Atlantic Division

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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

2019 NBA Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8. Detroit Pistons

Players to Watch: G Eric Bledsoe and F Blake Griffin

Who Wins: Bucks in 5 games

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Orlando Magic

Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and C Nikola Vucevic

Who Wins: Raptors in 5 games

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Brooklyn Nets

Players to Watch: C Joel Embiid and G D’Angelo Russell

Who Wins: 76ers in 6 games

4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Indiana Pacers

Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and F Myles Turner

Who Wins: Celtics in 6 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Los Angeles Clippers

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and F Danilo Gallinari

Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games

2. Denver Nuggets vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs

Players to Watch: C Nikola Jokic and F LaMarcus Aldridge

Who Wins: Nuggets in 6 games

3. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 6. Oklahoma City Thunder

Players to Watch: G Damian Lillard and F Paul George

Who Wins: Trail Blazers in 7 games

4. Houston Rockets vs. 5. Utah Jazz

Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and G Donovan Mitchell

Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games

NBA Finals and Award Projections

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* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Giannis Antetokounmpo – Bucks

Rookie – Luka Doncic – Mavericks

Coach – Mike Budenholzer – Bucks

Defensive Player – Kawhi Leonard – Raptors

Most Improved – Kawhi Leonard – Raptors

Sixth Man – Kyle Kuzma – Lakers

Executive – Magic Johnson – Lakers Continue reading

Atlantic Division

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1. Boston Celtics

The favorites to win the East, they’ll have some competition in their own division.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The ‘process’ is starting to become perennial contenders.

3. Toronto Raptors

A new coach is in place with a budding star in Kawhi Leonard.

4. New York Knicks

The best course is to keep Porzingis out for this year and become instant contenders next year.

5. Brooklyn Nets

Terrible trades in years past have kept them at the bottom of the talent pool. Continue reading

NBA Finals and Award Projections

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* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Kawhi Leonard – Spurs

Rookie – Ben Simmons – 76ers

Coach – Tom Thibodeau – Timberwolves

Defensive Player – Kawhi Leonard – Spurs

Most Improved – Blake Griffin – Clippers

Sixth Man – Lou Williams – Clippers

Executive – Sam Presti – Thunder Continue reading