Week 15 Weekly Wonder/NBA Season Preview
By Peyton SchultzeWeek 15 Weekly Wonder
Lamar Jackson’s career moment on Monday night put the Ravens’ playoff hopes back on track in a competitive AFC field (via USA Today).
A Monday Night moment in Cleveland!
The surefire game of the season headlined the slate in Week 14 after a wild shootout between the Browns and Ravens, which featured big plays in tight moments, clean football all-around, and heroics from one of the game’s best players in Lamar Jackson. But as we enter Week 15, the playoff races in both conferences are getting that much tighter with every game. The Browns and Ravens aren’t the only ones fighting for their playoff lives, as many teams are hanging on by a thread at hopes of getting to the Super Bowl in this insane season.
So what gives this week? Will the Steelers end their two-game skid with a win on Monday over the Bengals? Can Washington ride their momentum to a huge home win over Seattle on Sunday? Can Philip Rivers and the Colts shut down Deshaun Watson and the Texans again? And will the Browns nearly shut the door on the Giants’ playoff hopes with a resounding win on Sunday Night Football? Here’s a look ahead at a highly-anticipated Week 15 schedule of games that features NFL games on four days of the week (including a college football-filled Saturday).
Week 15 Game-by-Game Looks
The Bills asserted themselves as real Super Bowl contenders with a resounding home win over the Steelers on Sunday Night Football (via The Denver Post).
Thursday: Los Angeles C. @ Las Vegas (-3.0), 5:20 PM PT, FOX/NFL Network
Arguably the toughest matchup of the week takes to the Sin City, where the Raiders are in must-win territory to keep their season alive and hang around in the AFC playoff picture. Las Vegas fell in a huge loss last week against the Colts, where Derek Carr continued his recent trend of turning the ball over and the Raiders’ defense allowed Indy’s run game to absolutely dominate the game. This is a very troubling trend considering the performance of Vegas in recent weeks, and it is not outlandish to say that maybe the favorites should be flipped after the Chargers’ impressive performance last week against the Falcons. Chargers’ coach Anthony Lynn is fighting to keep his job right now, and although the Raiders have had a better year altogether, Los Angeles will fight their way to a divisional win on the backs of Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler against a horrible Raiders’ defense.
Las Vegas: 24 Los Angeles C.: 28
Saturday: Buffalo (-6.5) @ Denver, 1:30 PM PT, NFL Network
After a major matchup on Sunday Night Football against Pittsburgh, Buffalo appears to be the team with the best shot of beating the Chiefs in the AFC right now. Rolling week in and week out has made the Bills a real threat on both sides of the ball, while Josh Allen has quickly turned himself into one of the best quarterbacks in the sport right now. So what gives when the team heads to Denver in what could be a potential trap game ahead of a matchup next week with the Patriots? This isn’t to say that Denver has been bad recently; in fact, quarterback Drew Lock played very well last weekend against Carolina with four passing touchdowns. But the Bills are just a better team than the Broncos on both sides of the ball right now, and it appears unlikely that they won’t be able to cover a full touchdown spread this weekend in the Mile High City.
Denver: 23 Buffalo: 34
Saturday: Carolina @ Green Bay (-8.5), 5:15 PM PT, NFL Network
Does Green Bay have the best chance of representing the NFC in this year’s Super Bowl? It’s a tricky question given their obvious flaws, but Green Bay has as good of a shot as any team in the conference with MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers at the helm of the Packers’ offense. Green Bay has rolled teams in recent weeks, and Rodgers appears to be just cruising every single week despite leading the league with 39 passing touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, Carolina has come back down to earth after a nice early start to the year, and the Panthers are playing for nothing at this point in the year. Even if Christian McCaffrey returns this week, take the Packers to hold onto the home-field advantage with another win for the NFC North champions.
Carolina: 20 Green Bay: 33
Sunday: Tampa Bay (-5.5) @ Atlanta, 10:00 AM PT, FOX
Who are the Buccaneers on offense? That question remains to be seen, but a matchup against a poor Atlanta defense gives Tampa Bay a great chance to establish an identity through the air on Sunday morning. The Falcons’ season has been a mess all year long, and although they have upset potential every week with so many weapons on offense, they seem almost uninterested this late in the season after a loss last week in Los Angeles. With that said, the Bucs are playing to get the top wild card spot in the NFC, which could be vital in a potential matchup against the weaker NFC East team that should capture the fourth seed in a potential playoff matchup. It’s time for Tampa to win big for once, which is what they’ll get the chance to do this weekend against a divisional foe.
