Central Division

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 →

2019 NBA Playoffs Preview

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

* – 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 →

Central Division

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 →

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – 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 →