2017 NBA Playoffs Preview

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

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – 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 →

Central Division

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 →

2016 NBA Champions

It’s been 52 years since the city of Cleveland won a major sports championship. We all expected the Indians or the Browns to do it, although the Browns aren’t expected to do much in the near future. But since LeBron James was drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, suddenly the Cavs were expected to accomplish the task.

Continue reading →