* – 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. Milwaukee Bucks
This is as good a time as any for them to finally punch their ticket to the Finals.
2. Indiana Pacers
They have a solid core to be contenders in the East, but having a new head coach could cause some growing pains.
3. Detroit Pistons
Chances are they will be a bottom seeded team in the playoffs, but is that enough for a once proud franchise?
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
If everything goes right they could be a sneaky good team, but that hinges on the health of Kevin Love and the development of Collin Sexton.
5. Chicago Bulls
An identity needs to be established with a new regime taking over from the front office to the bench. Continue reading
* – 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
