BASKETBALL IS BACK BABY. Time for some Steph Curry impossible threes, the King going Showtime, and Giannis defying the laws of nature. This promises to be an exciting season. Of course, with a new season comes predictions. Just like we did with our NFL season predictions, we're going to do these predictions rapid-fire. I really enjoy the new rapid-fire format and I think I'm going to keep it going forward. Let's get started.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division: This will probably be the best division in the NBA. After years of Miami and then Cleveland dominating the conference, it really feels like the East is wide open. Or at least, open to whoever wins this division. I don't think anyone would be upset if I said the three best teams in the East were in this division. But how do they rank?
5. New York Knicks- The lone real bright spot for the Knicks is Kristaps Porzingis and we don't know how healthy he'll be this season. In fact, he may not even play at all. Either way, the Knicks should find themselves with plenty of balls for the next draft lottery.
4. Brooklyn Nets- Things are looking up for the Nets. No, really. They have a nice young core of
talent like Jarrett Allen, D'Angelo Russell, and Spencer Dinwiddie. There is a wide berth between them and the third team in this division, but Brooklyn fans should be optimistic about the future.
3. Philadelphia 76ers- It really feels like the Sixers have a wide range of outcomes for this regular season. On the one hand, they lost valuable role players in Ersan Ilyasova and Marco Belinelli. We also have yet to see Joel Embiid play a whole season. On the other, Embiid has proven he can stay healthy for long stretches of time and we get to see the new and improved Markelle Fultz. I wouldn't be surprised if Philly won 50 games this season and I wouldn't be surprised if they won 55.
2. Toronto Raptors- This is a tough pick but I'm picking the Celtics over the Raptors. Drake's favorite team did win four more games than Boston last year, but that was a very different team than the one they currently field. Gone is reigning Coach of the Year Dwayne Casey, gone is franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan. We have yet to see what Nick Nurse can do and we have no idea how Kwahi Leonard and Danny Green will fit in.
1. Boston Celtics- The Celtics are definitely the best team in the Eastern Conference and anything less than a berth in the Finals would be a disappointing season. There may be some growing pains as Gordon Hayward finally plays with his new team but coach Brad Stevens should be able to figure that out.
Central Division:
5. Chicago Bulls- There's really not much to say about the Bulls, they're still a few pieces away from competing for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how much Lauri Markannen builds on his very promising rookie season.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers- The Cavs went from having one of the best trios in the NBA to now leaning solely on Kevin Love. For those of us paying attention five years ago, Love has the potential to lead a team and be a big star, but those Timberwolves teams had zero playoff success. He's going to need career seasons from guys like Rodney Hood and Tristan Thompson to make it back to the playoffs.
3. Detroit Pistons- The Motor City's favorite sons were the ninth seed last year and could have made the playoffs last year were it not for a long absence to starting point guard Reggie Jackson. Now, Jackson is healthy and we'll finally get to see what he can do with multiple-time All-Stars Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin.
2. Milwaukee Bucks- Most experts have the Bucks winning this division but I'm not that sure. Outside of elite star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have at best a good roster. Guys like Thon Maker and Ersan Ilyasova are talented but it's hard to see them being corner pieces of a true contender.
1. Indiana Pacers- Victor Oladipo has arrived. The former Hoosier became a household name last year and led the league in steals (something he'll probably do again this year). While we should expect some regression from Oladipo, let's not forget that the Pacers get big man Myles Turner back. Turner hardly played last year and it will be interesting to see him play with Oladipo.
Southeast Division:
5. Atlanta Hawks- The Hawks were the league's least watchable team last year but that should improve with first-round pick Trae Young. Still, talent is scarce down in Georgia and we really shouldn't expect much.
4. Orlando Magic- Outside of Aaron Gordon (who is no longer much of a novelty), the Magic are pretty uninteresting. Of course, lottery pick Mo Bamba could develop into something special but rookies rarely make an impact.
