2012-2013 NBA Predictions

Eastern Playoff Teams:

1. Miami

2. Indiana

3. Boston

4. Philadelphia

5. Atlanta

6. Chicago

7. Brooklyn

8. New York

Eastern Playoffs:

Miami over New York; Indiana over Brooklyn; Boston over Chicago; Philadelphia over Atlanta

Miami over Philadelphia; Boston over Indiana

Miami over Boston

Eastern Notes:

If Miami keeps all three of their top guys healthy (which is a big if), they have a relatively easy path to the Finals. Every other team has significant weaknesses. Boston's the stronger possible foe, but they need Sullinger and Melo to step up. The team that might catch Miami napping is the 76ers, but barring injury, the Heat are the team everyone has to deal with.

　

　

　

Western Playoff Teams:

1. Los Angeles Lakers

2. OKC

3. San Antonio

4. Denver

5. Los Angeles Clippers

6. Houston

7. Dallas

8. Utah

Western Playoffs:

Lakers over Utah; OKC over Dallas; Houston over San Antonio; Denver over Clippers

Denver over Lakers; OKC over Houston

OKC over Denver

Western Notes:

I'm taking a reach here. But I think Denver's run and gun can shock the Lakers. The Lakers, like the Heat, are a top-heavy talented team with a weak bench. But unlike the Heat, half of the Laker's core are past their prime.

Unfortunately for Denver, OKC can also run and gun. Trading Harden hurts them, but they have a full year to (a) see how martin and Lamb work out and (b) make a trade for any final pieces for their puzzle.

Finals:

OKC over Heat, 4-3

OKC learned a lot in the Finals. I suspect that, in a rematch, they'll be able to handle things better. Both teams should be exhausted after having their stars play in the Olympics and playing in the Finals last year- but I think the younger OKC team will have a little more in the tank.

　

Other predictions:

Top three in the lottery: 1) Golden State 2) Orlando 3) Charlotte

Team that gets blown up at the trading deadline: Memphis

My beloved Cavs? 30 wins, tied for 9th in the East. Zeller turns into a good player, and Irving is an all-star, possibly this year. but the team will rise and fall with the inconsistent play of Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson