* – 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
1. Boston Celtics
It’s Jayson Tatum’s show now. He could be primed for a MVP caliber season in Boston.
2. Brooklyn Nets
We’ll get to see Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving play together with former two-time MVP Steve Nash as the head coach.
3. Toronto Raptors
They don’t have the flashiest roster, but they get the job done with a great coach in Nick Nurse.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
The direction of this teams is in flux with Doc Rivers aboard as the new head coach.
5. New York Knicks
It’ll be another work in progress at Madison Square Garden with Tom Thibodeau as the new head coach. Continue reading
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
* – 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
1. Philadelphia 76ers
A lot of money has been invested in their starting lineup to deliver a trip to the Conference Finals or better.
2. Toronto Raptors
They are the defending champs and they will defend that title without Kawhi, but the world will realize how good Pascal Siakam is.
3. Boston Celtics
Last year was a disappointment and they hope Kemba Walker is better than Kyrie was.
4. Brooklyn Nets
Even without Kevin Durant for his first season aboard this Nets team has a lot of intriguing pieces to build on.
5. New York Knicks
Sure signing four power forwards was a strange move, but they weren’t massive long-term deals. Continue reading
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