The 2013-2014 NBA Season Predictions

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: 14-68¹

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

2^nd 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,² 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.³

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 Kings⁴

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.⁵

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!⁶

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 MVP⁷ 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:

1. The Philadelphia 76er's will begin the season 3-0.⁸ Even with the 3-0 start, they'll still finish with the worst record in the NBA.
2. Chris Paul will have at least one 20 point – 20 assist game this season.
3. Dwayne Wade will drop 50 points in a game this season.
4. Steph Curry will break his own record for most three pointers in a season.
5. Kevin Durant will win the scoring title.
6. Kevin Love will win comeback player of the year.
7. At least two coaches will be fired during the regular season.
8. Kobe Bryant will drop 40 in his first game back.
9. He wont score 40 points in a single game the rest of the season.
10. LeBron James will compete in and win the NBA Dunk Contest.
11. 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.”

1UPDATE: After starting 3-1, I am gonna need them to go 11-67. It is possible, right?

2Game 6 of the Finals. Vindicated. “Thank you Ray for leaving. Thank you.” LeBron James

3Imagine a season where both Boston and L.A. Finish at the bottom. It makes me smile, it really does.

4This pains me to place them so low, but I might have been too generous already. I will take solace though if they finish above the Lakers.

5Switched Josh Smith for Milsap – I like Smith better but Milsap was a bargain. We will see how it works out.

6Eighth seed. On purpose? Hmmm...

7Great story, but Rose didn't deserve the MVP. LeBron James should have won his third MVP in a row, which would mean he would have 5 now. It would be five in a row.

8Okay, I cheated. They actually did this already.