Atlanta: 24 Tampa Bay: 35
Sunday: Detroit @ Tennessee (-8.0), 10:00 AM PT, CBS
Can the Titans dominate another game on the ground with Derrick Henry leading the way? It certainly seems possible again with the game’s best running back charging through defenses right now, especially against a Lions’ team that could be without Matthew Stafford this weekend and who has struggled to stop any team’s rushing attack this season. In addition, Ryan Tannehill and the Titans’ offense has certainly been one of the best groups in all of football this season, and it is a true surprise to see the spread this low right now considering the different directions that these teams are heading in. Take Tennessee in another blowout that gets them that much closer to another playoff berth in the AFC.
Detroit: 14 Tennessee: 38
Sunday: Houston @ Indianapolis (-7.5), 10:00 AM PT, CBS
Can Houston compete with an Indianapolis squad that has the makings of a dark horse contender in the AFC? Anything is possible with the magic of Deshaun Watson in the picture, but the Texans may have some real trouble this weekend against a Colts’ team that is getting better and better with each week. Quarterback Philip Rivers has faced some criticism this season with his play, but he appears to be improved and more comfortable with each week in this offense coach by Frank Reich, especially when the Colts establish the run early. Indy’s defense has also forced a lot of turnovers this season and disrupted Watson a couple of week ago on the road, which could give the Colts even more confidence this weekend. Beware that half a point added at the end of this spread, but look for the Colts to win at home on Sunday.
Houston: 23 Indianapolis: 27
Sunday: Jacksonville @ Baltimore (-13.5), 10:00 AM PT, CBS
Super Bowl contenders always have a season-defining moment that changes the course of their year, and it appears the Ravens captured their own moment in the form of Lamar Jackson’s late game heroics on Monday Night Football against the Browns. Baltimore had disappointed for most of the season until Monday night, but in the face of such severe adversity over the past month, this is a Ravens’ team that is skilled enough and mentally tough enough to make a legit run from now until the postseason. So will a team who has lost 12 straight really be any sort of challenge on Sunday, even with Gardner Minshew now at quarterback? No way, as the Ravens roll to a victory in another massive game for their playoff hopes.
Jacksonville: 16 Baltimore: 31
Sunday: New England @ Miami (-2.5), 10:00 AM PT, CBS
Our upset of the weeks comes down in Miami, where the Dolphins have typically had the Patriots’ numbers in recent season. But even though Miami just competed last week against the defending champions last week, this is the type of game that Bill Belichick and the Pats have typically had great success in. Rookie signal caller Tua Tagovailoa has proven to be the answer at quarterback for Miami, but he’ll face a different animal this weekend in the form of New England’s defense that has a knack for causing chaos against young players. The Patriots also get extra time to prepare for this weekend’s matchup after their Thursday night loss, and even though Cam Newton and the New England passing game has been simply unimpressive all year long, we like the Patriots to put a real dent in the Dolphins’ playoff hopes this Sunday in South Beach.
Miami: 20 New England: 23
With four straight wins under their belt, Washington now holds onto the lead in the NFC East behind an elite defense (via Bleacher Report).
Sunday: Chicago @ Minnesota (-3.0), 10:00 AM PT, FOX
Are the Bears back on track? Who really knows with this wacky group, but you have to give quarterback Mitchell Trubisky some credit for stepping up with Nick Foles out and playing reasonably well over the past couple of weeks. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ special teams cost them a week ago, and Kirk Cousins and the Vikings’ offense really failed to deliver any sort of big plays that they were expecting against a weak Tampa secondary last Sunday. Recent history tells us that these two teams typically split, and with the Vikings’ playoff hopes becoming slimmer by the week, it would be fitting for the rival Bears to officially end their season on Sunday.
Minnesota: 20 Chicago: 23
Sunday: Seattle (-5.0) @ Washington, 10:00 AM PT, FOX
This game remains the biggest mystery of the week considering nobody knows which Seahawks’ team will show up on Sunday, which is a troubling trend for a team as we near the home stretch of the season. Russell Wilson has bailed out Seattle’s flaws all year long against weaker competition, but there is no denying that he has struggled a bit against very good pass rushes that can generate pressure in his face. That’s exactly what Washington has been able to do in recent weeks, and this game could be a low-scoring affair with questions of their own on the Washington offense. At the end of the day, we like Seattle because of potential 4th quarter heroics from Wilson, but expect a very tight game in the nation’s capital.
