The Lakers won the NBA championship two months ago. We’re on a quick turnaround.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Klement/AP.)
Good grief. The NBA season is already here? The Finals just ended on October 11th. And the 2020-21 season is starting on December 22nd. That’s now!
So I’m back with my usual predictions. I’ve never claimed to be an expert and I’m going to be obviously wrong with a lot of these. But I’m going with my knowledge on the league’s situations. Besides, it’s ALWAYS fun to do these, right?
So here are my prognostications! If you have any sort of complaints, you can always tweet me at @TheNoLookPass.
Let’s go!
Giannis Antetokounmpo is slated to stay in Milwaukee for a few more years.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Benny Sieu/USA Today.)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1) MILWAUKEE BUCKS (54-18): They didn’t win a championship a few months ago so losing Giannis Antetokounmpo to free agency was a terrifying prospect. However, Giannis chose to stay loyal and sign the supermax with the Bucks. The front office bungled the Bogdan Bogdanovic sign-and-trade but they did acquire an excellent player in Jrue Holiday after sending Eric Bledsoe to New Orleans. Wesley Matthews went to the Lakers and Robin Lopez went to D.C. But Bryn Forbes (Spurs), Bobby Portis (Wizards), Torrey Craig (Nuggets), and D.J. Augustin (Magic) all signed on with Milwaukee to be important pieces to the team. They’re going to be championship contenders as long as Giannis is there. And let’s not forget one of the more underrated players in Khris Middleton.
Of course, that won’t stop fans fantasizing about Giannis demanding a trade. Let’s just enjoy the hoops, people.
2) BOSTON CELTICS (47-25): The Celtics are going on without Gordon Hayward, who went to Charlotte in a sign-and-trade but it felt like Boston had been going on without him, anyway, because he had been hurt so much. Still, this is a team that went to the East Finals three of the last four seasons and they are bound to break through at some point.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are obviously only going to get better and they’re already scary. Kemba Walker didn’t shoot his greatest in the playoffs a few months ago but he always finds a way to get his points. Marcus Smart continues to be the heart and soul of this team and Daniel Theis had huge playoff moments. Joining them are Tristan Thompson, who spent his entire career with Cleveland gobbling up all the boards, and Jeff Teague, who should be excellent in a back-up role at this stage of his career.
Conference finals berths are fantastic but at this point, their fans want something more. Especially since a certain rival franchise has tied them in championship banners…
3) BROOKLYN NETS (46-26): Suddenly, this team feels loaded. Kevin Durant (for all intents and purposes, looks GREAT post-Achilles tear) and Kyrie Irving (mostly injured last season) are going to be flanked by Spencer Dinwiddie (had all-star numbers last season), Joe Harris (rewarded with a huge deal for being a deadeye shooter), Caris LeVert (who has shown star promise over the last couple of seasons), and Jarrett Allen (incredible rim defender). And they also have DeAndre Jordan, Taurean Prince, and Landry Shamet on the roster. They can do some REAL damage this season and I wouldn’t put it past them winning it all. This record that I predicted them to get might even be lowballing them.
Of course, I still have to watch if Durant and Irving stay healthy the entire campaign. I can see them getting some rest, too, from all the aches.
4) MIAMI HEAT (45-27): They had a Cinderella run to the NBA Finals but Jimmy Butler would otherwise tell everyone that they were supposed to win the championship. They took the mighty Lakers to 6 games but they were also missing Goran Dragic for most of the series. They mostly stayed pat in the offseason other than extending Bam Adebayo (who had an all-time block against Tatum in the East Finals) with a max deal and getting Avery Bradley in free agency.
These guys feel more together than any team in the league. It would be wise not to overlook them. I’M LOOKING AT YOU, REY-REY.
5) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (43-29): Doc Rivers got let go by the Clippers and immediately got hired by the Sixers. Daryl Morey left the Rockets to manage the team. We know that there might be a James Harden deal on the horizon but for now, this team is still pretty good. I mean, they have Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, right?
Al Horford never found a good role in Philly so he was dealt to Oklahoma City for Danny Green (who was dealt by the Lakers for Dennis Schröder). Green provides badly-needed outside shooting for the Sixers (even if he didn’t do so well in the bubble a few months ago). Seth Curry was also acquired on a trade (Josh Richardson was sent to Dallas) to double down on that shooting. And Dwight Howard, who thought was going back to the Lakers momentarily, is going to back up Embiid after coming off getting a ring in L.A.
