NBA: Early season predictions
The NBA season is five games strong and already looking to be a thrilling season. Any number of teams could win it all.
Even heading into the season most people generally knew that the Eastern Conference was a lot more stacked than the West. This is due to teams such as the Heat, Bucks, Nets and Celtics being very dangerous teams last season.
A likely outcome for the Eastern Conference standings would be:
1. Milwaukee
2. Boston
3. Philadelphia
4. Chicago
5. Cleveland
6. Miami
7. Atlanta
8. Toronto
9. Brooklyn
10. Washington
11. New York
12. Charlotte
13. Detroit
14. Indiana
15. Orlando
The Western Conference has been the most successful conference in NBA history. This is not the case in the modern NBA with only a handful of contenders including Phoenix, Denver and Golden State. A likely outcome for the Western Conference seeding is:
1. Golden State
2. LA (Clippers)
3. Minnesota
4. New Orleans
5. Denver
6. Portland
7. Phoenix
8. Memphis
9. Dallas
10. Utah
11. San Antonio
12. Oklahoma City
13. Houston
14. LA (Lakers)
15. Sacramento
The NBA awards are one of the hardest things to predict. This is because many things come into consideration when predicting the winner, such as the storyline, team success and individual performances. With this in mind, these are the likely winners of the NBA awards.
For MVP a likely winner would be Jayson Tatum. He has continued to show he is a superstar by leading the Celtics to the finals last year averaging 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. In addition, he played stellar defence on the most dominant defensive team in the NBA. In addition, he made the all-NBA first team.
So far this year, he is averaging 32 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal. He is by far the most valuable player for the Celtics. Although, he may not be the most talented player in a league where Giannis exists. He is a very strong candidate for this year's MVP.
Dejounte Murray will be one of the candidates for defensive player of the year, some would say a bold prediction. The six-foot-six shooting guard for the Hawks is an excellent defensive player. He can take that next step and win the DPOY. This is because he led the team in steals last season and is leading this year by a landslide. In addition, he averages one block per game. With his backcourt partner being the less defensive-minded Trae Young, Dejounte will be guarding other teams' guard or wing players this season, giving him a chance to shine.
Rookie of the Year is likely to be a contest between Benedict Mathurin and Jaden Ivey. Based on this season so far, either one or both of them deserve it.
Benedict Mathurin looks like an NBA veteran with his efficiency and defence. Alongside Tyrese Haliburton, they are two of the only promising pieces on that young Pacers team. Jaden Ivey is also sublime at shooting the ball with scary efficiency alongside Cade Cunningham leading the Detroit young core.
Bol Bol is likely to be the most improved player. The once-top prospect in the 2018 draft got off to a shaky start in the NBA with very limited playtime. He now gets decent minutes for Orlando, putting up 10 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. That might not sound too impressive, but he does this in 10 minutes a game. Having been adjusted to per 36, his numbers are 20 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks, which are incredible compared to last season's two points and one rebound.
For the Sixth Man of the Year, a likely candidate would be Malcolm Brogdon. The hyper-efficient guard comes off the bench for the Celtics. He is averaging 12 points and four assists this season with poor efficiency off the bench. However, that will improve and he will become a reliable scorer for the Celtics.