NBA Playoffs 2023: GPT-4 Predictions

The NBA playoffs are here and I filled out a bracket – then had GPT-4 fill out a bracket just for fun to determine whether I’ll get beaten by the AI.

I asked GPT-4 to make predictions for every matchup in the NBA playoffs throughout the finals – and gave it whatever information it requested to help make these predictions.

A couple weeks ago I also had GPT-4 predict the 2022-2023 NBA MVP – and it predicted Joel Embiid (this is what I also predicted & seems to be what the general public is predicting).

I had GPT-4 use the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to identify the subset of data points that are likely to have the most significant impact on NBA playoff outcomes.

Related: GPT-4 NHL Playoff Predictions

What data did GPT-4 request to make NBA playoff predictions?

GPT-4 requested: (1) regular season win %; (2) offensive & defensive efficiency ratings; (3) key player performances; (4) team net rating; (5) head-to-head records; (6) injury report; (7) coaching experience & playoff performance; (8) recent performance.

• Regular season win percentage: This is a strong indicator of a team’s overall performance and can serve as a baseline for comparing teams entering the playoffs.
• Offensive & defensive efficiency ratings: These advanced metrics measure a team’s ability to score points and prevent opponents from scoring, respectively. High efficiency on both ends of the court is crucial for playoff success.
• Key player performances: Focus on the top players from each team, as they often have the most significant influence on game outcomes. Consider their Player Efficiency Rating (PER), points per game, field goal percentage, and playoff experience.
• Team’s net rating: This measures a team’s point differential per 100 possessions, providing a comprehensive view of a team’s overall strength.
• Head-to-head records: Examine the win-loss records between playoff teams during the regular season, as this can indicate how they match up against one another.
• Injury report: Injuries to key players can dramatically affect a team’s playoff chances. Consider the injury status and expected return date of significant contributors.
• Coaching experience & playoff performance: A coach’s ability to make strategic adjustments and motivate their team can play a crucial role in playoff success. Look at the coach’s win-loss record in the playoffs and their overall experience.
• Recent performance: A team’s performance in the final stretch of the regular season can provide insights into their momentum entering the playoffs. Consider win-loss records and key performance metrics (e.g., points per game, field goal percentage) in the last 20 games.

GPT-4 noted that by focusing on these data points, you can create a simplified prediction model that captures the most critical factors influencing playoff outcomes.

I had it compare teams based on these data points and use its own judgment to weigh the importance of each factor in the context of specific matchups.

Data sources

Below are some of the sources that were used to feed GPT-4 statistics.

I provided additional data (lineups, player stats, coaching records, head-to-head record, etc.) to GPT-4 from sources that were not linked.

• Offensive Efficiency (R)
• Defensive Efficiency (R)
• ESPN Hollinger Stats (R)
• FiveThirtyEight RAPTOR (R)
• Team Ratings (Net) (R)
• Healthy Net Rating (R)
• FiveThirtyEight Predictions (R)
• Injury Reports (R)

GPT-4: 2023 NBA Playoff Predictions

Included below are GPT-4’s NBA playoff predictions based on the data it requested & was fed.

Eastern conference

Opening round

Milwaukee Bucks (#1) vs. Miami Heat (#8)

• Prediction: Bucks win 4-2

The Bucks have a stronger overall roster and better offensive and defensive efficiency ratings.

In addition, Miami’s offensive efficiency is ranked quite low at #25.

Even with Giannis’ uncertain status for Game 1, the Bucks should have the edge in this series.

Boston Celtics (#2) vs. Atlanta Hawks (#7)

• Prediction: Celtics win 4-2

The Celtics have a higher seed and a more balanced roster.

Their offensive efficiency is ranked #2, and they have a stronger defensive efficiency than the Hawks.

The experience of key players like Tatum and Brown, as well as Coach Mazzulla, should help the Celtics prevail in this series.

Philadelphia 76ers (#3) vs. Brooklyn Nets (#6)

• Prediction: 76ers win 4-1

The 76ers have a stronger roster, led by Embiid and Harden.

They also have a higher seed and better offensive and defensive efficiency ratings.

The Nets’ key players, such as Claxton and Bridges, may not be enough to compete with the 76ers’ star power.

Cleveland Cavaliers (#4) vs. New York Knicks (#5)

• Prediction: Cavaliers win 4-3

This series could be very close, as both teams have similar records and seeds.

