By With the NBA season a couple of days away, I finally got around to my preseason predictions so we’ll begin in the Eastern conference.
Eastern Conference Division Winners
Atlantic Division: Philadelphia 76ers (My Raptors take a small step back this season)
Central Division: Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast Division: Miami Heat
Surprise Teams: Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks(2nd favorite team)
Potential Let downs: Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.
Potential X-Factors: John Collins(Hawks), Bam Adebayo(Heat), Caris LeVert(Nets) and Markelle Fultz(Magic)
Rookie Standouts: Tyler Herro(Heat), Carsen Edwards(Celtics) and Darius Garland (Cavs).
Western Conference Division Winners
Pacific Division: Los Angeles Clippers
Northwest Division: Utah Jazz
Southwest Division: Houston Rockets
Surprise Teams: Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.
Potential Let downs: Portland Trailblazers, Utah Jazz (Playoff team but won’t meet the offseason hype), and Houston Rockets(The Harden/Westbrook chemistry is pivotal for their season).
Potential X-Factors: Donovan Mitchell(Jazz), Kristaps Porzingis(Mavericks), Lonnie Walker(Spurs) , Michael Porter Jr (Nuggets) and Lonzo Ball(Pelicans).
Rookie Standouts: Ja Morant(Grizzlies), Ty Jerome(Suns) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker(Pelicans)
Now for my award and finals predictions, this should be an entertaining season and a good time to be a basketball fan again.
MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Rookie of the Year: Zion Williamson (Pelicans) *Barring injury obviously*
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Beverley (Clippers)
Most Improved Player: De’Aaron Fox (Kings)
Coach of the Year: Brent Brown (76ers)
Finals Predictions: Clippers vs. 76ers