So the Sixers could still be something. Maybe we’re really underrating them at the moment.
The Raptors lost a few key pieces in free agency but managed to keep Fred VanVleet.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Toronto Star.)
6) TORONTO RAPTORS (40-32): Well, we know they were certainly underrated by most pundits last season. But they did lose key frontcourt players in Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, who both went to Los Angeles. Fred VanVleet did stay with the lone NBA Canadian franchise.
Aron Baynes, who was very good last season with Phoenix despite some injuries, comes into the center slot now boasting a three-point shot. Chris Boucher should have a bigger role this season and Alex Len rounds out the depth on the 5.
Kyle Lowry can still go but of course, we’re worried that he’s up there in age and mileage. The Raptors are hoping Pascal Siakam has another level in him and OG Anunoby continues to flourish. Norman Powell was an excellent (and CONSISTENT) scorer off the bench.
The Raptors had a legit shot at winning it all last season even though practically nobody thought they would get to that level again. This time around, I’d be REALLY shocked if they turn out great again. But Toronto probably likes it like that, anyway.
7) INDIANA PACERS (39-33): I almost feel like the Pacers have a case for having the best starting five in the league, even though it’s a bit of an antiquated line-up. But I’m not confident enough that they can get to the next level if Victor Oladipo (Thingamajig from the Masked Singer) doesn’t return to the form that made him a nearly-overnight star his first year with the Pacers. They also have a new head coach with Nate Bjorkgen, who might be able to bring something from his experience with the Raptors the last couple of seasons.
Also, T.J. Warren had a hell of a regular season bubble but kind of slowed down a bit in the postseason. Can he still be that failsafe scorer that the Pacers need when they go into an offensive funk?
I almost feel like they’re the wild card in the East. But you can also say that for both Philly and Toronto.
8) WASHINGTON WIZARDS (33-39): Russell Westbrook becomes Bradley Beal‘s new co-star as the Wiz say goodbye to John Wall via trade. Wall didn’t play at all last season and missed more than half of the two years before that. So the Wiz now have those dual stars back.
Davis Bertans has been incredible from the outside. Thomas Bryant is a personal favorite of mine since I covered him in the G-League; he has such a motor. And fans are certainly excited about what Deni Avdija can do.
The East has gotten so tough, though. And they’re going to have to beat teams by outscoring them because, good grief, they couldn’t guard a tree if their lives depended on it. They could, however, be a top League Pass team.
9) ATLANTA HAWKS (32-40): Trae Young is phenomenal. But he sure needed some veteran help. In come Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, and Danilo Gallinari. Clint Capela hasn’t played yet in a Hawk uniform after being traded by the Rockets. John Collins will continue his steady presence at the 4 and Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish should get better. This team should be good enough for a run at the playoffs.
Unless they get ravaged by injuries, I don’t see this team depending on another high lottery pick. I think this team is about getting to the next step.
10) CHARLOTTE HORNETS (32-40): This team seems doomed to be mediocre forever. It’s cool to see Devonte’ Graham have a breakout season that should’ve resulted in him winning Most Improved Player. Terry Rozier had a career year and shot really well from three. And they have a nice litany of young players in P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges, and Malik Monk.
And then they got Gordon Hayward, who they actually wanted 6 years ago. Hayward was stricken with terrible luck in his stay with Boston and paying him $30 mil per seems like a risk. But they do need a steady vet and a legit #1 option on the team.
We can’t forget that the Hornets drafted the youngest of the Balls, LaMelo. LaMelo is a gifted passer like Lonzo Ball but his preseason stats weren’t exactly great. Most people think he’s worth the #3 pick but as always, we’ll wait a few years to see if he is that kind of player.
Markelle Fultz had a resurgence in Orlando last season.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Osorio/AP.)
11) ORLANDO MAGIC (31-41): As of this writing, they re-signed Markelle Fultz (three years, $50 mil) and Jonathan Isaac (4 years, $80 mil). Fultz bounced back nicely after that disastrous stay in Philly while Isaac tore his ACL and meniscus in the bubble, which is likely going to keep him out for the 2020-21 campaign.