The Cavaliers have the #1 defensive efficiency rating and a higher offensive efficiency rating than the Knicks.

Key players like Mitchell and Garland should help the Cavaliers edge out the Knicks in a competitive series.

Conference Semifinals

Milwaukee Bucks (#1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (#4)

• Prediction: Bucks win 4-2

The Bucks have a more experienced and talented roster, led by Antetokounmpo.

Their overall offensive and defensive efficiency ratings are superior to the Cavaliers’.

The Bucks’ depth should help them overcome the Cavaliers’ strong defense.

Boston Celtics (#2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (#3)

• Prediction: Celtics win 4-3

This could be a highly competitive series, as both teams have strong rosters and similar efficiency ratings.

However, the Celtics’ higher offensive efficiency and balanced attack may give them the edge over the 76ers, led by Embiid and Harden.

Conference Final

Milwaukee Bucks (#1) vs. Boston Celtics (#2)

• Prediction: Celtics win 4-3

This matchup could go either way, with both teams having strong rosters and playoff experience.

The Celtics’ higher offensive efficiency and strong coaching could be the deciding factor in a close series that goes the distance.

Western conference

Opening round

Denver Nuggets (#1) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (#8)

• Prediction: Nuggets win 4-1

The Nuggets have a significantly better record and higher offensive and defensive efficiency. Jokic’s exceptional PER and RAPTOR ratings give them an edge, and most of their key players are expected to play.

Memphis Grizzlies (#2) vs. LA Lakers (#7)

• Prediction: Grizzlies win 4-3

This is a close matchup, but the Grizzlies’ impressive defensive efficiency and Morant’s high PER and RAPTOR ratings help them edge out the Lakers, despite LeBron and AD’s strong presence.

Sacramento Kings (#3) vs. Golden State Warriors (#6)

• Prediction: Warriors win 4-2

While the Kings have a better record and top offensive efficiency, the Warriors have more playoff experience and a higher RAPTOR player rating forecast.

Curry’s high PER and RAPTOR ratings could be a deciding factor in this series.

Phoenix Suns (#4) vs. LA Clippers (#5)

• Prediction: Suns win 4-2

The Suns have a better record and net rating, and the Clippers will be missing George for 2-3 weeks.

Durant and Booker’s high PER and RAPTOR ratings give the Suns the advantage.

Conference Semifinals

Denver Nuggets (#1) vs. Phoenix Suns (#4)

• Prediction: Nuggets win 4-3

This series should be competitive, with both teams having strong rosters.

The Nuggets’ higher offensive efficiency, Jokic’s dominance, and their home court advantage could be the deciding factors.

Memphis Grizzlies (#2) vs. Golden State Warriors (#6)

• Prediction: Warriors win 4-3

Another close matchup, but the Warriors’ experience and Curry’s playoff prowess could help them upset the Grizzlies.

The Warriors also have a higher RAPTOR player rating forecast.

Conference Final

Denver Nuggets (#1) vs. Golden State Warriors (#6)

• Prediction: Nuggets win 4-3
  

A clash of heavyweights, with both teams having star players and previous playoff success.

The Nuggets’ strong regular-season record, Jokic’s exceptional performance, and their home court advantage may give them a slight edge to win the series.

NBA Final (2023)

Denver Nuggets (#1) vs. Boston Celtics (#2)

• Prediction: Nuggets win 4-3

After analyzing both teams, I predict that the Denver Nuggets will win the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought 7-game series.

The deciding factors for the series will be:

• The performance of star players: The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, with his exceptional Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 31.78 and RAPTOR rating of 20.3 WAR, is arguably the most dominant player in the series. His versatility, ability to score, pass, and rebound will put immense pressure on the Celtics’ defense. On the other hand, the Celtics will rely heavily on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both talented scorers and defenders. However, the Nuggets have a more balanced roster with a better distribution of talent, which gives them an edge.
• Health & depth: Both teams have injury concerns, but key players from both sides are expected to play. The Nuggets’ depth, with multiple players boasting strong PER and RAPTOR ratings, will help them match up against the Celtics. Denver’s bench is likely to outperform Boston’s in crucial moments, providing a slight advantage in close games.
• Coaching: Michael Malone has proven to be a capable coach, successfully guiding the Nuggets through various challenges in recent years. His experience and ability to make strategic adjustments during a series will be crucial in helping the Nuggets overcome the talented Celtics.
• Home-court advantage: The Nuggets have an impressive home record (34-7), while the Celtics have a slightly weaker away record (25-16). This could play a role in determining the outcome of the series, especially if it goes to a Game 7, where the Nuggets would have the home-court advantage.

