2012-13 NBA Predictions

Divisional Champions:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division:

Boston Celtics

Brooklyn Nets

Philadelphia 76ers

New York Knicks

Toronto Raptors

Winner: Boston Celtics

Boston won’t dominate the division like they have in the past. Every team in the Atlantic improved during the off-season. The Celtics get the edge because of their veteran leadership and experience.

Central Division:

Chicago Bulls

Cleveland Cavaliers

Detroit Pistons

Indiana Pacers

Milwaukee Bucks

Winner: Indiana Pacers

Indiana proved they’re a top four team in the East last season. The Bulls will be without Derrick Rose for the majority of the season. Expect the Pacers to seize the opportunity and come out on top in the Central.

Southeast Division:

Atlanta Hawks

Charlotte Bobcats

Orlando Magic

Miami Heat

Washington Wizards

Winner: Miami Heat

The defending Champs have the honor to play in arguably the weakest division in the league. No team in the division holds a threat to the Heat.

Western Conference

Northwest Division:

Denver Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder

Portland Trail Blazers 

Utah Jazz

Winner: Oklahoma City Thunder

It won’t be easy for the defending Western Conference Champs the Nuggets, Timberwolves and Jazz are rising, but OKC still holds the advantage in the rugged northwest.

Pacific Division:

Golden State Warriors

Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Lakers

Phoenix Suns

Sacramento Kings

Winner: Los Angeles Clippers

When it’s all said and done I say the Clippers will overtake the Lakers to win there first ever division crown. The Clips are younger, faster and deeper. Expect them to also be the better team at the Staples Center as well during the regular season.

Southwest Division:

Dallas Mavericks

Houston Rockets

Memphis Grizzlies

New Orleans Hornets

San Antonio Spurs

Winner: San Antonio Spurs

It’s the same old story every season; expect the Spurs to win 50+ games while Coach Pop preservers his stars for the postseason. The Mavericks and Grizzlies will challenge the Spurs throughout the season but neither is a serious contender to overtake the Spurs in the division.

2012-13 Predicted Conference Final Standings

Eastern Conference

1.     Miami Heat

2.     Boston Celtics

3.     Indiana Pacers

4.     Philadelphia 76ers

5.     New York Knicks

6.     Brooklyn Nets

7.     Chicago Bulls

8.     Atlanta Hawks

Western Conference

1.     Oklahoma City Thunder

2.     San Antonio Spurs

3.     Los Angeles Clippers

4.     Los Angeles Lakers

5.     Denver Nuggets

6.     Dallas Mavericks

7.     Memphis Grizzlies

8.     Minnesota Timberwolves

2012-13 Preseason Award Winners

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James- Miami Heat

He’s the best player in the world today. Until we “witness” someone else take over the basketball world like Derrick Rose did in 2011 this is LeBron’s award to win or lose.

Coach of the Year:  Vinny Del Negro- Los Angeles Clippers

I am very high on the Clippers they own the deepest team in the league. If Coach Del Negro can navigate the ship successfully and if the Lob City crew avoids any serious injuries to there superstar duo of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin expect the Clippers to be a top three team out West. Yes expect it.

Rookie of the Year: Damien Lilliard- Portland Trail Blazers

I’m taking Lilard over Anthony Davis because I feel Lilard will have a better overall season than Davis. It takes longer for big men to adjust to the pro game. On the other hand Portland is throwing Lilard into the fire and expect big numbers out of him. Unless Davis has an out of this world Blake Griffin like debut I like Lilard’s chances.

Defensive Player of the Year: Serge Ibaka- Oklahoma City Thunder

It’s time for the anchor of OKC’s defense to take home the award. I don’t expect Dwight Howard to be at 100% this season and we will wait and see if Tyson Chandler can duplicate his DPY season. Air Congo is the safe bet.

6^th Man of the Year: Jason Terry- Boston Celtics

You never see a player win 6^th man of the year two years in a row and you never know maybe this is the season Coach Scotty Brooks inserts James Harden into the starting line up for OKC. Well Jason Terry was brought into Boston to be that scoring punch off the bench they didn’t have last season.

Most Improved Player of the Year: Michael Beasley- Phoenix Suns

Quickly who won most improved player of the year last season? See doesn’t quite roll of the tongue. I’m giving it to Beasley because he is kind of like the forgotten man. Remember he was drafted number two overall in ’08 and is already on his third team in five seasons. Beasley has been a solid pro but has not been able to find a home. Now he’s the man in Phoenix hopefully he produces.

Eastern Conference Finals:

Miami Heat over Boston Celtics in seven games

Home court advantage plays a huge role in this one; you have to give it to the Heat their stars are in the there primes and on a mission. The Celtics are on a mission as well but how far can KG and The Truth take this team. The Eastern Conference Finals is pretty far in its own right.

Western Conference Finals:

Los Angeles Lakers over Oklahoma City Thunder in six games

I know I put the Lake Show down as the 4^th seed; (*Look at Boston Celtics 2010) they’re not even going to win the Pacific Division. Its all about match ups, the Lakers will cruise through the regular season and once the playoffs begin you can’t bet against Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant. The Lakers have the talent and veteran leadership to make it to the Finals without home court advantage. I expect them to take out OKC because the Thunder will now have a cocky swagger it is expected of them to get back to the Finals. If the Lakers make it to the Conference Finals Kobe will not lose.      

NBA Finals:

Miami Heat over Los Angeles Lakers in seven games

This star-studded NBA Finals will live up to expectations. LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade, Nash, Bosh, Dwight a man can dream right? Come June expect it to become reality. The Heat will be pushed to limit but expect the Miami to come out on top because LeBron will take control and seize the moment. This is LeBron’s league. It started last season when Dwyane Wade willing handed LeBron control of the reigns. Kobe and company will battle the Heat to the bitter end, but Miami will come out on top successfully defending the Championship and begin the stages of building the NBA’s new age dynasty.