Pacific Division

1. Golden State Warriors

Signing Kevin Durant, even for only one season, creates another super team in the NBA.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

If they are healthy they could be a contender in the Western Conference.

3. Phoenix Suns

Their backcourt rotation is among the best in the league.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

With a new head coach and direction, this team could be a good one for years to come.

5. Sacramento Kings

They finally hired a good head coach, now with a new arena they need to settle on a stable roster. Continue reading →

2016 NBA Playoffs Preview

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

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – 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 →

Pacific Division

1. Golden State Warriors

Winning a championship doesn’t seem to affect this team too much.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

This is setting up to be a must win year for Doc Rivers and company.

3. Phoenix Suns

If they make the playoffs, they’ll be one team to watch out for.

4. Sacramento Kings

With George Karl and DeMarcus Cousins not seeing eye to eye, things could get ugly.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

A few bright spots and key veteran additions should lesson the stress on Kobe. Continue reading →

NBA Semifinals Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5. Washington Wizards

Players to Watch: F Al Horford and G Bradley Beal

Who Wins: Wizards in 6 games

2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 3. Chicago Bulls

Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and G Derrick Rose

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 6 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies

Players to Watch: F Draymond Green and F Zach Randolph

Who Wins: Warriors in 7 games

2. Houston Rockets vs. 3. Los Angeles Clippers

Players to Watch: G James Harden and C DeAndre Jordan

Who Wins: Clippers in 6 games