3. Charlotte Hornets- The biggest story about the Hornets this year will probably be what they do with Kemba Walker. The Hornets could trade Walker for a host of draft picks and begin rebuilding. They could also double down and make a playoff push.
2. Miami Heat- The Heat won the division last year but nothing suggests that they can progress upwards. They made no notable roster additions and it really feels like they overachieved last year.
1. Washington Wizards- If the Wizards can keep a lid on the locker room drama, they should win the division. Adding Dwight Howard was a smart move that needed a dominant paint presence. Jokes aside, Howard is still a great defensive player and one who should make a big splash this year.
Western Conference
Northwest Division:
5. Minnesota Timberwolves- This is top-to-bottom, the best division in the NBA and theoretically, all five teams could make the playoffs. The 'Wolves were genuinely one of the conference's best teams last year when Butler was healthy but I don't think Butler is long for Minnesota. His departure puts a big ceiling on this team.
4. Denver Nuggets- The Nuggets might be the most underappreciated team in the league. They have a young superstar in Nikola Jokic and have complementary pieces like Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, and Will Barton.
3. Portland Trail Blazers- The Blazers were the third seed in the West last year but I'm predicting them to fall a bit. They got embarrassed by New Orleans in the playoffs last year and made no notable additions in the offseason.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder- The Thunder actually got better by shedding Carmelo Anthony. They'll be even better when Andre Roberson, one of the best defensive players in the league, returns from injury.
1. Utah Jazz- Why not the Jazz? They have two genuine superstars in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and Quin Snyder is secretly one of the best coaches in the NBA.
Pacific Division:
5. Sacremento Kings- The Kings will most likely be dead last in the West this year. Their future isn't especially bright but at least Marvin Bagley III will be fun to watch.
4. Phoenix Suns- The Suns clearly think they're a better team than they are but their roster is full of potential thanks to guys like Josh Jackson, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. Just don't expect them to be very good this year.
3. Los Angeles Clippers- The Clippers are back to being the other team in LA. Their last two stars from the beginning of last season, Blake Griffin and DJ, and are the definition of a listless team. Guys like Tobias Harris and Lou Williams will keep them in the playoff hunt, but it won't be easy.
2. Los Angeles Lakers- We should keep our expectations about the Lakers in check. Yes, LeBron is the best player in the world but his supporting cast is suspect at best. Brandon Ingram has yet to flash his true potential, Lonzo Ball can't shoot, Lance Stephenson is years past his prime, etc. Still, there's a lot to love here. Josh Hart is coming off of an excellent Summer League appearance, Rajon Rondo showed earlier this year that he's still got it, and Michael Beasley is coming off a year where he quietly averaged 13.2 PPG and hit 39.5% of his threes.
1. Golden State Warriors- The Warriors are still the undisputed gold standard of the league, plain and simple.
Southwest Division:
5. Dallas Mavericks- There's only one reason to watch the Mavs this year: Luka Doncic. That's it.
4. Memphis Grizzlies- The Grizzlies were a train wreck last year but with a healthy Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, they should at least escape the cellar.
3. San Antonio Spurs- This season will be one of the toughest for the legendary Coach Popovich. He's lost Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, and Kwahi Leonard, four Spurs stalwarts over the last number of years.
2. New Orleans Pelicans- The Pelicans will probably miss Rajon Rondo but they have a new young star in Julius Randle. Regardless, this is Anthony Davis's team and their success all depends on him.
1. Houston Rockets- These aren't the same Rockets from last year. Gone are Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza and in are Carmelo Anthony and MCW. If Carmelo can become even half of the scorer he was in New York, the Rockets will be a threat to the Dubs.
East Seeds: 1. Boston Celtics 2. Toronto Raptors 3. Indiana Pacers 4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Washington Wizards 6. Milwaukee Bucks 7. Miami Heat 8. Detroit Pistons
West Seeds: 1. Golden State Warriors 2. Houston Rockets 3. Utah Jazz 4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Los Angeles Lakers 6. New Orleans Pelicans 7. Portland Trail Blazers 8. San Antonio Spurs ( I want to see the Nuggets make the playoffs but I can't keep the Spurs out).