Considering these factors, I believe the Denver Nuggets will emerge as the NBA Champions, overcoming the Boston Celtics in a thrilling 7-game series. Their combination of star power, depth, coaching, and home-court advantage will ultimately prove to be the deciding factors in this closely contested matchup.

Drew’s NBA Playoff Predictions

Warriors opened the season as favorites (+600) followed by the Celtics (+650) & Bucks (+650).

My preseason pick to win the NBA Finals for 2022-2023 was the Boston Celtics – and they just so happen to be the current favorite.

Eastern conference

Celtics made a deep run last year to the NBA Finals and somehow managed to improve their roster: Brogdon, Brown, Horford, Smart, Tatum, White, Williams III, Williams, Gallinari, etc.

The Bucks have a good shot to win it all given their talent, regular season performance, and balance (offense/defense) – but I’m not sure that Giannis or Middleton are 100% (Giannis has a minor knee injury and Middleton has been on/off the court all year).

I think the Celtics are probably the healthiest and best team in the eastern conference right now – but if they don’t win the east – it’ll likely be the Bucks or 76ers.

Round 1

• Bucks vs. Heat: Bucks win 4-2
• Celtics vs. Hawks: Celtics win 4-1
• 76ers vs. Nets: 76ers win 4-1
• Cavs vs. Knicks: Cavs win 4-3

Round 2

• Bucks vs. Cavs: Bucks win 4-2
• Celtics vs. 76ers: Celtics win 4-2

Round 3

• Bucks vs. Celtics: Celtics win 4-3

Western conference

Durant to the Suns should make them favorites in the west, but the Suns parted with a lot of depth: Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder – and the team dynamic is altered.

If the Suns can stay healthy & figure out the chemistry with: Durant, Booker, Ayton, Paul, Payne, etc. – I like their chances.

If the Suns don’t make the finals – I like either the Nuggets (top seed) or Warriors (defending champs) to come out of the west.

Grizzlies are dinged up with injuries (Adams & Clarke out for the season). Kings have an elite offense (#1 statistically) but inexperience in the playoffs and questionable defense… but could surprise people.

Lakers always have an outside chance with superstars LeBron & Davis healthy – plus they got rid of Westbrook (biggest improvement they made) & somehow snagged Rui Hachimura & D’Angelo Russell (excellent acquisitions).

Austin Reaves, Dennis Schroder, Thomas Bryant, Lonnie Walker IV, and Malik Beasley – are also averaging double-digit points per game… providing the Lakers with balance & depth (such that they could pull off some upsets).

Round 1

• Nuggets vs. T-Wolves: Nuggets win 4-1
• Grizzlies vs. Lakers: Grizzlies win 4-3
• Kings vs. Warriors: Warriors win 4-2
• Suns vs. Clippers: Suns win 4-2

Round 2

• Nuggets vs. Suns: Suns win 4-3
• Grizzlies vs. Warriors: Warriors win 4-3

Round 3

• Suns vs. Warriors: Suns win 4-3

NBA Final

• Celtics vs. Suns: Celtics win 4-2

Why the NBA playoffs are difficult to predict…

Many unpredictable variables can alter outcomes of the playoffs, including (but not limited to):

• Injuries: Especially to key players (e.g. star or superstar). A star player getting injured can change the dynamic of the team, affect confidence, and cause the team to underperform.
• Officiating: Referees play a critical role in NBA games – and sometimes controversial calls happen. A bad call or missed call can potentially swing momentum and/or influence the outcome of a game or series.
• Fatigue: Playoff basketball is grueling and physically demanding. Some teams may be more prone to fatigue than others due to playing more total games in the playoffs, having minor injuries, and/or having aging players.
• Matchups: Some teams matchup better against others – and this can be hard to predict. Regular season head-to-head records may not predict playoff head-to-head records for various reasons (e.g. injuries/rest during regular season, small sample size, back-to-back games, etc.).
• Momentum: Playoff basketball is influenced significantly by momentum – and it can be difficult to determine which teams will end up with the momentum on their side in any given series.
• Mental & emotional state: The mental and emotional state of players can be unpredictable and impact their performance. A player may have personal issues or be struggling with confidence – which can affect play on the court in a high-pressure playoff series.

