Southeast Division

1. Atlanta Hawks

Adding Dwight Howard gives them a presence in the paint they haven’t seen since Dikembe Mutombo.

2. Charlotte Hornets

Their frontcourt depth puts them in the upper echelon of the conference.

3. Washington Wizards

With a new coach maybe they can still salvage the current roster structure and have a longer playoff stay.

4. Orlando Magic

The future is looking pretty intriguing for the franchise.

5. Miami Heat

Losing Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh has put them back into obscurity. Continue reading →

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – 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 →

Southeast Division

1. Atlanta Hawks

They were the class of the NBA last year, but need to find a way past Cleveland.

2. Miami Heat

Health and having Goran Dragic for the whole season will help.

3. Washington Wizards

They’re a solid team, but they just can’t seem to put it together in the playoffs.

4. Charlotte Hornets

Being an afterthought might be a good thing for them.

5. Orlando Magic

Scott Skiles brings an instant culture change to a sagging franchise. Continue reading →

NBA Semifinals Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Atlanta Hawks vs. 5. Washington Wizards

Players to Watch: F Al Horford and G Bradley Beal

Who Wins: Wizards in 6 games

2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 3. Chicago Bulls

Players to Watch: G Kyrie Irving and G Derrick Rose

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 6 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies

Players to Watch: F Draymond Green and F Zach Randolph

Who Wins: Warriors in 7 games

2. Houston Rockets vs. 3. Los Angeles Clippers

Players to Watch: G James Harden and C DeAndre Jordan

Who Wins: Clippers in 6 games

2015 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Atlanta Hawks vs. 8. Brooklyn Nets

Players to Watch: G Jeff Teague and G Deron Williams

Who Wins: Hawks in 5 games

2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7. Boston Celtics

Players to Watch: F Kevin Love and G Isaiah Thomas

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 5 games

3. Chicago Bulls vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks

Players to Watch: G Derrick Rose and F Giannis Antetokounmpo

Who Wins: Bulls in 6 games

4. Toronto Raptors vs. 5. Washington Wizards

Players to Watch: G Kyle Lowry and G John Wall

Who Wins: Raptors in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. New Orleans Pelicans

Players to Watch: G Klay Thompson and F Anthony Davis

Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games

2. Houston Rockets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks

Players to Watch: C Dwight Howard and F Dirk Nowitzki

Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games

3. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 6. San Antonio Spurs

Players to Watch: F Blake Griffin and F Kawhi Leonard

Who Wins: Clippers in 7 games

4. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies

Players to Watch: G Damian Lillard and C Marc Gasol

Who Wins: Grizzlies in 6 games