As I take a look at it just one night before the new NBA season begins, we could have a new champion crowned in 2018. No repeat for the current title holder, if one team comes together to challenge the 2017 winner, the Golden State Warriors. As usual, injuries to any superstar can throw the balance of a division into disarray and allow the teams that have enough talent to take the Larry O’Brian Trophy. This is the year that it happens as the league has too many great players that have suffered injuries in the past and are susceptible to being cut down during the long season. Here are my favorites and the suspects that will patriciate in the playoffs.
Western Conference
Top Eight to make the playoffs in 2018
- Golden State 64 wins
- Oklahoma City 56 wins
- San Antonio 55 wins
- Minnesota 51 wins
- Houston 50 wins
- Portland 47 wins
- Memphis 42 wins
- Los Angeles C 41 wins
Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City vs Golden State
Eastern Conference
Top Eight to make the playoffs in 2018
- Cleveland 60 wins
- Boston 59 wins
- Washington 58 wins
- Milwaukee 53 wins
- Toronto 48 wins
- Miami 47 wins
- Philadelphia 44 wins
- Detroit 41 wins
Eastern Conference Finals: Cleveland vs Milwaukee
NBA Finals: Oklahoma City vs Cleveland
NBA Champions: Oklahoma City
As I said, injuries will take their toll. Yes, I do believe that Golden State is the odds on favorite to win, but OKC, HOU, SAS, BOS, and CLE all have enough to do significant damage in the playoffs and you never know what could and can happen.
Top Five Players in the Association:
- LeBron James
- Russell Westbrook
- Kevin Durant
- Stephen Curry
- Kawhi Leonard
MVP-LeBron James
Coach of the Year-Tom Thibodeau
Rookie of the Year-your guess is as good as mine….how about Ball of the Lakers?
Feature Photo: Russell Westbrook (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images)