Some NBA playoff predictions are just luck – although some of those who end up “lucky” with their picks believe that they are skilled predictors.

In general, if a person doesn’t have a consistent track-record of outperforming others in predictions – it’s likely that they simply got a bit lucky selecting a certain team over another – especially if certain teams end up with star players seriously injured (which affects the trajectory of the playoffs).

NBA Team Data for Playoffs (2023)

Included below are some specific datasets that were fed to GPT-4 for each team.

Understand that I didn’t document every single piece of data in this article – because I don’t want it to be excessively long from copying & pasting roster stats, etc.

Eastern conference

Milwaukee Bucks (#1)

• Record: 58-24 (Conf: 35-17, Home: 32-9, Away: 26-15, L10: 6-4, Strk: L2)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.120 (TeamRankings) (#10)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.085 (TeamRankings) (#4)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Giannis (29.29, #3 overall); Holiday (19.43, #53 overall), Lopez (18.61, #67 overall), Portis (18, #74 overall), Middleton (17.53, #84 overall)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Giannis (9.4 WAR); Holiday (9.3 WAR); Lopez (8.7 WAR); Allen (2.9 WAR); Connaughton (2.3 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 3.48
• Net rating (healthy): 3.5 (#3 overall)
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 20% chance of winning finals (full strength rating: 1703)
• Elo forecast: 1598 (9% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Giannis (right knee soreness – unclear if will play Game 1), Allen (ankle sprain – expected to play), Connaughton (ankle sprain – expected to play), AJ Green (foot soreness – unclear if will play), Middleton (knee soreness – expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Mike Budenholzer

Boston Celtics (#2)

• Record: 57-25 (Conf: 34-18, Home: 32-9, Away: 25-16, L10: 8-2, Strk: W3)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.146 (TeamRankings) (#2)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.083 (TeamRankings) (#3)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Tatum (23.92), Williams III (20), Brown (19.29), Brogdon (18.34), Kornet (16.88)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: White (9.1 WAR), Tatum (9 WAR), Brogdon (4.1 WAR), Brown (4.1 WAR), Horford (4 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 6.56
• Net rating (healthy): 5.6
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 22% chance of winning finals (full strength rating: 1717)
• Elo forecast: 1682 (34% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Danilo Gallinari (ACL tear – out for season), Brogdon (back soreness – expected to play), Brown (right finger laceration – expected to play), Horford (back stiffness – expected to play), Smart (neck spasms – expected to play), Tatum (left hip contusion – expected to play), Williams III (knee soreness – expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Joe Mazzulla

Philadelphia 76ers (#3)

• Record: 54-28 (Conf: 34-18, Home: 29-12, Away: 25-16, L10: 5-5, Strk: W2)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.14 (TeamRankings) (#4)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.098 (TeamRankings) (#8)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Embiid (31.69), Harden (21.78), Reed (19.29), Harrell (17.77), Maxey (17.21)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Embiid (12.9 WAR), Harden (9.2 WAR), Melton (4.1 WAR), Maxey (4 WAR), Harris (3.2 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 4.42
• Net rating (healthy): 3.9
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1699 (15% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1638 (14% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Dedmon, Embiid, Harden, Harris, House Jr., Maxey, Melton, Niang, Tucker (all expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Doc Rivers

Cleveland Cavaliers (#4)

• Record: 51-31 (Conf: 34-18, Home: 31-10, Away: 20-21, L10: 7-3, Strk: L1)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.125 (#8) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.071 (#1) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Mitchell (23.13), Allen (20.09), Garland (19.02), Mobley (18.07), Neto (12.68)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Mitchell (9.5 WAR), Garland (9 WAR), LeVert (4.9 WAR), Allen (4.5 WAR), Mobley (3.9 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 5.47
• Net rating (healthy): 5.7
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1634 (Full Strength rating) (3% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1601 (6% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Mitchell, Garland, LeVert, Windler, Okoro (all expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff

New York Knicks (#5)

