* – indicates playoffs
MVP – Russell Westbrook – Thunder
Rookie – Buddy Hield – Pelicans
Coach – Alvin Gentry – Pelicans
Defensive Player – DeAndre Jordan – Clippers
Most Improved – D’Angelo Russell – Lakers
Sixth Man – Brandon Knight – Suns
Executive – Danny Ainge – Celtics Continue reading
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s a safe bet they’ll be expected to make a third consecutive Finals appearance.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
The time is now for them to put this together and get into the playoffs.
3. Chicago Bulls
This will now be Jimmy Butler’s team with Derrick Rose being traded.
4. Indiana Pacers
Expect a big season from Paul George as the Pacers offense begins to open up.
5. Detroit Pistons
It’s been a tough go for them, but having Andre Drummond helps keep them competitive. Continue reading
* – 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
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
A lot of money was spent to get a championship in Cleveland.
2. Chicago Bulls
With an offensive minded head coach, maybe the Bulls go on an upswing.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
The roster is incredibly deep to compete in the top tier of the conference.
4. Indiana Pacers
The only reason to watch them is to see how Paul George does.
5. Detroit Pistons
This is Stan Van Gundy’s team and he’ll have to make the most out of it. Continue reading
Eastern Conference
1. Atlanta Hawks vs. 8. Brooklyn Nets
Players to Watch: G Jeff Teague and G Deron Williams
Who Wins: Hawks in 5 games
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7. Boston Celtics
Players to Watch: F Kevin Love and G Isaiah Thomas
Who Wins: Cavaliers in 5 games
3. Chicago Bulls vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks
Players to Watch: G Derrick Rose and F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who Wins: Bulls in 6 games
4. Toronto Raptors vs. 5. Washington Wizards
Players to Watch: G Kyle Lowry and G John Wall
Who Wins: Raptors in 7 games
Western Conference
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. New Orleans Pelicans
Players to Watch: G Klay Thompson and F Anthony Davis
Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games
2. Houston Rockets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
Players to Watch: C Dwight Howard and F Dirk Nowitzki
Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games
3. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 6. San Antonio Spurs
Players to Watch: F Blake Griffin and F Kawhi Leonard
Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games
4. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies
Players to Watch: G Damian Lillard and C Marc Gasol
Who Wins: Grizzlies in 6 games
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