* – 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. Denver Nuggets
They boast the same team with a couple additions that should contribute immediately.
2. Portland Trail Blazers
They aren’t playing around and are going for it this season with the moves they made in the offseason.
3. Utah Jazz
Expectations fell short for them last year, but adding Mike Conley should raise those expectations again.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Realizing they were in a lose-lose situation, they maximized their assets in dealing Russell Westbrook and Paul George in separate deals.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
They could be a sneaky good team, but there are too many questions surrounding the supporting cast around Karl-Anthony Towns. 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. Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook has a full commitment from Paul George. Now let’s see how this will play out.
2. Utah Jazz
They have a star in Donovan Mitchell and they will take advantage of his talents.
3. Denver Nuggets
As long as Nikola Jokic continues to improve they should have no problems getting to the playoffs this year.
4. Portland Trail Blazers
There’s no reason to think they’ll be in playoff contention, but this conference is stacked.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
An offseason with a trade demand from Jimmy Butler only adds to the dysfunction in the organization. Continue reading
westhesportsguy.com 