Washington: 16 Seattle: 17
Sunday: San Francisco (-2.5) @ Dallas, 10:00 AM PT, CBS
A spread that we really do not understand headlines an early CBS slate, as Dallas hosts a 49ers’ squad coming off back-to-back losses. By even though the Cowboys picked up a big win a week ago against a very bad Bengals’ team, the 49ers are better coached and still have a lethal run game that is going to carve up one of the worst defenses in all of football. It is fair to say that San Francisco’s passing game is a real concern with Nick Mullens at the helm, but head coach Kyle Shanahan should be able to pull out plenty of tricks this weekend in what could be a season-ending loss for the Cowboys. Take the 49ers with confidence in this one, especially when they are getting less than a field goal.
Dallas: 17 San Francisco: 27
Sunday: New York J. @ Los Angeles R. (-17.5), 1:05 PM PT, FOX
Can you trust the Rams with this big of a spread? It’s tough to have faith in any team with this, but the Rams are one of the best teams in all of football right now, and extra time to get ready for the worst team in the league has the makings of a blowout from the first snap of the game. Sam Darnold and the Jets’ offense is a complete mismatch against the league’s best secondary, and even though Jared Goff has not been spectacular in 2020, he has been good enough under center for Los Angeles. The Rams should be able to cover this spread by halftime, and although there is the threat of a backdoor cover late in the game if the Los Angeles defense lets up a bit, nobody should dare to take the woeful Jets right now.
New York J.: 10 Los Angeles R.: 31
Sunday: Philadelphia @ Arizona (-6.0), 1:05 PM PT, FOX
Arizona picked up a gigantic win on Sunday against the red-hot Giants, which puts them in a prime position for a playoff spot in the NFC if they can close strong. But the Eagles, as led by newly inserted quarterback Jalen Hurts, also pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year last week against the Saints, which makes this home matchup for the Cardinals a bit of a concern. But even though the Eagles played well last week, we have doubts that Hurts and the Philly offense can explode in back-to-back weeks against two playoff teams. The Cardinals’ offense alone should be able to put up at least 30 points against an iffy Eagles’ defense, in what could be an easy win for the explosive Cardinals.
Philadelphia: 19 Arizona: 34
Sunday: Kansas City (-3.5) @ New Orleans, 1:25 PM PT, CBS
The biggest game of the week heads down to the Superdome in a potential Super Bowl matchup, where Taysom Hill and the Saints will battle with the defending champion Chiefs. Kansas City is playing with fire right now, and even though they have kept winning every week, they’re playing extremely close with lesser teams with some uninspiring play on offense and in the redzone. Meanwhile, although the Saints lost last week on the road to the Eagles, they have played awesome football on defense and have found reasonable success with Hill under center behind a solid offensive line. We’d take the Saints here with Brees in the lineup instead, but even though we are taking the Chiefs to win in the end, one should honestly consider taking the Saints if the line moves any higher over the course of the week.
New Orleans: 23 Kansas City: 24
Sunday: Cleveland (-4.0) @ New York G., 5:20 PM PT, NBC
The Browns surely lost in a heartbreak to a feisty Ravens’ team in the best game of the year on Monday night, but they also proved they can go toe-to-toe with any team in the league under any sort of pressure. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has started to prove himself as a potential Pro Bowl level starter late in the season as aided by a dominant run game, which has the Browns in a position to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Giants have had some late-season magic of their own, and Daniel Jones has had some encouraging games of his own with a very good defense also on his own side. But Cleveland is a real threat and the AFC and simply too much to handle on offense, which should give the Browns a real shot of holding onto that top spot in the AFC wild card race for another week.
New York G.: 20 Cleveland: 27
Monday: Pittsburgh (-12.0) @ Cincinnati, 5:15 PM PT, ESPN
Can Pittsburgh end their skid? A scheduling break really helps their case with a Monday night matchup against the Bengals, which should allow the Pittsburgh offense to explode against a terrible defensive group. The Steelers’ biggest problems on offense in recent weeks have been their lack of a run game and vertical extension in the passing game, but the Bengals’ defense has been exploited in those areas all year long. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense should cause plenty of havoc for a depleted group of Bengals on offense, and it is a real question to ponder if Cincinnati will find their way into the endzone on Monday night. This should a pure rout from the start of the game, which should help the Steelers get back on track in the AFC playoff picture.
