2018 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Toronto Raptors vs. 8. Washington Wizards

Players to Watch: G DeMar DeRozan and G Bradley Beal

Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games

2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Milwaukee Bucks

Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and F Giannis Antetokounmpo

Who Wins: Celtics in 7 games

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Ben Simmons and C Hassan Whiteside

Who Wins: 76ers in 6 games

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Indiana Pacers

Players to Watch: F Kevin Love and G Victor Oladipo

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Houston Rockets vs. 8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and C Karl-Anthony Towns

Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games

2. Golden State Warriors vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and G Dejounte Murray

Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games

3. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 6. New Orleans Pelicans

Players to Watch: C Jusuf Nurkic and G Rajon Rondo

Who Wins: Trail Blazers in 6 games

4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 5. Utah Jazz

Players to Watch: G Russell Westbrook and G Donovan Mitchell

Who Wins: Thunder in 6 games

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 →

Northwest Division

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The reigning MVP has two superstars to help carry the load.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

An influx of talent has been added with the likes of Towns and Wiggins.

3. Portland Trail Blazers

A full season with Nurkic at center will be interesting to see.

4. Denver Nuggets

This will be a sneaky good team with the emergence of Nikola Jokic.

5. Utah Jazz

Losing Gordon Hayward will hurt, but Utah should remain competitive. Continue reading →

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – 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 →

Northwest Division

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Even with the loss of Kevin Durant, the Thunder are still a solid team with Westbrook.

2. Portland Trail Blazers

This will be an interesting year for them to possibly pass OKC for the division.

3. Utah Jazz

They made some strides last year. Time to see if they can punch it with a playoff berth.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

Of all the teams to watch, this one will be at the top of the list.

5. Denver Nuggets

They have a solid rotation, but they are in a stacked conference. Continue reading →