NBA Predictions
2013-2014
10-27-13 and 11-05-13
The NBA Season is just days from
kicking off. DAYS! Are you excited? I am! There is no professional
sport I follow closer and I just can't wait to start watching games
again.
Because the season is about to begin,
I've decided to do my First Annual NBA Season Predictions. Will I be
doing this season after season? I don't know, but I hope to!
Here we go! *(The Season is NOW underway)*
The
2013-2014 NBA Standings
The first thing I want to predict is
the seeds, from the worst all the way up:
THE WORST OF THE WORST -
15. EAST -
Philadelphia 76er's
Due to how the
offseason went, it appears that the Philadelphia 76er's will be have
the worst record in the East. With their first round draft pick,
Noel, probably out for the season, and Evan Turner probably getting
the most touches, Sixer basketball is going to be tough to watch.
Many are predicting that they might contend for the worst record in
league history. I don't think they'll be that bad, but I'd be
surprised to see them go on any “winning streak” this season.
They are going to be looking to the 2014 Draft, hoping to win the top
lottery pick, which most are predicting will be Andrew Wiggins, the
up and coming Kansas player.
Predicted Record:
14-68
15. WEST –
Phoenix Suns
The West's worst is expected to do a
little better than the Sixer's, but no one is expecting much from
Phoenix. Plus they just traded their best player, they will also be
looking to join the “Riggin's for Wiggins.”
Predicted Record: 19-63
2nd Category:
WE SHOULD HAVE LOST A FEW MORE -
14. EAST – Boston Celtics
It is hard to think that the Celtics
might be a bottom feeder out East, but if you've payed attention at
all this offseason, you know the Celtics that we've come to know, no
longer exist. With Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett all in
new places, along with Ray leaving the season before,
the teams best player, Rondo, is injured, and they don't have much
going for them. Unless you like Kris Humphries, and then you are in
luck! Kris Humphries! What a pickup!
Predicted Record: 20-62
14. WEST – Los Angles Lakers
Honestly, as long as Kobe remains in
L.A., I hate picking against them, but after seeing how bad they were
with Dwight, Pau and Kobe, I can't see them being good this season.
Dwight is with Houston, and Kobe is coming off a pretty rough injury.
Also, they signed Nick Young, who truly is just a shot friendly
guard. If Kobe comes back healthy, they could scrape off a decent
record, but I just don't see it. Expect them to be the second best
team in L.A.
Predicted Record: 25-57
13. EAST– Orlando Magic
It seems like years since Howard and
the Magic were a top team in the East. It hasn't been that long
actually, just 2010-2011, but I'm sure the fans there are still
bitter. They will probably have more fun rooting against Houston then
rooting for the Magic.
Predicted Record: 22-60
13. WEST – Utah Jazz
No Paul Milsapp, no Al Jefferson, no
way that the Jazz finish with a good record. I could be wrong here,
but I don't think Utah will be worth watching this year.
Predicted Record: 26-56
12. EAST – Charlotte Bobcats
The theme in the East the past few
years has been mediocrity, minus a few teams, and I see this trend
continuing, at least toward the bottom of the conference. The Bobcats
added Al Jefferson this offseason, and will look better than last
season, but expect much of the same. Kemba Walker showed flashes of
brilliance, and Michael Kidd-Gilcrest should be better, but lack of
defense should keep them towards the bottom. It also doesn't help
that Michael Jordan is the owner.
Predicted Record: 28-54
12. WEST – Portland Trailblazers
Portland has some real talent in Damian
Lillard and Lamarcus Aldridge, but I don't think they'll be doing
much this season. If this team found themselves in the East, they
would potentially make the playoffs, but the West is deep, and
because of that, they will be on the outside looking in.
Predicted Record: 32-50
TEAMS ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
11. EAST –
Toronto Raptors
I feel bad for
Canadian's. They have one NBA team, and they always seem to be in the
same position, year in and year out. Never the worst in league, but
not good enough for the playoffs either. This years team features
some decent talent, with good bench depth, but the problem is their
starting unit is filled with good role players as well. With no real
stars, this team will continue to be a middle of the pack team.
Predicted Record:
33-49
11. WEST –
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento
Kings are finally, for the first time since C-Webb, moving in the
right direction. With new ownership, a new coach in Mike Malone, a
new Stadium coming next season, and a decent group of young players,
they will only look to improve over the next few seasons. With that
though, they have not made the step to the playoffs just yet. I
expect Demarcus Cousins to improve this season, and the team to be
better offensively, but they will be in the same spot as usual when
the season comes to a close. Maybe they'll make the playoffs in 2015!
Predicted Record:
34-48
10. EAST –
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks
are the typical sports team that is always decent but never really
contends for a Championship. They make the playoffs but even their
fans no nothing is going to come from it. This year though, I predict
there will be some change! I am predicting the Hawks don't make the
playoffs. Will this actually happen? It will depend on if Cleveland
and Washington can play the way they should, but if they do, Atlanta
should be on the outside looking in.