Cincinnati: 6 Pittsburgh: 24
2020-2021 NBA Season Preview
After a miraculous run inside the NBA bubble, LeBron James and the Lakers will look to make it back-to-back titles for the city of Los Angeles (via Silver Screen and Roll).
And just like that, NBA basketball is back.
Just two months ago, the Lakers were crowned NBA champions for the 17th time in franchise after a thrilling playoff run inside the NBA bubble in Orlando, following some wild circumstances in the past year. LeBron James and Anthony Davis were the standout stars for Los Angeles, and the Purple and Gold enter this season as the clear favorites to repeat and hold onto the Larry O’Brien trophy in their engaging title defense.
But several other teams linger in the league. Can the Clippers bounce back from last year’s playoff failures? Will Luka Dončić and the Mavericks take a huge step forward and leap into the title contention? Will the Heat make a return to the Finals and capture the title? And how will Kevin Durant look in return from injury for the loaded Brooklyn Nets? There are all sorts of storylines to follow for this season, and we are just under a week from tip-off for the 2020-2021 season. With that said, here is our preview for the new season in what figures to be one of the tightest races to the finish line in quite some time.
Western Conference
The Suns’ new Big Three should help them enter the playoff conversation out West this season (via Bright Side of the Sun).
*our projected standings for the 2020-2021 season*1. Los Angeles Lakers
The defending champions got better in the offseason? That’s only the Laker Way after coming off their 17th championship in franchise history, as the organization found a way to acquire the talents of Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell, and Dennis Schröder to help out the game’s best duo in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James and Davis are a generational combo together, and after head coach Frank Vogel helped lead this team to an impressive run to a title inside the NBA bubble last season, it seems that the Purple and Gold are poised for another run. The Lakers are the favorites right now in what could be back-to-back titles for the team for the first time since 2009 and 2010.
2. Denver Nuggets
While the Lakers may be very good, the Nuggets are a real threat to them in the Western Conference after their impressive showing last season. Largely because of how well the duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray played in last year’s playoffs, Denver looks like a powerhouse out West who could knock off the Lakers this season if things break their way. Jermai Grant was a bit of a tough loss this past offseason, but the emergence of Michael Porter Jr. is something that the Nuggets are counting on to take a huge step forward this season. And if the young forward can become the clear third option with Jokić and Murray, this team has the making of a title team in the Rocky Mountains.
3. Dallas Mavericks
Is Luka Dončić the next big thing in the NBA? It certainly appears so after a stunning performance inside the NBA bubble last season, as the young guard carried the Mavericks in a close series versus the Clippers. Although they didn’t come out on top then with a serious injury to co-pilot Kristaps Porzingis, Dončić and the Mavs proved that they’re ready to compete right now with the best of the best out West. And as the early headliner for MVP in the upcoming season, this is simply Dončić’s team is every way in what should be a very exciting year in Dallas. Stand-by for thoughts to see if the Mavs can actually become a title contender, but expect another leap for the Mavs in 2021.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Can the Clippers bounce back from the huge disappointment of last season? It will be very tough in such a deep Western Conference, and lingering chemistry issues for Los Angeles remain a serious issue that has to be addressed by head coach Ty Lue. Luckily for the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are back once again this season and should be even better than they were last season. That duo alone gives LA as good of a chance as anyone this year, but the Clippers lost some key depth that carried them for parts of last season. Expect Los Angeles to remain a title contender due to their star players at the top, but we’ll have to wait and see if they’re ready to compete again with the Lakers and Nuggets in the Western Conference.
5. Utah Jazz
Even though people keep writing the Jazz off before every season, Utah keeps coming back with a vengeance every year. The All-Star duo of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell gives them a chance at a playoff spot every season, and Mitchell just keeps finding ways to get better and better every season as he is asked to do more on offense. Expect that to once again be the case this season, as Mitchell could even see some votes for MVP as one of the game’s best individual scorers. Yet Utah’s problem remains this: do they have enough scoring outside of their elite shooting guard? While they remain a tough team on defense every night, their offense is a real question under head coach Quin Snyder. They’re a playoff lock, but monitor their progression as the season goes on.
6. Portland Trail Blazers
Injuries wrecked the Trail Blazers’ season in 2020, but they still found a way to sneak into the playoffs on the back of one of the game’s best players in Damien Lillard. The sharpshooting guard is one of the most uncoverable players in the entire sport right now, and Portland has a real chance of winning any game they play in when he is out on the court and doing his thing. But even though he is magnificent, can the Blazers make a title run? They have all the pieces they need, including CJ McCollum, Carmelo Anthony, and Jusuf Nurkić, but Lillard has a chance to be the player that puts them over the top. This is a very good group from top to bottom, and it would not be a surprise to see them even higher in the standings by the end of the season.
