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 →

Southwest Division

1. Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic is the real deal and proved it in the short playoff appearance last year. He will be a MVP candidate his entire career.

2. Houston Rockets

Even if James Harden does force his way out, this team has enough talent to be a playoff team. With Harden they should be better obviously.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant is a star in the making and will be getting some looks as a possible MVP candidate this year.

4. New Orleans Pelicans

They were close to a playoff spot last year, but it was a good learning experience for the group they’re building around.

5. San Antonio Spurs

The rest of the conference and their division for that matter are passing them by very quickly. Continue reading →

2020 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8. Orlando Magic

Players to Watch: F Khris Middleton and C Nikola Vucevic

Who Wins: Bucks in 5 games

4. Indiana Pacers vs. 5. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Domantas Sabonis and F Bam Adebayo

Who Wins: Pacers in 6 games

3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. Philadelphia 76ers

Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and C Joel Embiid

Who Wins: Celtics in 6 games

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Brooklyn Nets

Players to Watch: F Pascal Siakam and G Caris LeVert

Who Wins: Raptors in 5 games

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: F Anthony Davis and G Damian Lillard

Who Wins: Lakers in 6 games

4. Houston Rockets vs. 5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Players to Watch: G James Harden and G Chris Paul

Who Wins: Rockets in 7 games

3. Denver Nuggets vs. 6. Utah Jazz

Players to Watch: C Nikola Jokic and G Donovan Mitchell

Who Wins: Nuggets in 7 games

2. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks

Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and G Luka Doncic

Who Wins: Clippers in 6 games

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 →