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
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Chicago Bulls
Players to Watch: G Isaiah Thomas and G Jimmy Butler
Who Wins: Celtics in 5 games
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7. Indiana Pacers
Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and G Paul George
Who Wins: Cavaliers in 6 games
3. Toronto Raptors vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks
Players to Watch: G Kyle Lowry and F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games
4. Washington Wizards vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks
Players to Watch: G John Wall and F Paul Millsap
Who Wins: Wizards in 6 games
Western Conference
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Portland Trail Blazers
Players to Watch: F Draymond Green and G Damian Lillard
Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games
2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Memphis Grizzlies
Players to Watch: F Kawhi Leonard and G Mike Conley
Who Wins: Spurs in 5 games
3. Houston Rockets vs. 6. Oklahoma City Thunder
Players to Watch: G James Harden and G Russell Westbrook
Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games
4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Utah Jazz
Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and G Gordon Hayward
Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games
* – 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. 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
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
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