* – 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. Milwaukee Bucks
Being beaten by the eventual NBA champions shouldn’t deter them from making another run this year.
2. Indiana Pacers
They have an interesting core to build from and if Victor Oladipo is healthy they could surprise some in the playoffs.
3. Detroit Pistons
Their strength is in the front-court, but is Derrick Rose the answer for the backcourt?
4. Chicago Bulls
They’ve built a nice roster, but they need to find an identity if they want to be serious contenders.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
John Beilein left the comforts of Michigan to see how he can use his talents to rebuild the Cavaliers. Continue reading
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
* – 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
1. Milwaukee Bucks
Their superstar in ‘The Greek Freak’ could be primed for an MVP caliber year.
2. Indiana Pacers
They took Cleveland to the brink in the opening round last year and should be a major contender this year.
3. Detroit Pistons
With a different direction on the bench, they could be a surprise contender.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
The second go-round without LeBron should be easier with a better roster than the first time.
5. Chicago Bulls
There’s plenty to build on, but it could be another long year in the Windy City. Continue reading
