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

Kobe Bryant 1978-2020

The photo above is one of many I took on February 2,2016. It was the first Lakers game I had ever attended at Staples Center. I was with my younger brother who had also never been to a Lakers game in his entire life. We were fortunate enough to get tickets to this game thanks to our oldest brother who purchased them for us. This was during Kobe Bryant’s last year playing in the NBA. It was one of the last sporting events I would attend in person while still living in Southern California at the time. Kobe scored 38 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists and in typical Kobe fashion willed his team to victory down the stretch. The Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115. 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 →

Pacific Division

1. Los Angeles Clippers

They are the talk of the league after getting both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to come aboard.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis is now on board. Let’s see if that brings out the best in LeBron since LA hasn’t seen it yet.

3. Golden State Warriors

Not having Klay Thompson hurts them this year, but they should still make the playoffs regardless.

4. Sacramento Kings

Once again with a new coach on the bench what will their identity be with a young talented roster?

5. Phoenix Suns

The most dysfunctional team in the NBA not named the New York Knicks has another year of growing pains to deal with. Continue reading →

Northwest Division

1. Denver Nuggets

They boast the same team with a couple additions that should contribute immediately.

2. Portland Trail Blazers

They aren’t playing around and are going for it this season with the moves they made in the offseason.

3. Utah Jazz

Expectations fell short for them last year, but adding Mike Conley should raise those expectations again.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Realizing they were in a lose-lose situation, they maximized their assets in dealing Russell Westbrook and Paul George in separate deals.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

They could be a sneaky good team, but there are too many questions surrounding the supporting cast around Karl-Anthony Towns. Continue reading →