They have a nice young core, if not mismatched, in Fultz, Isaac (when healthy), Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, Mo Bamba, and Aaron Gordon. They play admirable defense (top 10 last season in defensive rating) but we just don’t feel they’re going to get to that next level with this group. You almost feel like two or even three of these guys will be gone sooner than later.
As of now, I always feel like I’ll have nearly-flippant comments for this team such as, “Nicely done!” and “Well-played!”
12) DETROIT PISTONS (23-49): This is just rough. Blake Griffin is oft-injured and not sure how you can depend on him these days. There’s that Derrick Rose (I know, I know) guy. They inexplicably signed Mason Plumlee and Jahlil Okafor to “shore up” the center position. They also got Jerami Grant but they think giving him an expanded role in the offense will fix things. That’s not going to happen with Grant, who is clearly better as a receiver than an initiator.
I guess all I’m looking forward to is how Killian Hayes will do. Other than that, it’s another long season for the Pistons.
13) CHICAGO BULLS (21-51): This is rougher. I’m down for the Zach LaVine highlight dunks. Coby White, I suppose, is a nice player. My Twitter bio says, “Flowers rot but ball is life,” thanks to the tremendous Ashley Holcomb. But Patrick Williams is in the florist business so flowers can bloom and ball can still be life. So I’ll root for him to do well.
Also, at least, they’re going to have a coach that they don’t hate. Billy Donovan did a very good job with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Well, these guys don’t hate him right now…
14) NEW YORK KNICKS (20-52): You know, I’ve read in some corners of the internet that the “Knicks did it right” this offseason. But I don’t think this is a great roster. Tell me what damage this group of Julius Randle, Alec Burks, RJ Barrett, Elfrid Payton, Kevin Knox, Nerlens Noel, Austin Rivers, Frank Ntilikina, and Mitchell Robinson can do.
Probably not much. But I’m very excited what damage Obi Toppin can do on the rim.
15) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (14-58): This is also an unsettling roster. Collin Sexton is already a very good player. We all know what Kevin Love can do. Andre Drummond, Larry Nance, Jr., and JaVale McGee provide good depth at the 5, in a league where the 5 position is ever-evolving. Isaac Okoro could be a nice find at #5 in the draft.
But I just don’t see this team doing much. Rebuilding is painful.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1) LOS ANGELES LAKERS (52-20): LeBron James has showed no signs of slowing down even though he’s turning 36 next week. Anthony Davis showed that he’s an all-world player by making all the stops and hitting all the clutch shots. They also locked up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (who had his most consistent season of his career last year) and Kyle Kuzma (who was not really the most consistent but showed signs of versatility on both ends). Rajon Rondo and Danny Green are both gone but they were able to get Wesley Matthews (free agency) and Dennis Schröder (Green trade) to replace them in the backcourt slots. Avery Bradley also left but Alex Caruso played very well in the bubble in his stead.
The Lakers also added Sixth Man of the Year winner Montrezl Harrell, who should play better with his minutes being managed better and his defensive deficiencies being covered more efficiently, and Marc Gasol. And people are excited by the emergence of Talen Horton-Tucker in the preseason.
Basically, the rich got richer. It’s almost embarrassing.
Jamal Murray had a breakout postseason last year. Well, last year was actually three months ago.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images.)
2) DENVER NUGGETS (48-24): Continuity with this core will take this team far. They did lose Jerami Grant to the Pistons but JaMychal Green left the Clippers to join them. Exciting guard Facundo Campazzo will give another dimension to the Nuggets. And is Michael Porter, Jr. truly ready for a leap to become that #3 player for Denver?
They were a very resilient team in the bubble as they came back from TWO 3-1 deficits to win a series. Yeah, the Lakers got the best of them in their first conference finals since 2009 (also against the Lakers) but the series was closer than it was indicated.
But like I said before, the Lakers just got richer. Denver has to get much better within to keep up with the champs.
3) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (47-25): If they didn’t lose that 3-1 series lead against the aforementioned Denver team, we wouldn’t be talking about their chemistry problems. Hell, the Clippers could’ve definitely given the Lakers a run for their money had they met but that’s not what happened and they heard all the jokes (funny or not) all offseason.