First Round:
#8 Detroit Pistons at #1 Boston Celtics- Yeah, this will be a sweep. The Pistons should be happy just making the postseason.
#5 Washington Wizards at #4 Philadelphia 76ers- This could actually be an interesting series. Washington has the guard play and paint presence to make the Sixers nervous. I'm still going to go with the chalk team here though, the Wizards just don't have the talent to match up with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
#7 Miami Heat at #2 Toronto Raptors- I can see a sweep here but Miami is also talented enough to steal one game. Let's say Raptors in 5.
#6 Milwaukee Bucks at #3 Indiana Pacers- This should be one of the best first-round series this year. The Pacers will have the home-court advantage but the Bucks have the best player in the East: Giannis. I'm going to pick the upset here and go with the Bucks. No one on Indiana will be able to shut down Giannis and his complementary pieces of Thon Maker and Ersan Ilyasova will make waves.
#8 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Golden State Warriors- Just like when these two teams met in the conference finals two years ago, this should be a sweep.
#5 Los Angeles Lakers at #4 Oklahoma City Thunder- LeBron doesn't lose in the first round, it just doesn't happen. Besides, the Thunder have had zero success in the playoffs since KD left. In the last two years, they've won just three playoff games.
#7 Portland Trail Blazers at #2 Houston Rockets- The Blazers got embarrassed last year by the Pelicans and I don't expect them to fare much better here.
#6 New Orleans Pelicans at #3 Utah Jazz- As crazy as this sounds, the Pelicans might be doomed without Playoff Rondo. In last year's playoffs, Rondo hit more than 42% of his threes and averaged 12.2 assists a game. Plus, AD will find himself covered by Rudy Gobert, the best defensive player in the game. Give me the Jazz in 6 or 7.
Second Round:
#4 Philadelphia 76ers at #1 Boston Celtics- To predict this series, we look back to last year's playoffs where the Celtics handily beat Philly in five games. Let's add Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to that, and you got a dominant Celtics victory.
#6 Milwaukee Bucks at #2 Toronto Raptors- The fact we might see a Giannis vs. Kwahi playoff series makes me unbelievably happy. That being said, give me the 6 in 6.
#5 Los Angeles Lakers at #1 Golden State Warriors- There will understandably be tremendous hype around this series but remember that LeBron is 1-3 against the Dubs. That shouldn't change here.
#3 Utah Jazz at #2 Houston Rockets- I really want to pick an upset here but I just can't do it. A healthy trio of James Harden, CP3, and Clint Capela is too good to lose in the second round.
Conference Finals:
#2 Toronto Raptors at #1 Boston Celtics- If Kwahi stays in Toronto, then we could see these two teams in the semis for the next five years. This year, I'm picking the Celtics. They've got the best starting lineup in the league east of Oakland.
#2 Houston Rockets at #1 Golden State Warriors- This series went to a full seven games last year and I think it goes to seven again. The real difference could be DeMarcus Cousins. The Warriors finally have someone to combat the newly paid Capela.
Finals:
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors- I think that this current iteration will eventually win a title, but not this year. The Warriors are unquestionably the best team in the NBA. Give me the Dubs in 6.
Finals MVP: Kevin Durant
Season Awards:
MVP: Anthony Davis- Davis was unstoppable last year after Cousins went out. Now, he's got the potential to put up crazy stats the entire year.
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert- Gobert won this award last year even after missing a good chunk of the season. If he stays completely healthy, this is is his award to lose.
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Knox- The trendy pick is Ayton but let us not forget about the man who wowed everyone over the summer.
Coach of the Year: Quin Snyder- A lot of people will pick Brad Stevens but come on, I could coach that lineup to a playoff spot.
