* – indicates playoffs
MVP – Russell Westbrook – Thunder
Rookie – Buddy Hield – Pelicans
Coach – Alvin Gentry – Pelicans
Defensive Player – DeAndre Jordan – Clippers
Most Improved – D’Angelo Russell – Lakers
Sixth Man – Brandon Knight – Suns
Executive – Danny Ainge – Celtics Continue reading
1. San Antonio Spurs
They are still a deep, talented roster and remain among the best in the conference.
2. New Orleans Pelicans
A healthy Anthony Davis can make all the difference for them being a playoff team.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
While they are getting a little older, they are a tough team to keep down.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Adding Harrison Barnes could be seen as a risk, but he is far too talented to not help them.
5. Houston Rockets
This will be an interesting experiment with James Harden running the show. Continue reading
Eastern Conference
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks
Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and F Paul Millsap
Who Wins: Cavaliers in 6 games
3. Miami Heat vs. 2. Toronto Raptors
Players to Watch: G Goran Dragic and G DeMar DeRozan
Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games
Western Conference
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 5 Portland Trail Blazers
Players to Watch: G Klay Thompson and G C.J. McCollum
Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games
2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Players to Watch: F LaMarcus Aldridge and G Russell Westbrook
Who Wins: Spurs in 6 games
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
* – 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
