Central Division

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s a safe bet they’ll be expected to make a third consecutive Finals appearance.

2. Milwaukee Bucks

The time is now for them to put this together and get into the playoffs.

3. Chicago Bulls

This will now be Jimmy Butler’s team with Derrick Rose being traded.

4. Indiana Pacers

Expect a big season from Paul George as the Pacers offense begins to open up.

5. Detroit Pistons

It’s been a tough go for them, but having Andre Drummond helps keep them competitive. Continue reading →

2016 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Detroit Pistons

Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and G Reggie Jackson

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 5 games

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Indiana Pacers

Players to Watch: G DeMar DeRozan and F Paul George

Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games

3. Miami Heat vs. 6. Charlotte Hornets

Players to Watch: C Hassan Whiteside and G Kemba Walker

Who Wins: Hornets in 7 games

4. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5. Boston Celtics

Players to Watch: F Al Horford and G Isaiah Thomas

Who Wins: Hawks in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Houston Rockets

Players to Watch: F Draymond Green and C Dwight Howard

Who Wins: Warriors in 4 games

2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Memphis Grizzlies

Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and F Zach Randolph

Who Wins: Spurs in 5 games

3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and F Dirk Nowitzki

Who Wins: Thunder in 6 games

4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and G Damian Lillard

Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – 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 →

Central Division

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

A lot of money was spent to get a championship in Cleveland.

2. Chicago Bulls

With an offensive minded head coach, maybe the Bulls go on an upswing.

3. Milwaukee Bucks

The roster is incredibly deep to compete in the top tier of the conference.

4. Indiana Pacers

The only reason to watch them is to see how Paul George does.

5. Detroit Pistons

This is Stan Van Gundy’s team and he’ll have to make the most out of it. Continue reading →

NBA Finals and Awards Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Chris Paul – Clippers

Rookie – Jabari Parker – Bucks

Coach – Randy Wittman – Wizards

Defensive Player – Andre Drummond – Pistons

Most Improved – Chris Bosh – Heat

Sixth Man – Isaiah Thomas – Suns

Executive – David Griffin – Cavaliers Continue reading →