Sixth Man: J.J. Redick- Runner-up for this spot is one of the best sixth men in recent memory: Lou Williams.
Most Improved Player: Myles Turner- He was my pick last year before he got injured.
Thanks for reading everyone.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division: This will probably be the best division in the NBA. After years of Miami and then Cleveland dominating the conference, it really feels like the East is wide open. Or at least, open to whoever wins this division. I don't think anyone would be upset if I said the three best teams in the East were in this division. But how do they rank?
5. New York Knicks- The lone real bright spot for the Knicks is Kristaps Porzingis and we don't know how healthy he'll be this season. In fact, he may not even play at all. Either way, the Knicks should find themselves with plenty of balls for the next draft lottery.
4. Brooklyn Nets- Things are looking up for the Nets. No, really. They have a nice young core of
talent like Jarrett Allen, D'Angelo Russell, and Spencer Dinwiddie. There is a wide berth between them and the third team in this division, but Brooklyn fans should be optimistic about the future.
3. Philadelphia 76ers- It really feels like the Sixers have a wide range of outcomes for this regular season. On the one hand, they lost valuable role players in Ersan Ilyasova and Marco Belinelli. We also have yet to see Joel Embiid play a whole season. On the other, Embiid has proven he can stay healthy for long stretches of time and we get to see the new and improved Markelle Fultz. I wouldn't be surprised if Philly won 50 games this season and I wouldn't be surprised if they won 55.
2. Toronto Raptors- This is a tough pick but I'm picking the Celtics over the Raptors. Drake's favorite team did win four more games than Boston last year, but that was a very different team than the one they currently field. Gone is reigning Coach of the Year Dwayne Casey, gone is franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan. We have yet to see what Nick Nurse can do and we have no idea how Kwahi Leonard and Danny Green will fit in.
1. Boston Celtics- The Celtics are definitely the best team in the Eastern Conference and anything less than a berth in the Finals would be a disappointing season. There may be some growing pains as Gordon Hayward finally plays with his new team but coach Brad Stevens should be able to figure that out.
Central Division:
5. Chicago Bulls- There's really not much to say about the Bulls, they're still a few pieces away from competing for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how much Lauri Markannen builds on his very promising rookie season.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers- The Cavs went from having one of the best trios in the NBA to now leaning solely on Kevin Love. For those of us paying attention five years ago, Love has the potential to lead a team and be a big star, but those Timberwolves teams had zero playoff success. He's going to need career seasons from guys like Rodney Hood and Tristan Thompson to make it back to the playoffs.
3. Detroit Pistons- The Motor City's favorite sons were the ninth seed last year and could have made the playoffs last year were it not for a long absence to starting point guard Reggie Jackson. Now, Jackson is healthy and we'll finally get to see what he can do with multiple-time All-Stars Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin.
2. Milwaukee Bucks- Most experts have the Bucks winning this division but I'm not that sure. Outside of elite star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have at best a good roster. Guys like Thon Maker and Ersan Ilyasova are talented but it's hard to see them being corner pieces of a true contender.
1. Indiana Pacers- Victor Oladipo has arrived. The former Hoosier became a household name last year and led the league in steals (something he'll probably do again this year). While we should expect some regression from Oladipo, let's not forget that the Pacers get big man Myles Turner back. Turner hardly played last year and it will be interesting to see him play with Oladipo.
Southeast Division:
5. Atlanta Hawks- The Hawks were the league's least watchable team last year but that should improve with first-round pick Trae Young. Still, talent is scarce down in Georgia and we really shouldn't expect much.
4. Orlando Magic- Outside of Aaron Gordon (who is no longer much of a novelty), the Magic are pretty uninteresting. Of course, lottery pick Mo Bamba could develop into something special but rookies rarely make an impact.
3. Charlotte Hornets- The biggest story about the Hornets this year will probably be what they do with Kemba Walker. The Hornets could trade Walker for a host of draft picks and begin rebuilding. They could also double down and make a playoff push.
