NBA Predictions 2016-2017

Eastern Conference:

1.     Cleveland

2.     Boston

3.     Toronto

4.     Indiana

5.     Detroit

6.     Milwaukee

7.     Washington

8.     Atlanta

9.     Charlotte

10.   Philadelphia

11.   Chicago

12.   Miami

13.   New York

14.   Orlando

15.   Brooklyn

Playoffs:

•             Cleveland over Atlanta, Boston over Washington, Milwaukee over Toronto, Detroit over Indiana

•             Cleveland over Detroit, Milwaukee over Boston

•             Cleveland over Milwaukee

Western Conference:

1.     Golden State

2.     San Antonio

3.     Houston

4.     Minnesota

5.     Oklahoma City

6.     Utah

7.     Portland

8.     Memphis

9.     New Orleans

10.   LA Clippers

11.   Dallas   

12.   Denver

13.   Phoenix

14.   LA Lakers

15.   Sacramento

Playoffs:

•             Golden State over Memphis, San Antonio over Portland, Houston over Utah, Minnesota over OKC

•             Golden State over Minnesota, Houston over San Antonio

•             Golden State over Houston

More notes:

•             I was really high on Milwaukee and Minnesota last year.  I’m still betting high on both

•             The Clippers are the team I think are going to fall apart.  I wouldn’t be shocked if Paul or Griffin are traded at the deadline. 

•             The Western Division from 6-11 is a crapshoot- it really could go in any order.  Same with the Eastern Conference 4-9

•             Early guesses on the Lottery:  (1) Boston (via Brooklyn)  (2) LA Lakers (3) Miami

•             Top 4 guesses for the MVP:  (1)  Karl Anthony-Towns (2) James Harden (3) Paul George (4) Russell Westbrook.  No way anyone on Golden State wins, because they are likely to ‘only’ win 65 games. 

•             NBA Finals prediction:  Golden State upgraded from Harrison Barnes to Kevin Durant.  Let me say that again- the Warriors, who were four points away from winning the title, upgraded from Harrison Barnes to KEVIN DURANT.  But they also sacrificed their depth.  So that’s why they won’t win nearly as many games as they did last year. 

But just as importantly, the NBA West will take a step back this year.  The Spurs have lost Duncan, their heart and soul.  While I still think the Spurs will finish with 55 wins, I don’t see how they get better than last year.  The Clippers are (in my humble opinion) going to fall apart.  Minnesota WILL be a serious threat- but this year will be one step forward, not five steps forward.  For someone to stop Golden State, they’ll have to be worn out- and I think the path to get to the finals will be easier this year than last year.

We’re getting Cleveland-Golden State in the finals for the third year in a row.  Each team has won once.  Barring injuries, Golden State takes the rubber match in 6 games