Predicted Record:
35-47
10. WEST –
Denver Nuggets
Everyone is
predicting it, but if it happens, it will be unprecedented. The
Denver Nuggets won 50 plus games last season, but most sports experts
are expecting them to miss the playoffs. I agree, and the reasons
being they lost George Karl, their coach, along with Andre Igudola
and Galinarri is injured. Add all that together and it is a totally
different team then the one they sported last season.
Predicted Record:
36-46
9. EAST -
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks finished
with the eighth seed last season, and got swept 4-0. This season I
think their fans wont have to suffer as much, because this time,
they'll be on the outside looking in.
Predicted Record:
37-45
9. WEST – New
Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans made
a few moves this offseason that I really liked, and I wouldn't be at
all surprised to see them make the playoffs, but honestly, a lot of
question marks, especially with health and team chemistry. Biggest
question marks are Tyreke Evans and Anthony Davis.
Predicted Record:
44-38
PLAYOFFS BABY!!!
8. EAST –
Cleveland Cavaliers
Mike Brown in
back, Kyrie Irvin andAnderson Veraijau are healthy, Andrew Bynum will
be suiting up at some point, the first pick in the 2013 draft,
Anthony Bennett, will be making his debut, and the rest of the team
is competent. Honestly, Cleveland has not looked this good since....
LeBron was wearing 23!
Predicted Record:
43-39
8. WEST – Dallas
Mavericks
Dirk Nowitski
legacy has already been solidified because of his 2011 Finals
performance, but since then, Dallas and Dirk haven't been all that
good, especially last season. Dirk is healthy now though, and because
of that, along with a few additions, they should make the playoffs.
Predicted Record:
46-36
7. EAST – New
York Knicks
Last season, the
Knicks exceeded expectations and finished with the second best record
in the East. Most people are expecting regression, and I agree. The
East is better this season and the Knicks are going to have a tough
time playing defense. I wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks tried
making some midseason trades.
Predicted Record:
45-37
7. WEST –
Minnesota Timberwolves
For the third
straight season, Minnesota is expected to make the playoffs, but only
if they can stay healthy. With Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Petrovic,
along with Kevin Martin, the T-Wolves boast a strong team, and could
make for some exciting basketball. The key for them is staying
healthy.
Predicted Record:
47-35
6. EAST –
Detroit Pistons
With a new coach
in Maurice Cheeks and some new talent, the Pistons finally seem ready
to make it back to the playoffs. They spent some good money this
offseason on both Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith, and if Andre
Drummonds and Greg Monroe continue to improve, this team could be a
tough opponent for anyone. If things are not going well though,
expect a midseason trade, with Greg Monroe likely the guy to get
moved.
Predicted Record:
46-36
6. WEST –
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis decided to
switch coaches this season and added sharpshooter Mike Miller, but
these two moves don't look like they will push Memphis higher in the
standings. Regardless of the offense though, their defense will still
be very good.
Predicted Record:
48-34
5. EAST –
Washington Wizards
With the addition
of Gortat, the Wizards have a chance to be good, especially if John
Wall can continue to do what he did at the end of season. It has been
a while since the Wizards were a good team, but this season they
should make some strides.
Predicted Record:
48-34
TITLE CONTENDERS
5. WEST – Los
Angeles Clippers
The fifth seed
might seem a bit low for the Clippers, but this seed isn't so much a
knock on the Clippers, but instead a compliment to the teams ahead of
them. There is a chance the Clippers could finish as high as the
first seed, but I think this is a better spot for them. Chris Paul is
a magician, and the additions of J.J. Redick and Doc Rivers will
definitely help, but I think that Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan
have hit their ceilings, and for that, they only get the fifth seed
from me.
Predicted Record:
53-29
4. EAST –
Indiana Pacers
The 2013 Playoffs
seemed to have been the coming out party for the Pacers and Paul
George. Brilliant team work almost got them to the Finals. Besides
that, flashes of brilliance from Roy Hibbert, David West and George
should excite fans in Indiana, along with having Danny Granger
back.Even still, I expect regression from this team. The stingiest of
Defenses, the Pacers still lack a good offensive flow and health
questions still remain with Granger. The Pacers might be one of the
best bets to beat Miami, but I still only expect an average regular
season.
Predicted Record:
51-31
4. WEST –
Houston Rockets
The Rockets made
the biggest offseason addition, adding Dwight Howard. From the sounds
of things, Dwight is looking more like his DPOY self, and less like
the Los Angeles Lakers version. If this is true, and Dwight once
again regains his form, the Rockets might finish with the best record
out West, and might be the title favorites. With that, I'm not sold,
and I think they will win a lot of games, but still struggle at
times.