2. Miami Heat- The Heat won the division last year but nothing suggests that they can progress upwards. They made no notable roster additions and it really feels like they overachieved last year.
1. Washington Wizards- If the Wizards can keep a lid on the locker room drama, they should win the division. Adding Dwight Howard was a smart move that needed a dominant paint presence. Jokes aside, Howard is still a great defensive player and one who should make a big splash this year.
Western Conference
Northwest Division:
5. Minnesota Timberwolves- This is top-to-bottom, the best division in the NBA and theoretically, all five teams could make the playoffs. The 'Wolves were genuinely one of the conference's best teams last year when Butler was healthy but I don't think Butler is long for Minnesota. His departure puts a big ceiling on this team.
4. Denver Nuggets- The Nuggets might be the most underappreciated team in the league. They have a young superstar in Nikola Jokic and have complementary pieces like Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, and Will Barton.
3. Portland Trail Blazers- The Blazers were the third seed in the West last year but I'm predicting them to fall a bit. They got embarrassed by New Orleans in the playoffs last year and made no notable additions in the offseason.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder- The Thunder actually got better by shedding Carmelo Anthony. They'll be even better when Andre Roberson, one of the best defensive players in the league, returns from injury.
1. Utah Jazz- Why not the Jazz? They have two genuine superstars in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and Quin Snyder is secretly one of the best coaches in the NBA.
Pacific Division:
5. Sacremento Kings- The Kings will most likely be dead last in the West this year. Their future isn't especially bright but at least Marvin Bagley III will be fun to watch.
4. Phoenix Suns- The Suns clearly think they're a better team than they are but their roster is full of potential thanks to guys like Josh Jackson, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. Just don't expect them to be very good this year.
3. Los Angeles Clippers- The Clippers are back to being the other team in LA. Their last two stars from the beginning of last season, Blake Griffin and DJ, and are the definition of a listless team. Guys like Tobias Harris and Lou Williams will keep them in the playoff hunt, but it won't be easy.
2. Los Angeles Lakers- We should keep our expectations about the Lakers in check. Yes, LeBron is the best player in the world but his supporting cast is suspect at best. Brandon Ingram has yet to flash his true potential, Lonzo Ball can't shoot, Lance Stephenson is years past his prime, etc. Still, there's a lot to love here. Josh Hart is coming off of an excellent Summer League appearance, Rajon Rondo showed earlier this year that he's still got it, and Michael Beasley is coming off a year where he quietly averaged 13.2 PPG and hit 39.5% of his threes.
1. Golden State Warriors- The Warriors are still the undisputed gold standard of the league, plain and simple.
Southwest Division:
5. Dallas Mavericks- There's only one reason to watch the Mavs this year: Luka Doncic. That's it.
4. Memphis Grizzlies- The Grizzlies were a train wreck last year but with a healthy Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, they should at least escape the cellar.
3. San Antonio Spurs- This season will be one of the toughest for the legendary Coach Popovich. He's lost Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, and Kwahi Leonard, four Spurs stalwarts over the last number of years.
2. New Orleans Pelicans- The Pelicans will probably miss Rajon Rondo but they have a new young star in Julius Randle. Regardless, this is Anthony Davis's team and their success all depends on him.
1. Houston Rockets- These aren't the same Rockets from last year. Gone are Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza and in are Carmelo Anthony and MCW. If Carmelo can become even half of the scorer he was in New York, the Rockets will be a threat to the Dubs.
East Seeds: 1. Boston Celtics 2. Toronto Raptors 3. Indiana Pacers 4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Washington Wizards 6. Milwaukee Bucks 7. Miami Heat 8. Detroit Pistons
West Seeds: 1. Golden State Warriors 2. Houston Rockets 3. Utah Jazz 4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Los Angeles Lakers 6. New Orleans Pelicans 7. Portland Trail Blazers 8. San Antonio Spurs ( I want to see the Nuggets make the playoffs but I can't keep the Spurs out).
