* – 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
1. San Antonio Spurs
Grabbing one of the best free agents available makes them top tier contenders.
2. Houston Rockets
Trading for Ty Lawson keeps them in that sneaky good category.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Not much change in the rotation, but they are still among the best.
4. New Orleans Pelicans
With a new coaching philosophy, they’ll try to take advantage of Anthony Davis’ skill set.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Losing out on DeAndre Jordan really sucked the life out of this team. Continue reading
Eastern Conference
1. Atlanta Hawks vs. 8. Brooklyn Nets
Players to Watch: G Jeff Teague and G Deron Williams
Who Wins: Hawks in 5 games
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7. Boston Celtics
Players to Watch: F Kevin Love and G Isaiah Thomas
Who Wins: Cavaliers in 5 games
3. Chicago Bulls vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks
Players to Watch: G Derrick Rose and F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who Wins: Bulls in 6 games
4. Toronto Raptors vs. 5. Washington Wizards
Players to Watch: G Kyle Lowry and G John Wall
Who Wins: Raptors in 7 games
Western Conference
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. New Orleans Pelicans
Players to Watch: G Klay Thompson and F Anthony Davis
Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games
2. Houston Rockets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
Players to Watch: C Dwight Howard and F Dirk Nowitzki
Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games
3. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 6. San Antonio Spurs
Players to Watch: F Blake Griffin and F Kawhi Leonard
Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games
4. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies
Players to Watch: G Damian Lillard and C Marc Gasol
Who Wins: Grizzlies in 6 games
* – 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
1. San Antonio Spurs
Why wouldn’t they stand pat after defeating the Miami Heat so easily?
2. New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis proved in the summer why he’s the best big man in the league.
3. Dallas Mavericks
Lots of new faces, but a familiar one in Chandler will help immensely.
4. Houston Rockets
Losing Parsons will come back to haunt them.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
This team suddenly looks older, but they can sneak into the playoffs health permitting. Continue reading
westhesportsguy.com 