The NBA resumes play on July 30th. Here’s my team-by-team take.
Here’s the skinny:
- Twenty-two teams will play.
- Each team will play eight seeding games.
- If the 9-seed is within four games of the 8-seed, there will be a play-in game.
So who is going to win this year’s NBA title?
Western Conference
- Los Angeles Lakers (55-16) Bubble record (6-2)
LeBron James and the Lakers are the favorites to win it all, and Anthony Davis will have a lot to do with whether the Lakers can secure their first title in 10 years. If LAL wins, they’ll do it without Avery Bradley, who will be sitting out the NBA restart. That’s a problem because Bradley guards the best opposing guards.
- Los Angeles Clippers (49-23) Bubble record (5-3)
The L.A. Clippers are coming back with a full slate of players. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way, the Clippers are my second choice to take the West and the title.
- Denver Nuggets (47-26) Bubble record (4-4)
Nikola Jokic is a skinny big-man now. The virus is the reason. Will that change his game? But even if he comes back better than ever, the Nuggets won’t have enough to make a deep run.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (46-36) Bubble record (6-2)
Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander make the Thunder one of the most intriguing teams in the League. That’s why I wouldn’t want to face this team in Orlando.
- Houston Rockets (46-36) Bubble record (6-2)
Is this the year that James Harden gets the Rockets to the NBA Finals? Probably not. Y’all want to know why? Russell Westbrook.
- Dallas Mavericks (45-30) Bubble record (5-3)
Luka Doncic will play in his first playoff series! But even though he’s one of the most exciting players in the League, it’s still questionable how far the Mavericks can go.
- Utah Jazz (44-28) Bubble record (3-5)
The COVID-19 hit the Utah Jazz first when Rudy Gobert became ill. But now he’s healthy and so is his teammate, Donovan Mitchell. There are rumors, though, that the two are not getting along. Will tension affect their play?
- New Orleans Pelicans (36-36) Bubble record (8-0)
ZION WILLIAMSON IS BACK!!! The NBA needs the Pelicans to go (8-0) so we can Zion vs. LeBon! If that happens, media ratings will go through the roof!
- Portland Trailblazers (35-39) Bubble record (6-2)
Damian Lillard gives the Blazers a shot. But, first, the Blazers have to beat the Pelicans twice. It’s a tough assignment for Portland.
- Memphis Grizzlies (34-39) Bubble record (2-6)
Ja Morant will win Rookie of the year. There’s not much to say after that. Nothing to say, actually.
Eastern Conference
- Milwaukee Bucks (59-14) Bubble record (6-2)
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are the keys to the Bucks’ success. But Eric Bledsoe and the rest of the crew will have to elevate their games if the Bucks want to make a serious run at an NBA title.
- Boston Celtics (50-22) Bubble record (7-1)
The Boston Celtics are my pick for the restart’s most dangerous team. A big reason is Jayson Tatum’s stellar play in the second half of the season. Watch out for these Celtics to make a splash in the playoffs.
- Toronto Raptors (49-23) Bubble record (3-5)
The reigning NBA champs are set to defend their title, and that run starts with Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, and Fred Vanvleet. If those three players can play at an All-Star level, then perhaps…just perhaps…the Raptors can reach the Finals again.
- Miami Heat (45-28) Bubble record (4-4)
Jimmy Butler and the Heat are a good team … sporadically. To be consistent, Butler needs all the help he can get. Andre Iguodala, Tyler Herro, and Kendrick Nunn will need to be at the top of their games.
- Philadelphia 76ers (44-29) Bubble record (5-3)
Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have something to prove. That said, the rest of the cast will need to step up if the 76ers are going to make noise.
- Indiana Pacers (42-31) Bubble record (3-5)
Indiana is always a tough-nosed, competitive team. The problem is that Indiana never seems to be able to make the jump to the next level. That’s why I think the Pacers will exit in the first round.
- Brooklyn Nets (32-40) Bubble record (2-6)
Kevin Durant isn’t available. Durant was asked if he’d play, and his answer was ‘No!” That means these Nets have no chance in Orlando.
- Orlando Magic (31-42) Bubble record (1-7)
The Magic shouldn’t be in the playoffs. Here’s why.
Other Teams
Sacramento Kings – (31-41) Bubble record (3-5)
San Antonio Spurs – (27-44) Bubble record (0-8)
Phoenix Suns – (27-46) Bubble record (1-7)
Washington Wizards – (24-48) Bubble record (0-8)