Predicted Record:
54-28
3. EAST –
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn might be
sporting the most decorated starting five in the NBA, with All-Stars
Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Deron Williams, and Joe Smith, along with
Brooke Lopez, but with that, questions still remain about how good
they will really be. If they can all mesh together, stay healthy and
avoid Fr. Time, they will be contending for a title come May.
Predicted Record:
53-29
3. WEST – Golden
State Warriors
Ahead of both the
Rockets and the Clippers? Really? Simply put, yes. Marc Jackson has
done a wonderful job in Golden State, by utilizing young talent and
bringing in some good talent, with the most recent talent being Andre
Igudola. The poor man's version of LeBron, Iggy gives the Warriors a
defensive stopper, and if Steph Curry can healthy, they also will
have a legitimate MVP canidate. I like the upside with this team.
Predicted Record:
55-27
2. EAST –
Chicago Bulls
This is what we
call the Derrick Rose effect. The Bulls struggled last year
offensively, and found themselves relying way to much on sub par
talent, but with Rose back, there is a buzz around this team.
Everyone wants to see if the 2010 MVP
can perform at this previous level, and maybe push the Bulls back to
supremecy in the East. Where Rose goes, the Bulls go.
Predicted Record:
55-27
2. WEST –
Oklahoma City Thunder
For the first time
in years, doubts are circling around the Thunder. Justified or not,
the Thunder are going to have to prove that they haven't fell off.
Westbrooke is expected to be out till December, which could hurt, but
the Thunder still have the second best player in the league, in Kevin
Durant, and as long as he is on the court, I expect this team to
continue winning a lot of games.
Predicted Record:
56-26
1. EAST – Miami
Heat
Three letters made
me chose Miami to finish first in the East – LBJ. As long as LeBron
is doing his thing in Miami, the Heat are still the team to beat.
Many are saying that the Heat will fall off from last year, but I am
not so sure. I think they will be better than last year, and once
again, D-Wade will prove he is still one of the best players in the
league. And if Greg Oden or Michael Beasley give the Heat anything,
look out.
Predicted Record:
62-20
1. WEST – San
Antonio
New year, same
Spurs. The San Antonio Spurs didn't really change there team from
last season, and the fact that they were :05 seconds from winning a
Championship is probably why. Every season, people expect the Spurs
to fall off, but it never happens. Tim Duncan is as good as ever, and
with the break out performances of Danny Green and Kawaii Leonard,
this team looks destined to win a lot of games.
Predicted Record:
60-22
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Now that we have
broke down the seeds, lets get to some playoff predicting:
We'll start with
the West this time.
WEST -
#1 San Antonio
Spurs versus #8 Dallas Mavericks
Two Texas
powerhouses, these teams have a history against one another. A battle
of two of the greatest bigs ever, this series would definitely be
filled with some great moments, but I would expect the Spurs to push
past the Mavericks.
Spurs in 5.
#2 OKC Thunder
versus #7 Minnesota Timberwolves
KD versus K-Love.
I would love to watch a series between two of the NBA's best. I think
when at series end, the Thunder would be victorious, but thats not to
say the T-Wolves wouldn't put up a fight.
Thunder in 6.
#3 GS Warriors
versus #6 Memphis Grizzlies
Golden State's
uptempo spread offense versus Memphis' stingy defense would make for
a fun series, but when it comes down to it, all NBA fans are just
hoping for another stellar playoff series from Steph Curry. I would
say that Golden State would advance.
Warriors in 5.
#4 Houston Rockets
versus #5 Los Angeles Clippers
If James Harden
and Dwight Howard are meshing come the playoffs, the other teams will
need to look out. That being said, neither team has much of a playoff
resume. All the stars are ringless, but that shouldn't stop either
side from competing. A very tight series, I think it would come down
to a play here or a play there.
Clippers in 7.
EAST -
#1 Miami Heat
versus #8 Cleveland Cavaliers
A dream come true
for NBA owners and ESPN, how great would a series be between LeBron
and his old team, and maybe future team. As much fun as ESPN would
have building it up, I think LeBron and the Heat would make sure it
was a short series.
Heat in 5.
#2 Chicago Bulls
versus #7 New York Knicks
Is it possible for
the Knicks to fall this far down? If it does happen like this, I
don't think the Bulls would be happy about it. Regardless of how the
Knicks season goes, they still have Carmelo Anthony, and he is one of
the few players in the league who can single handedly take over a
game. I would expect the Bulls to win, but it wouldn't be easy.
Bulls in 7.
#3 Brooklyn Nets
versus #6 Detroit Pistons
Detroit and
Brooklyn went out this offseason and made moves in hopes to be
better, and contend. Brooklyn has the experience, but Detroit has the
youth, and I think they could do favorably in this series, especially
if Greg Monroe is still with them. I would actually predict the
Pistons to win the series.
