2021 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 8. Washington Wizards

Players to Watch: C Joel Embiid and G Russell Westbrook

Who Wins: 76ers in 5 games

4. New York Knicks vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks

Players to Watch: F Julius Randle and G Trae Young

Who Wins: Knicks in 6 games

3. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 6. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Giannis Antetokounmpo and F Jimmy Butler

Who Wins: Bucks in 7 games

2. Brooklyn Nets vs. 7. Boston Celtics

Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and F Jayson Tatum

Who Wins: Nets in 5 games

Western Conference

1. Utah Jazz vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies

Players to Watch: C Rudy Gobert and G Ja Morant

Who Wins: Jazz in 6 games

4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Dallas Mavericks

Players to Watch: F Paul George and G Luka Doncic

Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games

3. Denver Nuggets vs. 6. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: C Nikola Jokic and G Damian Lillard

Who Wins: Nuggets in 6 games

2. Phoenix Suns vs. 7. Los Angeles Lakers

Players to Watch: G Devin Booker and F Anthony Davis

Who Wins: Lakers in 7 games

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 →

Southeast Division

1. Miami Heat

The rest of the conference took notes from their run to the Finals last season. That doesn’t mean Miami won’t be able to replicate it.

2. Atlanta Hawks

Their roster rebuild is starting to take shape and it could result in a surprise playoff appearance.

3. Orlando Magic

Losing Jonathan Isaac will be a tough pill to swallow. If Markelle Fultz continues to improve they could move up in the standings.

4. Charlotte Hornets

They missed out on Gordon Hayward when he was a restricted free-agent. Now that they got him this last offseason will he be worth the wait?

5. Washington Wizards

As first John Wall wasn’t going to be traded. Then he was just as training camp got under way. I don’t see Russell Westbrook or Bradley Beal staying long-term. Continue reading →

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Damian Lillard – Trail Blazers

Rookie – Ja Morant – Grizzlies

Coach – Doc Rivers – Clippers

Defensive Player – Giannis Antetokounmpo – Bucks

Most Improved – Kristaps Porzingis – Mavericks

Sixth Man – Lou Williams – Clippers

Executive – Lawrence Frank – Clippers

Playoffs Continue reading →

Southeast Division

1. Miami Heat

This is the perfect time for them to retake the division and make some noise come playoff time.

2. Orlando Magic

They certainly stack up as a playoff team, but can they get out of the first round?

3. Washington Wizards

John Wall isn’t expected to play this season. Should they be expected to make a playoff push?

4. Atlanta Hawks

The rebuild continues and they came away with two excellent lottery picks to go along with Trae Young.

5. Charlotte Hornets

It’s going to be a painful, but necessary rebuild to get away from the bad contracts they’ve dolled out over the years. Continue reading →