Three bold predictions, five games to watch for Nets’ 2023-24 season

The Nets open their season on Wednesday night in Brooklyn against the Cavaliers. The Post’s Brian Lewis makes three bold predictions about the Nets 2023-24 campaign.

Three bold predictions

1. Mikal Bridges wins Most Improved Player: He averaged 26.1 ppg for the Nets after arriving last season. Close to that again could earn him MIP.

2. Nic Claxton receives a nine-figure contract extension: The CBA prevents an extension now so Claxton will be an unrestricted free agent in June. He’ll exceed $100 million, and the Nets have eight months to get ready.

3. Ben Simmons stays (fairly) healthy but Nets struggle: Simmons likely plays over 50 games, but Brooklyn still ends up mired in the play-in.

Five games to watch

Oct. 27 at Dallas: This visit to Texas will be the Nets’ first meeting with Kyrie Irving, whose vaccine refusal in 2021-22 cost him two-thirds of that season and whose Feb. 3 trade demand last season essentially ended their championship hopes. His relationship with the team was … complicated.

Dec. 13 at Phoenix: This will be the Nets’ first time facing Kevin Durant since their seismic Feb. 9 trade. The loss of Irving and questions about Simmons prompted Durant to feel like the last man standing and ask out. This will also be Mikal Bridges’ and Cam Johnson’s return to Phoenix.

Jan. 11 vs. Cleveland (in Paris): Yes, they open the season vs. the Cavs. But many in the league feel this could be Elmsford native Donovan Mitchell’s last season in Cleveland, with a return home to Brooklyn possible — that storyline might be in clearer focus here. And the “road” tilt being played in Paris doesn’t hurt the vibe.

Feb. 3 at Philadelphia: Brooklyn will have already hosted the 76ers on Nov. 19. But this is going to be Ben Simmons’ first trip back to Philadelphia presumably healthy and playing at a decent level. Will ex-Net James Harden be there to suit up, or will he have been traded? More importantly, will Joel Embiid?

Feb. 10 vs. San Antonio: Victor Wembanyama has come into the league with more hype and hyperbole than any rookie in memory, including LeBron James. This will be Nets fans’ first chance to see the French phenom live.