* – 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. Toronto Raptors
Bringing back DeRozan ensures they remain contenders atop the Eastern Conference.
2. Boston Celtics
Adding Al Horford puts them one step ahead of the pack.
3. New York Knicks
A lot roster changes, but overall they’re better than last year.
4. Brooklyn Nets
They’re starting over and trying to clear some necessary cap space.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The youth movement has hit its climax with the addition of Ben Simmons. Continue reading
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
* – 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. Toronto Raptors
Easily the class of the division with an exceptional roster from top to bottom.
2. Boston Celtics
The surprise team in the East last year will build off that success.
3. Brooklyn Nets
They’re a bubble team that will rely heavily on Brook Lopez to keep them competitive.
4. New York Knicks
A somewhat disappointing offseason has New York waiting to see who they can get next year.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Clearly they are still rebuilding and there’s no end in sight. Continue reading
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