Pistons in 6.
#4 Indiana Pacers
versus #5 Washington Wizards
The Pacers might
not be the easiest team to watch, but they get the job done. The
Wizards should be a fun team to watch this season, but once the
playoffs begin, it is a totally different animal. If these two teams
play versus one another, expect the Pacers to win.
Pacers in 5.
Round 2 of the
Playoffs
WEST -
#1 San Antonio
Spurs versus #5 Los Angeles Clippers
Both of these
teams have wonderful point guards, and because of that, I could see
this series being a real chess match. Both sides have wonderful
offenses and world class coaches. In the end though, I think Greg
Popevich and the Spurs would show their supremacy and win.
Spurs in 7.
#2 OKC Thunder
versus # 3GS Warriors
In the past, Curry
could have played Westbrook, but Golden State wouldn't have had
someone to shut down Durant. Now though, Golden State has Andre
Igudola, a defensive stopper. Because of the addition of Iggy, I
think Golden State would win this series.
Warriors in 6.
EAST -
#1 Miami Heat
versus #4 Pacers
For any real NBA
fan, you want to see this series again. The Heat and Pacers gave us a
great one last spring and this season wouldn't be any different. Paul
George has only gotten better, and this years Pacers team has Danny
Granger. With a better PG and a healthy Granger, this Pacers team
could knock off the two time Champions. As long as Lebron James is
in a Heat jersey though, I think the Heat win out. He is the Best for
a reason.
Heat in 7.
#2 Chicago Bulls
versus #6 Detroit Pistons
When this series
begins, I think Derrick Rose will be on top of his game, and he will
do well versus Detroit. I wouldn't be
surprised to see either one of these teams win, but I will take the
Bulls, based on their coaching and defense.
Bulls in 7.
Round 3 of the
Playoffs
Western Conference
Finals -
#1 San Antonio
Spurs versus #3 Golden State Warriors
Every season
people say that this is the last year for the Spurs, but every year,
they seem to prove them wrong. Last season they were seconds away
from winning the Finals. This season, I don't think they will have
the chance. I think the Spurs have an incredible unit, but Steph
Curry and Andre Igudola seemed primed to upset them.
Warriors in 6.
Eastern Conference
Finals -
#1 Miami Heat
versus #2 Chicago Bulls
If this playoff
matchup ends up happening, expect fireworks. These two teams do not
like one another, and I don't see that changing. Both teams have very
particular styles of play, but when they clash, you can throw that
out the window. The series would be a bruiser, and whoever plays
better defense or makes the last second shot would end up winning.
Once again though, as long as Miami has LeBron, I'm taking the Heat.
Heat in 6.
NBA FINALS
#1 Miami Heat
versus #3 Golden State Warriors
If the Heat reach
the Finals for a fourth year in a row, they will accomplish something
that has not been done since the 1980's, when the Lakers did it. The
Heat have Lebron James, the best player in the league, and he
definitely gives them an advantage, but Golden State has Steph Curry
and now Andre Igudola for defense. I think this series would actually
come down to how the second options would play, and because of that,
I would take the Heat. As long as D-Wade is your second option, you
are in good luck.
Heat in 7.
UPDATE:
With the season
underway, I feel like I may have really messed up the seeds. I think
Indiana is better than I said, along with the Clippers, and the
Wizards don't seem like a team that will finish #5 in the East, if
they'll even make the playoffs. But guess what? I'm sticking with my
predictions and come the spring, I look forward to looking stupid.
Now on to some
bold predictions:
The
Philadelphia 76er's will begin the season 3-0.
Even with the 3-0 start, they'll still finish with the worst record
in the NBA.
Chris Paul
will have at least one 20 point – 20 assist game this season.
Dwayne Wade
will drop 50 points in a game this season.
Steph Curry
will break his own record for most three pointers in a season.
Kevin Durant
will win the scoring title.
Kevin Love
will win comeback player of the year.
At least two
coaches will be fired during the regular season.
Kobe Bryant
will drop 40 in his first game back.
He wont score
40 points in a single game the rest of the season.
LeBron James
will compete in and win the NBA Dunk Contest.
This season
will be incredible and unpredictable.
Lastly I want to
give out my Season awards:
MVP - Lebron
James
Other Candidates:
Kevin Love, Chris
Paul and Kevin Durant.
DPOY – LeBron
James
Other Candidates:
Dwight Howard,
Joakim Noah
Comeback Player of
the Year – Kevin Love
Other Candidates:
Danny Granger,
Andrew Bynum
Coach of the Year
– Doc Rivers
Other Candidates:
Greg Popovich,
Jason Kidd
Well that is all I
got for now. I might be blogging again about the season if I find the
time. Thanks for reading!
God bless!
“He died for me,
so I will live for him.”