• Record: 47-35 (Conf: 32-20, Home: 23-18, Away: 22-19, L10: 6-4, Strk: L2)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.138 (#5) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.109 (#18) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Brunson (21.38), Randle (20.55), Robinson (19.06), Quickley (16.46), Hartenstein (14.32)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Brunson (8.3 WAR), Quickley (7.3 WAR), Hart (7.2 WAR), Randle (5.6 WAR), Robinson (4.8 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 3.10
• Net rating (healthy): 2.7
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1602 (1% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1588 (4% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Roby, Washington Jr., Brunson, Keels, Randle (all expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Tom Thibodeau

Brooklyn Nets (#6)

• Record: 45-37 (Conf: 30-22, Home: 23-18, Away: 22-19, L10: 6-4, Strk: L1)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.114 (#15) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.106 (#14) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Claxton (20.99), Sharpe (17.94), Johnson (17.25), Bridges (17.02), Dinwiddie (16.20)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Bridges (6.8 WAR), Claxton (5.6 WAR), Dinwiddie (4.6 WAR), Johnson (4.1 WAR), O’Neale (3.5 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 1.18
• Net rating (healthy): -0.2
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1542 (0.1% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1515 (0.3% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Simmons (back & knee – out for the season); Sumner, O’Neale, Johnson, Finney-Smith, Curry (expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Jacque Vaughn

Atlanta Hawks (#7)

• Record: 41-41 (Conf: 26-26, Home: 24-17, Away: 17-24, L10: 5-5, Strk: L2)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.130 (#7) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.126 (#22) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Capela (22.25), Young (22.15), Okongwu (19.53), Murray (17.19), Bey (14.71)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Young (9.1 WAR), Capela (5 WAR), Okongwu (3.5 WAR), Bogdanovic (3.4 WAR), Murray (3.1 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 0.32
• Net rating (healthy): 1.3
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1567 (0.2% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1533 (0.5% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): None.
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Quin Snyder

Miami Heat (#8)

• Record: 44-38 (Conf: 24-28, Home: 27-14, Away: 17-24, L10: 6-4, Strk: W1)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.094 (#25) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.099 (#9) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Butler (27.82), Adebayo (20.26), Herro (15.49), Love (13.27), Lowry (12.69)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Butler (10.2 WAR), Adebayo (5.8 WAR), Lowry (3.7 WAR), Herro (3.2 WAR), Love (2.4 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): -0.22
• Net rating (healthy): -0.2
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1618 (1% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1549 (0.5% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Jovic (out indefinitely); Lowry, Vincent, Butler (expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Western conference

Denver Nuggets (#1)

• Record: 53-29 (Conf: 34-18, Home: 34-7, Away: 19-22, L10: 5-5, Strk: W1)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.141 (#3) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.108 (#17) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Jokic (31.78), Bryant (19.85), Gordon (19.67), Murray (18.14), Porter Jr. (16.97)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Jokic (20.3 WAR), Gordon (6 WAR), Caldwell-Pope (5.8 WAR), Murray (4.3 WAR), Porter Jr. (2.8 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 3.04
• Net rating (healthy): 4
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1679 (14% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1549 (3% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Green, Caldwell-Pope, Gordon, Porter Jr. Murray, Jokic (all expected to play); Gillespie (may be out all of April)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Michael Malone

Memphis Grizzlies (#2)

• Record: 51-31 (Conf: 30-22, Home: 35-6, Away: 16-25, L10: 6-4, Strk: L1)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.113 (#16) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.075 (#2) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Morant (23.52), Jackson Jr. (21.82), Clarke (20.18), Bane (19.33), Adams (17.66)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Morant (8.5 WAR), Bane (6.3 WAR), Jackson Jr. (6.1 WAR), Konchar (4 WAR), Adams (3.9 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 3.59
• Net rating (healthy): 6.5
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1644 (5% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1600 (9% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Adams & Clarke (out for season); LaRavia, Aldama, Bane, Brooks, Jackson Jr. Jones, Morant (expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Taylor Jenkins

Sacramento Kings (#3)