They sure didn’t just sit there and stare at a monitor showing Game 7 against Denver. Paul George signed an extension to stay with the Clippers. Landry Shamet was dealt away so they could get potential in Luke Kennard, who showed promise in Detroit. Nicolas Batum was waived by Charlotte so they picked him up. Serge Ibaka decided to leave Canada for warm SoCal. And they still have firepower in Lou Williams, Marcus Morris Sr., George, and, of course, Kawhi Leonard. And when Patrick Beverley is not on your team, he’s the most annoying player in the league.
There’s no denying the talent of this team. But as they found out the hard way a few months ago, they also need the intangibles to win. They’re not the first team to do that and they certainly won’t be the last. Still, the Clippers remain dangerous.
(As the Lakers fans reading this chuckle…)
4) DALLAS MAVERICKS (46-26): Luka Doncic made that huge leap in his sophomore year and is poised to possibly win the Most Valuable Player award this season. The Mavericks did make the postseason last year but they were mostly without Kristaps Porzingis (I know, I know). Still, their team last season had the best offensive rating in the history of the league. What will they do for an encore?
For starters, they have to get out of the first round. They definitely needed someone that can take on the opposing team’s best wing, which is why they sacrificed elite three-point shooting from Seth Curry for badly-needed defense in Josh Richardson. Richardson is a decent enough shooter in the land of Luka. He should thrive in a historic offensive attack more than a Philadelphia team that was looking for answers through most of last season.
Dwight Powell is ready to come back from his Achilles injury. We know that Porzingis is looking to return. Trey Burke re-signed after a successful bubble session while Tim Hardaway, Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Willie Cauley-Stein will continue to build off last season. But we know Dallas is all about Luka. As if he was already terrifying the season before…
5) UTAH JAZZ (42-30): Rudy Gobert gets his supermax extension. Donovan Mitchell also extended from his rookie deal. They’ll be the 1-2 punch the Jazz will be going with for the foreseeable future. Gobert just does so much on the defensive end as well as attract opponents in the paint while Mitchell showed in the postseason what a potent offensive weapon he can be. That duel with Jamal Murray was one for the ages.
It’s too bad they were missing Bojan Bogdanovic during the postseason. He proved to be a great #2 scoring option for the Jazz. They still have steady Mike Conley at the point guard position. Joe Ingles is a heady player for them. Jordan Clarkson has been very good off the bench. Royce O’Neale gives up some inches to play some small ball 4. And Derrick Favors comes back to the Jazz to give some more defense. He can give Rudy some rest or offer some deadly twin tower action.
Maybe Donovan Mitchell has to play like he did from the postseason from now on to give the Jazz a chance. But that doesn’t mean they should be ignored in the West.
6) HOUSTON ROCKETS (39-33): The current saga here now is whether James Harden will get dealt or not. He’s playing with his third all-star point guard in four seasons (Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and now John Wall).
Still, the depth is not what it used to be. They still have Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker. They got Christian Wood from free agency. Ben McLemore had been decent for them in the regular season but was nowhere to be found in the postseason. How much does DeMarcus Cousins have left?
Stephen Silas has a lot of work to do as the new head coach. If Harden does get sent away somewhere, Houston fans might pine for the time the Rox were having regular second round exits.
Damian Lillard was a scoring machine in the NBA bubble last summer.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Klement/AP.)
7) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (38-34): It’s hard to get a read on Portland. Now their team is healthy again, including a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony. Damian Lillard was incredible in the bubble and I look forward to him shooting them Dan Majerle shots on the regular. They also got that forward defender that they forever needed in Robert Covington. Enes Kanter comes back to Portland to add bench punch along with a returning Rodney Hood and possibly Melo. Derrick Jones, Jr. comes from Miami to provide length and spectacular aerial acrobats.
But are they the team that is going to struggle early and have an incredible second half to finish? Only to get waxed early in the playoffs? Or are they that 2019 Western Conference Finals team that is on the brink of a championship?
I’m inclined to say the former but, like I said, it’s so hard to read these guys.
8) PHOENIX SUNS (38-34): The Suns made some noise in the bubble when they ran the table in Disneyworld. They fell short of making the postseason, much to most people’s dismay, but what they did was indelible. Phoenix is seemingly ready to go to the next level.
