Bucks

Central Division

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1. Milwaukee Bucks

Their superstar in ‘The Greek Freak’ could be primed for an MVP caliber year.

2. Indiana Pacers

They took Cleveland to the brink in the opening round last year and should be a major contender this year.

3. Detroit Pistons

With a different direction on the bench, they could be a surprise contender.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

The second go-round without LeBron should be easier with a better roster than the first time.

5. Chicago Bulls

There’s plenty to build on, but it could be another long year in the Windy City. Continue reading →

2018 NBA Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

1. Toronto Raptors vs. 8. Washington Wizards

Players to Watch: G DeMar DeRozan and G Bradley Beal

Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games

2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Milwaukee Bucks

Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and F Giannis Antetokounmpo

Who Wins: Celtics in 7 games

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Ben Simmons and C Hassan Whiteside

Who Wins: 76ers in 6 games

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Indiana Pacers

Players to Watch: F Kevin Love and G Victor Oladipo

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Houston Rockets vs. 8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and C Karl-Anthony Towns

Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games

2. Golden State Warriors vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and G Dejounte Murray

Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games

3. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 6. New Orleans Pelicans

Players to Watch: C Jusuf Nurkic and G Rajon Rondo

Who Wins: Trail Blazers in 6 games

4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 5. Utah Jazz

Players to Watch: G Russell Westbrook and G Donovan Mitchell

Who Wins: Thunder in 6 games

NBA Finals and Award Projections

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* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Kawhi Leonard – Spurs

Rookie – Ben Simmons – 76ers

Coach – Tom Thibodeau – Timberwolves

Defensive Player – Kawhi Leonard – Spurs

Most Improved – Blake Griffin – Clippers

Sixth Man – Lou Williams – Clippers

Executive – Sam Presti – Thunder Continue reading →

Central Division

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1. Cleveland Cavaliers

With just a few tweaks, they’re poised to make another title run.

2. Milwaukee Bucks

Time for them to make their move in the wide open Eastern Conference.

3. Detroit Pistons

At best they’ll clinch a low seed in the playoffs.

4. Indiana Pacers

They’re starting over with Paul George gone, but they are in better shape than most thought they would be.

5. Chicago Bulls

It’s been a while since the Bulls were in a rebuilding mode. Continue reading →

2017 NBA Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Chicago Bulls

Players to Watch: G Isaiah Thomas and G Jimmy Butler

Who Wins: Celtics in 5 games

2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7. Indiana Pacers

Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and G Paul George

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 6 games

3. Toronto Raptors vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks

Players to Watch: G Kyle Lowry and F Giannis Antetokounmpo

Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games

4. Washington Wizards vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks

Players to Watch: G John Wall and F Paul Millsap

Who Wins: Wizards in 6 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: F Draymond Green and G Damian Lillard

Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games

2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Memphis Grizzlies

Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and G Mike Conley

Who Wins: Spurs in 5 games

3. Houston Rockets vs. 6. Oklahoma City Thunder

Players to Watch: G James Harden and G Russell Westbrook

Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games

4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Utah Jazz

Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and G Gordon Hayward

Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games