• Record: 48-34 (Conf: 32-20, Home: 23-18, Away: 25-16, L10: 5-5, Strk: L3)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.159 (#1) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.133 (#25) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Sabonis (23.66), Fox (21.98), Metu (17.45), Monk (16.72), Huerter (15.38)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Sabonis (8.7 WAR), Fox (7.2 WAR), Barnes (5.4 WAR), Huerter (3.5 WAR), Mitchell (2.2 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 2.14
• Net rating (healthy): 3.2
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1531 (0.1% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1538 (2% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Mitchell & Barnes (expected to play); Dellavedova (out indefinitely)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Mike Brown

Phoenix Suns (#4)

• Record: 45-37 (Conf: 30-22, Home: 28-13, Away: 17-24, L10: 7-3, Strk: L2)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.112 (#17) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.092 (#7) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Durant (26.14), Booker (22.21), Ayton (20.09), Paul (17.91), Landale (16.60)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Durant (7.1 WAR), Booker (6.8 WAR), Okogie (4.5 WAR), Paul (4.4 WAR), Lee (1.8 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 2.11
• Net rating (healthy): 11.1
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1625 (4% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1575 (5% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Biyombo, Warren, Durant, Payne (all expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Monty Williams

LA Clippers (#5)

• Record: 44-38 (Conf: 27-25, Home: 23-18, Away: 21-20, L10: 6-4, Strk: W3)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.116 (#13) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.111 (#19) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Leonard (24.13), Plumlee (19.78), George (19.75), Powell (17.28), Zubac (16.89)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Leonard (8.5 WAR), George (7.5 WAR), Plumlee (3.2 WAR), Batum 2.5 WAR), Zubac (2.1 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 0.31
• Net rating (healthy): 3.5
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1526 (0.4% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1549 (2% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Morris Sr. (expected to play), George (will miss 2-3 weeks)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Tyronn Lue

Golden State Warriors (#6)

• Record: 44-38 (Conf: 30-22, Home: 33-8, Away: 11-30, L10: 8-2, Strk: W3)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.124 (#9) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.107 (#16) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Curry (24.36), Looney (17.91), Green (15.67), Wiggins (14.88), Thompson (14.87)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Curry (9.3 WAR), Green (6.1 WAR), Looney (6.1 WAR), DiVincenzo (5.3 WAR), Thompson (2.9 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 1.60
• Net rating (healthy): 1.9
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1658 (9% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1603 (7% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): Wiggins (expected to play); Rollins (out indefinitely); Iguodala (not expected back for at least 1 month)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Steve Kerr

LA Lakers (#7)

• Record: 43-39 (Conf: 27-25, Home: 23-18, Away: 20-21, L10: 8-2, Strk: W2)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.109 (#21) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.103 (#12) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Davis (28), James (24.11), Russell (16.49), Bamba (15.88), Vanderbilt (15.22)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Davis (9.8 WAR), James (7.2 WAR), Reaves (6.9 WAR), Russell (3.8 WAR), Schroder (1.8 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): 0.40
• Net rating (healthy): 6.4
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1632 (3% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1576 (3% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): None.
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Darvin Ham

Minnesota Timberwolves (#8)

• Record: 42-40 (Conf: 29-23, Home: 22-19, Away: 20-21, L10: 8-2, Strk: W3)
• Offensive efficiency: 1.100 (#24) (TeamRankings)
• Defensive efficiency: 1.101 (#10) (TeamRankings)
• Player efficiency ratings (PER): Gobert (19.06), Anthony Towns (18.98), Reid (18.72), Edwards (17.54), Anderson (14.95)
• Top RAPTOR ratings: Edwards (6.5 WAR), Conley (5.3 WAR), Gobert (5.3 WAR), Anderson (4.4 WAR), McDaniels (3.8 WAR)
• Net rating (adjusted for opponent strength): -0.18
• Net rating (healthy): -0.4
• RAPTOR player rating forecast: 1568 (1% chance of winning finals)
• Elo forecast: 1535 (0.9% chance of winning finals)
• Injuries (?): McDaniels & Reid (out indefinitely); Towns, Nowell, Gobert (all expected to play)
• Full roster information provided to GPT-4 (height, weight, stats, etc.)
• Coach: Chris Finch

Who are your predictions for the 2023 NBA playoffs?

Note your round-by-round predictions & explain them if you want.

Who do you have in your 2022-2023 NBA Final? (Who wins & how many games?)

Do you have a darkhorse prediction either to win the championship OR make a deep playoff run?