Ricky Rubio was real stable for them but he was dealt away as Chris Paul came into the picture. Paul can still get it done even in the twilight of his career. CP3 has made the postseason the last 10 seasons whether as a lead or second guard. And what he did with OKC was fantastic.
Now he gets to feed Devin Booker, who had that breakout bubble performance, and DeAndre Ayton, who is doing well but gets overlooked by Luka and Trae. Paul also has Mikal Bridges, a defensive menace, and Jae Crowder, who came over from Miami and will do all the dirty work.
Cameron Payne signed with Phoenix during the break and he did very good in the bubble. Cameron Johnson shot well in his rookie campaign. And they have Dario Saric off the bench, too. It feels like they can use more depth but they certainly have become more top-heavy than they have in years.
9) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (36-36): Zion Williamson is being promoted as the new golden boy of the league but for good reason. In limited action last season, he had some explosive games that showed how amazing he can be.
But the Pelicans are not just all about Zion. Brandon Ingram won the Most Improved Player award after leaving the L.A. spotlight (of course, the Lakers got someone that, ya know, helped them win a CHAMPIONSHIP). J.J. Redick is still a dangerous shooter in this phase of his career. Lonzo Ball was a much-improved three-point shooter and continues to do all the other things. And Josh Hart is a versatile defender that really could solidify a bench.
The Pels added Eric Bledsoe from Milwaukee as well as Steven Adams from OKC. Adams is one of the toughest guys in the league and will be a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Bledsoe is a fantastic perimeter defender but has gotten some flak for disappearing in the playoffs with the Bucks.
Unless Zion becomes dominant immediately, I’m not sure how they can get into the higher tiers in the West.
10) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (36-36): We will be without the Splash Brothers for the second season in a row as Klay Thompson had an Achilles injury that will knock him out for this year. This is after he was out all season with a torn ACL.
This is not your big brother’s Golden State Warriors team. Everyone from those title teams have moved on. Except for Warrior originals Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. And Klay isn’t playing this season.
Draymond is great as long as he gets to be a background player doing all the grunt work. Klay’s production are hoping to be made up by Kelly Oubre, Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall (who was one of the bright spots last season), and even rookie James Wiseman.
That’s not so bad. And if Curry returns as the Curry we all knew from 2012 to 2019 (ESPECIALLY 2016), the Warriors are going to be a team to be reckoned with. Not reckoned with in a championship level but a team that should not be disregarded.
11) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (35-37): Rookie of the Year Ja Morant is eager to follow his super frosh season. But goodness, the West is so competitive. And they didn’t do so well that they ended up dropping into playing the play-in game, which they lost. The Western Conference don’t mess around.
After being active with deals last season, they didn’t tinker with the core at all. It’s about getting Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow healthy. Jackson had a meniscus tear and Winslow hurt his hip last summer and no timetables were provided by either.
Otherwise, they’re going to go to battle with what they had last season. Dillon Brooks had a breakout 2019-20 campaign. Jonas Valanciunas was secure in the middle. Brandon Clarke probably should’ve been runner-up on Rookie of the Year. And they’ll have Kyle Anderson (frame by frame), Grayson Allen (probably the dirtiest Duke player you know), Tyus Jones (excellent back-up), and De’Anthony Melton (who doesn’t need the ball to help the other players accentuate their strengths). They also have Desmond Bane, the last player drafted in the first round and was acquired from the Celtics.
But holy, they are so young. What’s their average age? 17?
The Spurs missed the playoffs last year for the first time in 23 years.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images.)
12) SAN ANTONIO SPURS (30-42): Also not your big brother’s San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs can slice and dice you from the midrange. And they do it quite well, even if it drives the analytics people mad.
The problem is that they had a hard time stopping teams last season. The Spurs of old certainly did that for an extended period of time and they’re hoping to rebuild that defensive identity as the Spurs fill their roster up with more defensive-minded wings. They already have Dejounte Murray and Derrick White getting that done. Lonnie Walker IV, Keldon Johnson, and rookie Devin Vassell will get plenty of time. And we still have veterans DeMar DeRozan, Patty Mills, and Rudy Gay.
