were another team that battled with inconsistency last season. Despite finishing the regular season with 51 wins and the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. They got knocked out in the conference semifinals and suffered a major loss with the injury to All-Star Khris Middleton. Regardless, Giannis Antetokounmpo was one of the top-rated players in NBA 2K22 and somehow got even better last season, nearly taking home his third league MVP. Plus, the team didn’t lose any notable players and even snagged three-point specialist Joe Ingles on a low-end deal.
Prediction – 83 (+1)
4) Philadelphia 76ers – NBA 2K22 OVR 83
The Philadelphia 76ers were at one point considered to be the 2022-23 NBA championship favorites. That is until they fell in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Miami Heat. Despite fallow below expectations last season, the front office was able to make some solid moves by bringing in P.J. Tucker and they’ve still got the runner-up for MVP, Joel Embiid, as well as James Harden. Not to mention Tyrese Maxey, who should also receive a higher rating in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 83 (+0)
3) Phoenix Suns – NBA 2K22 OVR 83
After nearly winning their first-ever NBA championship in 2020-21, the Suns almost got knocked out in the first round of the 2022 playoffs. Then, to make matters worse, they lost in the very next round to a Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks team. Which saw all of their major stars struggle, including Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, and Devin Booker. Nevertheless, Ayton just signed a big deal to remain in Phoenix and this team didn’t lose any key players from last year. They also had the best record in the NBA last season and most of their core is in (or just entering) the prime of their career.
Prediction – 83 (+0)
2) Boston Celtics – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
There’s arguably no team in the NBA who improved their stock more than the Boston Celtics. After getting off to an ugly 19-21 start at the beginning of the year, Boston rallied together to win the next 35 of 41 games. Before exploding in the playoffs on route to their first NBA Finals since 2010. Jayson Tatum proved to be one of the best small forwards in the league, Jaylen Brown one of the best shooting guards, and Marcus Smart one of the best point guards. Not only that, but the team somehow found a way to add Malcolm Brogdon to the mix as well. There’s no way they don’t walk away with one of the better ratings in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 84 OVR (+2)
1) Golden State Warriors – NBA 2K22 OVR 82
Sure, the Warriors lost Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., both of whom played a role in Golden State winning the NBA title last season. However, they also have the best player in basketball, Steph Curry, All-Star (and nearly Finals MVP), Andrew Wiggins, and a budding superstar in Jordan Poole. They also should see improvement from youngsters Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and James Wiseman. All of whom dominated the 2022 Summer League. I’m sure adding Donte DiVincenzo won’t hurt either. It’s certainly an aging core, but I doubt NBA 2K23 will care. This team is worthy of the top spot once again.
Prediction – 84 OVR (+2)
That concludes our predictions for the top 10 teams in NBA 2K23. Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other NBA 2K23 content here at Gamer Journalist. Like all Michael Jordan Challenges in NBA 2K23, explained or how to customize dunking in NBA 2K23.
