* – 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. Atlanta Hawks
They were the class of the NBA last year, but need to find a way past Cleveland.
2. Miami Heat
Health and having Goran Dragic for the whole season will help.
3. Washington Wizards
They’re a solid team, but they just can’t seem to put it together in the playoffs.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Being an afterthought might be a good thing for them.
5. Orlando Magic
Scott Skiles brings an instant culture change to a sagging franchise. Continue reading
Eastern Conference
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 1. Atlanta Hawks
Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and F DeMare Carroll
Who Wins: Cavaliers in 7 games
Western Conference
2. Houston Rockets vs. 1. Golden State Warriors
Players to Watch: C Dwight Howard and G Klay Thompson
Who Wins: Warriors in 6 games
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
Eastern Conference
1. Atlanta Hawks vs. 8. Brooklyn Nets
Players to Watch: G Jeff Teague and G Deron Williams
Who Wins: Hawks in 5 games
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7. Boston Celtics
Players to Watch: F Kevin Love and G Isaiah Thomas
Who Wins: Cavaliers in 5 games
3. Chicago Bulls vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks
Players to Watch: G Derrick Rose and F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who Wins: Bulls in 6 games
4. Toronto Raptors vs. 5. Washington Wizards
Players to Watch: G Kyle Lowry and G John Wall
Who Wins: Raptors in 7 games
Western Conference
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. New Orleans Pelicans
Players to Watch: G Klay Thompson and F Anthony Davis
Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games
2. Houston Rockets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
Players to Watch: C Dwight Howard and F Dirk Nowitzki
Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games
3. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 6. San Antonio Spurs
Players to Watch: F Blake Griffin and F Kawhi Leonard
Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games
4. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies
Players to Watch: G Damian Lillard and C Marc Gasol
Who Wins: Grizzlies in 6 games
westhesportsguy.com 