Then we have Jakob Poeltl, who does well on the defensive end. Of course, there’s midrange specialist LaMarcus Aldridge, who doesn’t do THAT great on that end.
I think last year proved that this team just doesn’t have enough firepower to compete for a playoff spot. They didn’t seem to do much other than lock up their younger players in Murray and White. I don’t think they do much provided somebody on their roster doesn’t make an unexpected leap in their play.
It does feel so weird to doubt the Spurs. I’m not used to this.
13) SACRAMENTO KINGS (29-43): Well, they locked up De’Aaron Fox. So that’s good. But I feel like there are potential headaches here.
Luke Walton has not been great on handling Buddy Hield. Hassan Whiteside may be talented but his hoops IQ isn’t the greatest. And while Marvin Bagley III might be something, there’s a cloud over his head for being picked ahead of Luka Doncic. People love Tyrese Haliburton (especially his suit) but it’s been a repeating pattern for the Kings the last decade and a half. Yes, they could get a nice player from the draft but then it all fizzles out a few years after.
And while the talent has potential, per se, this just feels like every other season for Sacramento. They’re running on a hamster wheel.
14) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (26-46): Honestly, this sucks about Karl-Anthony Towns. His mind is obviously elsewhere right now because his family had been ravaged by the pandemic. His mom passed away because of COVID. I don’t know how he can play basketball.
That’s really all I can say about the Wolves. I’m just sad about this whole situation.
15) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (18-54): I mean, I suppose at some point the Thunder had to rebuild. But I’m not so sure about this dismantling because I felt like they could follow up from last season (they came really close on beating the Rockets in Game 7). Paul (Suns), Gallinari (Hawks), Schröder (Lakers), and Adams (Pelicans) are all gone. Even early starter Terrance Ferguson (Sixers) is gone. Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is left to pick up the pieces. Billy Donovan didn’t re-sign with the Thunder and went to Chicago; he’ll be replaced with Mark Daigneault, who had been in Oklahoma City since 2014. He was first the coach for the G-League affiliate, OKC Blue, and then became an assistant coach to Donovan last season.
There aren’t very recognizable names with the Thunder. Al Horford is there after an awful season with Philly. George Hill is the back-up point guard for now. And there are Trevor Ariza and Mike Muscala but, at this point, I’m not sure how helpful they can be in this situation.
Well, I guess Lu Dort is still there!
SEASON AWARD PREDICTIONS
COACH OF THE YEAR: Frank Vogel (LAL). Will have to manage Bron and Brow minutes and will still lead his team to the best record in the West.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Anthony Edwards (MIN). Might be the only bright spot in the Wolves’ season.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) Well, he did extremely well in the bubble and that could carry over to next season where his pure stats could potentially double, even coming off the bench.
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR: J.J. Redick (NO). If Redick is not starting, I think he has a chance to win this.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rudy Gobert (UTA). There’s Davis, I suppose, too, but I’m going to stick with the two-time winner.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Luka Doncic (DAL). It’s his time. The future is now.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
PLAY-IN GAMES
Indiana over Washington
Atlanta over Charlotte
Atlanta over Washington
TOP 8 (you wanna be in my MySpace Top 8?)
Milwaukee over Atlanta
Miami over Philadelphia
Boston over Indiana
Brooklyn over Toronto
Milwaukee over Miami
Brooklyn over Boston
Milwaukee over Brooklyn
WESTERN CONFERENCE
PLAY-IN GAMES
Portland over Phoenix
Golden State over New Orleans
Golden State over Phoenix
TOP 8
L.A. Lakers over Golden State
Dallas over Utah
Denver over Portland
L.A. Clippers over Houston
L.A. Lakers over Dallas
L.A. Clippers over Denver
L.A. Lakers over L.A. Clippers
NBA FINALS
L.A. Lakers over Milwaukee
Yeah, so I’m picking the Lakers to repeat. I feel like they’re that level for the next few years. I feel the Bucks can finally get to the Finals after a challenge from a potential juggernaut in the Nets. But the Bucks will fall short as LeBron James gets his 5th ring and continues to solidify himself as a GOAT to many NBA fans out there.
This ain’t a homer pick; y’all know me at this point. I just think the Lakers are that good now.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.