2020 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8. Orlando Magic

Players to Watch: F Khris Middleton and C Nikola Vucevic

Who Wins: Bucks in 5 games

4. Indiana Pacers vs. 5. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Domantas Sabonis and F Bam Adebayo

Who Wins: Pacers in 6 games

3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. Philadelphia 76ers

Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and C Joel Embiid

Who Wins: Celtics in 6 games

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Brooklyn Nets

Players to Watch: F Pascal Siakam and G Caris LeVert

Who Wins: Raptors in 5 games

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: F Anthony Davis and G Damian Lillard

Who Wins: Lakers in 6 games

4. Houston Rockets vs. 5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Players to Watch: G James Harden and G Chris Paul

Who Wins: Rockets in 7 games

3. Denver Nuggets vs. 6. Utah Jazz

Players to Watch: C Nikola Jokic and G Donovan Mitchell

Who Wins: Nuggets in 7 games

2. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks

Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and G Luka Doncic

Who Wins: Clippers in 6 games

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – 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 →

Northwest Division

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 →

NBA Conference Finals Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 2. Toronto Raptors

Players to Watch: F Giannis Antetokounmpo and F Kawhi Leonard

Who Wins: Bucks in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 3. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: G Stephen Curry and G C.J. McCollum

Who Wins: Warriors in 6 games

NBA Semifinals Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 4. Boston Celtics

Players to Watch: F Giannis Antetokounmpo and F Jayson Tatum

Who Wins: Bucks in 6 games

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 3. Philadelphia 76ers

Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and G Ben Simmons

Who Wins: Raptors in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 4. Houston Rockets

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and G James Harden

Who Wins: Warriors in 6 games

2. Denver Nuggets vs. 3. Portland Trail Blazers

Players to Watch: G Jamal Murray and G Damian Lillard

Who Wins: Trail Blazers in 7 games