Basketball

2016 NBA Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Detroit Pistons

Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and G Reggie Jackson

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 5 games

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Indiana Pacers

Players to Watch: G DeMar DeRozan and F Paul George

Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games

3. Miami Heat vs. 6. Charlotte Hornets

Players to Watch: C Hassan Whiteside and G Kemba Walker

Who Wins: Hornets in 7 games

4. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5. Boston Celtics

Players to Watch: F Al Horford and G Isaiah Thomas

Who Wins: Hawks in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Houston Rockets

Players to Watch: F Draymond Green and C Dwight Howard

Who Wins: Warriors in 4 games

2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Memphis Grizzlies

Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and F Zach Randolph

Who Wins: Spurs in 5 games

3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and F Dirk Nowitzki

Who Wins: Thunder in 6 games

4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and G Damian Lillard

Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games

The Black Mamba

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts while taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts while taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

It’s harder to imagine in this day and age that one person can stay in the same place, doing the same job for 20 years. It does happen and it will continue to happen, but from a sports perspective this is very rare.

Continue reading →

NBA Finals and Award Projections

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* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Anthony Davis – Pelicans

Rookie – Jahlil Okafor – 76ers

Coach – Fred Hoiberg – Bulls

Defensive Player – DeAndre Jordan – Clippers

Most Improved – Paul George – Pacers

Sixth Man – Nikola Mirotic – Bulls

Executive – R.C. Buford – Spurs

Playoffs Continue reading →

Pacific Division

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1. Golden State Warriors

Winning a championship doesn’t seem to affect this team too much.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

This is setting up to be a must win year for Doc Rivers and company.

3. Phoenix Suns

If they make the playoffs, they’ll be one team to watch out for.

4. Sacramento Kings

With George Karl and DeMarcus Cousins not seeing eye to eye, things could get ugly.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

A few bright spots and key veteran additions should lesson the stress on Kobe. Continue reading →

Northwest Division

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1. Oklahoma City Thunder

It will be pretty hard for a college head coach to mess this up.

2. Utah Jazz

Flying under the radar is exactly what they need to do.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

Give them another year and they could be pushing the Thunder for the division title.

4. Portland Trail Blazers

A youth movement is taking place, but the pieces they added make sense.

5. Denver Nuggets

After a tumultuous season, Denver looks to rebound with a new coach. Continue reading →