First Round:
#8 Detroit Pistons at #1 Boston Celtics- Yeah, this will be a sweep. The Pistons should be happy just making the postseason.
#5 Washington Wizards at #4 Philadelphia 76ers- This could actually be an interesting series. Washington has the guard play and paint presence to make the Sixers nervous. I'm still going to go with the chalk team here though, the Wizards just don't have the talent to match up with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
#7 Miami Heat at #2 Toronto Raptors- I can see a sweep here but Miami is also talented enough to steal one game. Let's say Raptors in 5.
#6 Milwaukee Bucks at #3 Indiana Pacers- This should be one of the best first-round series this year. The Pacers will have the home-court advantage but the Bucks have the best player in the East: Giannis. I'm going to pick the upset here and go with the Bucks. No one on Indiana will be able to shut down Giannis and his complementary pieces of Thon Maker and Ersan Ilyasova will make waves.
#8 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Golden State Warriors- Just like when these two teams met in the conference finals two years ago, this should be a sweep.
#5 Los Angeles Lakers at #4 Oklahoma City Thunder- LeBron doesn't lose in the first round, it just doesn't happen. Besides, the Thunder have had zero success in the playoffs since KD left. In the last two years, they've won just three playoff games.
#7 Portland Trail Blazers at #2 Houston Rockets- The Blazers got embarrassed last year by the Pelicans and I don't expect them to fare much better here.
#6 New Orleans Pelicans at #3 Utah Jazz- As crazy as this sounds, the Pelicans might be doomed without Playoff Rondo. In last year's playoffs, Rondo hit more than 42% of his threes and averaged 12.2 assists a game. Plus, AD will find himself covered by Rudy Gobert, the best defensive player in the game. Give me the Jazz in 6 or 7.
Second Round:
#4 Philadelphia 76ers at #1 Boston Celtics- To predict this series, we look back to last year's playoffs where the Celtics handily beat Philly in five games. Let's add Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to that, and you got a dominant Celtics victory.
#6 Milwaukee Bucks at #2 Toronto Raptors- The fact we might see a Giannis vs. Kwahi playoff series makes me unbelievably happy. That being said, give me the 6 in 6.
#5 Los Angeles Lakers at #1 Golden State Warriors- There will understandably be tremendous hype around this series but remember that LeBron is 1-3 against the Dubs. That shouldn't change here.
#3 Utah Jazz at #2 Houston Rockets- I really want to pick an upset here but I just can't do it. A healthy trio of James Harden, CP3, and Clint Capela is too good to lose in the second round.
Conference Finals:
#2 Toronto Raptors at #1 Boston Celtics- If Kwahi stays in Toronto, then we could see these two teams in the semis for the next five years. This year, I'm picking the Celtics. They've got the best starting lineup in the league east of Oakland.
#2 Houston Rockets at #1 Golden State Warriors- This series went to a full seven games last year and I think it goes to seven again. The real difference could be DeMarcus Cousins. The Warriors finally have someone to combat the newly paid Capela.
Finals:
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors- I think that this current iteration will eventually win a title, but not this year. The Warriors are unquestionably the best team in the NBA. Give me the Dubs in 6.
Finals MVP: Kevin Durant
Season Awards:
MVP: Anthony Davis- Davis was unstoppable last year after Cousins went out. Now, he's got the potential to put up crazy stats the entire year.
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert- Gobert won this award last year even after missing a good chunk of the season. If he stays completely healthy, this is is his award to lose.
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Knox- The trendy pick is Ayton but let us not forget about the man who wowed everyone over the summer.
Coach of the Year: Quin Snyder- A lot of people will pick Brad Stevens but come on, I could coach that lineup to a playoff spot.
Sixth Man: J.J. Redick- Runner-up for this spot is one of the best sixth men in recent memory: Lou Williams.
Most Improved Player: Myles Turner- He was my pick last year before he got injured.
Thanks for reading everyone.
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