2023 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Giannis Antetokounmpo and F Jimmy Butler

Who Wins: Bucks in 6 games

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. New York Knicks

Players to Watch: G Donovan Mitchell and F Julius Randle

Who Wins: Knicks in 7 games

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Brooklyn Nets

Players to Watch: C Joel Embiid and C Nic Claxton

Who Wins: 76ers in 6 games

2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Atlanta Hawks

Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and G Trae Young

Who Wins: Celtics in 5 games

Western Conference

1. Denver Nuggets vs. 8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Players to Watch: C Nikola Jokic and C Karl-Anthony Towns

Who Wins: Nuggets in 5 games

4. Phoenix Suns vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and F Kawhi Leonard

Who Wins: Suns in 6 games

3. Sacramento Kings vs. 6. Golden State Warriors

Players to Watch: G De’Aaron Fox and G Stephen Curry

Who Wins: Kings in 7 games

2. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 7. Los Angeles Lakers

Players to Watch: G Ja Morant and F Anthony Davis

Who Wins: Lakers in 6 games

NBA Finals and Awards Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – G Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks

Rookie – F Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic

Coach – JB Bickerstaff – Cleveland Cavaliers

Defensive Player – F O.G. Anunoby – Toronto Raptors

Most Improved – G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

Sixth Man – G Jordan Poole – Golden State Warriors

Executive – Koby Altman – Cleveland Cavaliers

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NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – G Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks

Rookie – C Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers

Coach – Taylor Jenkins – Memphis Grizzlies

Defensive Player – C Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat

Most Improved – F Andrew Wiggins – Golden State Warriors

Sixth Man – G Tyler Herro – Miami Heat

Executive – Arturas Karnisovas – Chicago Bulls

Playoffs

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NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – G Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks

Rookie – G Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves

Coach – Lloyd Pierce – Atlanta Hawks

Defensive Player – C Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat

Most Improved – G Markelle Fultz – Orlando Magic

Sixth Man – F Montrez Harrell – Los Angeles Lakers

Executive – Travis Schlenk – Atlanta Hawks

Playoffs Continue reading →

Central Division

1. Milwaukee Bucks

This is as good a time as any for them to finally punch their ticket to the Finals.

2. Indiana Pacers

They have a solid core to be contenders in the East, but having a new head coach could cause some growing pains.

3. Detroit Pistons

Chances are they will be a bottom seeded team in the playoffs, but is that enough for a once proud franchise?

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

If everything goes right they could be a sneaky good team, but that hinges on the health of Kevin Love and the development of Collin Sexton.

5. Chicago Bulls

An identity needs to be established with a new regime taking over from the front office to the bench. Continue reading →