2019-2020 NBA Season Predictions
The NBA season is upon us after one of the most eventful offseasons in NBA history. Now, the NBA has the most open race for the title since the Golden State Warriors dynasty started 4 years ago. In this article I will predict the playoff seeding, conference finals, NBA finals, and also a few major award winners.
Playoff Seeds (West)
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Denver Nuggets
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Houston Rockets
- Utah Jazz
- Golden State Warriors
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Sacramento Kings
The Clippers: after one of the most unexpected moves, trading for Paul George to pair with newly signed Kawhi Lenard, the Clippers defense and depth is where they’ll be at their best. The Lakers are the most improved team in the west- with the addition of Anthony Davis- and LeBron James will have the most rest he’s had in years, making for the best duo in the league. The eighth seed was the toughest to predict; three teams have a more than capable chance of making it (Kings, Mavericks, and Pelicans). I’ll give the nod to the Kings due to De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley, and Buddy Heild’s continual growth.
Playoff Seeds (East)
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Boston Celtics
- Toronto Raptors
- Indiana Pacers
- Brooklyn Nets
- Miami Heat
- Orlando Magic
The Bucks and the 76ers are the clear cut, two best teams in the east. The Bucks had the best record in the NBA last year, and I see it happening again this year thanks to the MVP, Giannis Antentekumpo. The Pacers are one of the biggest wild cards in the league due to their best player, Victor Olidipo, being out for a significant period of time. Their record will be determined by how they play early in the year without him, and if they can be elite once he returns. I see the Magic getting the last playoff spot over the Pistons, which could initialize a major rebuild for the Pistons.
MVP
Giannis Antentekumpo will make it back to back after an even stronger season this year. “The Greek Freak” can do it all, and will be in the top 20 in all major statistical categories (points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks). He will earn these accolades with stellar efficiency, and finishing in the top 5 in field goal percentage.
Other Awards
Rookie of the Year: Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Defensive Player of the Year: Giannis Antentekumpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Most Improved Player: Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Sixth Man of the Year: Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors)
Coach of the Year: Mike Malone (Denver Nuggets)
Conference Finals
West: Lakers over Clippers
East: Bucks over 76ers
In the battle of LA, the Lakers- lead by James and Davis- will defeat the Clippers to advance to the NBA Finals. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antentenekoumpo, dominated the series, and helped defeat the 76ers in 7 games.
NBA Finals
Lakers over Bucks
In a potential passing of the torch matchup for the face of the league, Giannis vs Lebron will be must see television. And despite all of Giannis’ best efforts, the combination of Lebron and Anthony Davis will be too much for the Bucks to overcome. (Finals MVP: Lebron James)