7. Phoenix Suns
Are the Phoenix Suns the team to watch in the 2020-2021 season? For sure, especially after their insane 8-0 run inside the NBA bubble last season in Orlando. Yet the Suns went out and acquired future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in order to take a step forward this season, and his addition should really help out the growth of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. The Suns’ young players have All-Star written all over them, and it would not be a surprise to see this unit become one of the highest scoring teams in all of basketball. The Suns could easily finish higher or lower than their projections and it would not be a surprise, which makes Monty Williams’ team a very interesting one to watch all season long.
8. Golden State Warriors
A Stephen Curry-led team just barely getting into the playoffs? Welcome to life once again without Klay Thompson, who will be sorely missed again this season for the former Western Conference juggernauts. Curry will get his fair share of superstar moments alongside Draymond Green and swingman Andrew Wiggins, but the Warriors lack of impactful depth is going to be the one thing that holds this team back this season. Head coach Steve Kerr does have a chance at the coach of the year award if he can guide this team into the middle of the West, but he and Curry will surely have their hands full this season in such a loaded conference.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
Many people appear to be writing off the Grizzlies in the West, but they have a great chance at a playoff appearance after what Ja Morant showed in his rookie campaign. Morant is already a top-30 player in all of basketball right now, and his role as the leader of the future for this organization is as clear as ever entering his second year. Morant and company will miss Jaren Jackson Jr. for the start of the season, but Brandon Clarke could have a huge role for large portions of the season as their clear second option. Memphis is not a playoff lock with the Warriors ahead of them, but they are a lot better than many people think they are right now.
10. New Orleans Pelicans
Can a very good duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram take the Pelicans to the playoffs? It will be a very exciting story to watch under new head coach Stan Van Gundy, who will bring energy to a young team needing discipline as the season goes along. Williamson should take a leap into All-Star territory and Ingram should only continue to improve as a star player, but the Pelicans need more from point guard Lonzo Ball. If Ball can bring nightly energy and involve himself in the gameplan, New Orleans is a dangerous team that could make the playoffs. But until that happens, look for the Pelicans to just miss out on the playoffs again in Year Two of the Zion-era.
11. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are this low? Even with James Harden still on the team? For one, we doubt that Harden will simply stick around and put up his same numbers as usual if he is dissatisfied with the organization, especially after another year of playoff troubles for the Rockets. But even if Harden happens to stay with the team, what kind of help does he actually have around him? Most of Houston’s roster was schemed around the offensive prowess of former head coach Mike D'Antoni, and weird chemistry this year could lead to back news in H-Town. This situation is a mess right now, and the playoffs seem unlikely at best right now.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
Can the Timberwolves finally jump out from the bottom of the West to make some noise this season? Minnesota may be a little better than they have been in recent years with the strong duo of Karl Anthony-Towns and D’Angelo Russell, but they have very little else around them outside of Ricky Rubio that is sure to jump off the page. Look for Towns to have better year this year after some extended rest that could see him enter the conversation as one of the best big men in basketball, but don’t look for Minnesota to challenge for a playoff spot again this season.
13. San Antonio Spurs
For so long, the Spurs were given the benefit of the doubt that they could hang around in the playoff picture due to their star power and the mastermind of Gregg Popovich. But with such a drained roster and a loaded conference all around them, are the Spurs anything more than a lottery team right now? No way, as San Antonio should be one of the worst teams in basketball this season for the first time in a while. Don’t expect the Spurs to have a full tankjob and look for the occasional big upset over the course of the season, but this is not a playoff team right now with their current cast of players.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
Many people thought that the Thunder would enter last season as the worst team in all of basketball with so many young players leading the way, but OKC charged into the playoffs under the leadership of Chris Paul. But after Paul and center Steven Adams were traded, and former coach Billy Donovan was left in the dust, the Thunder really enter this season in full rebuild mode. Oklahoma City has a few young talents with superstar potential like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort, but the West is too good right now for them to make a sudden charge into the deep playoff picture. The Thunder will be interesting to watch, but only for reasons having to due with the development of their young players.
15. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento appears to be uninspired to get any better right now, and they’re on a very good pace to unload on any young players that they have outside of De'Aaron Fox. Fox is a nice, young player that has All-Star chances this year, but he alone has no chance of taking this team to the playoffs. Meanwhile, players like Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III could see their time in Sacramento end pretty shortly for new destinations, which means that head coach Luke Walton will struggle with what he has been given. Expect the Kings to be at or near the bottom of the West in what should be another bad year with almost no playoff hopes.
Eastern Conference
With Kevin Durant back in the lineup alongside a healthy Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets have a real chance of making some noise this season in the much-improved Eastern Conference (via Newsday).
*our projected standings for the 2020-2021 season*1. Milwaukee Bucks
After the Bucks were able to convince the Pelicans to trade one of game’s most underrated players in Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee did themselves one better by finally agreeing to a supermax contract extension with the all-world talents of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The still-young forward has quickly become one of the game’s best overall players, and his pure dominance on both ends of the floor has the organization excited for the future. Yet the team has not had the same type of success in the playoffs that they have had in the regular season, but could see better chances this year with Holiday joining Giannis and Khris Middleton. This is a true title contender, one that is built on defense, that can give the Lakers a run for their money.
2. Miami Heat
The defending Eastern Conference champions return to the floor this year with even higher hopes with so many young players continuing to grow. Jimmy Butler and head coach Erik Spoelstra round out this teams’ true leadership, with huge figures like Goran Dragic and Duncan Robinson also playing huge roles. Yet Miami’s best hopes of a title lie in the continued developments of two potential stars in Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. After sensational starts to their careers, both franchise building blocks figure to take their games to the next level again this season after magic last year inside the bubble. The Heat are a lethal weapon in the East with such a deep roster and fundamental defense that remains their identity, which makes them a true title team worthy of capturing a championship in the playoffs.
3. Brooklyn Nets
Will this be the most interesting team to watch in all of basketball? With the always-eccentric Kyrie Irving healthy and back in the picture, that could certainly be the case inside the Barclays Center. But the Nets’ success will depend on the superstar talents of Kevin Durant, who is near a return to the court for the first time in the regular season since he tore his Achilles with the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals. If Durant is healthy and other key players like Caris LeVert can take steps forward this year, the sky is the limit for one of the most talented teams in basketball. But if egos eventually get in the way and head coach Steve Nash struggles to unite this team together as one group, do not be surprised if Brooklyn is forced to make a desperate move midway through the season in hopes of keeping their championship dreams alive for the near future.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
The team that could truly take the biggest leap forward this season is certainly Philadelphia, who will benefit from the hiring of head coach Doc Rivers. The 76ers have all the talent in the world with the phenomenal duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid running the show, but the team has lacked the grit and awareness that true title teams must have when the playoffs roll around. Rivers had a tough time last year with an ego-heavy Clipper team, but his championship pedigree is a major boost to an organization that has struggled to get over the hump in the playoffs in recent years. Throw in a potential trade centered around the game’s best scorer in James Harden, and the 76ers have a real shot of getting to The Finals this season if the chips can finally fall in their favor with Rivers in charge.
5. Boston Celtics
Did the Celtics miss out on an opportunity for a championship last season inside the NBA bubble? It is a real question to ask considering the trade of Gordon Hayward and the first-year disappointment of point guard Kemba Walker, as Boston finds themselves in a bit of a challenging position in a top-heavy Eastern Conference. Yet the Celtics can find comfort in the continued star development of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who form one of the best duos in all of basketball. After another playoff explosion last season, Tatum should take another step forward this year, and it would not be a surprise to see him the MVP conversation this season. Boston needs some help to reach the top tier of contenders, but don’t count them out quite yet in the event that they acquire some real help for Tatum and Brown.
6. Washington Wizards
Could Russell Westbrook have found a better fit after a very rocky run in Houston alongside James Harden? The dynamic and sometimes out-of-control guard has his fair share of flaws on his own, but pairing him alongside one of the best scorers in the game in Bradley Beal is a coach’s dream come true with the energy that the former UCLA product brings to the floor every night. That’s exactly the case with head coach Scott Brooks, who should bring this team back to the playoffs behind an inspired effort from their new guard. The Wizards won’t leap all the way into title contention, but the new energy in the building should really help younger players like Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant push the organization forward into an encouraging future.
7. Toronto Raptors
Was Toronto’s season a year ago a bit of a fluke? Probably, but they still should be a playoff lock this season inside the Eastern Conference. Although they lost a little bit of their key depth that they relied upon a year ago, the Raptors still bring back one of the best players in the sport in Pascal Siakam. The star forward took another huge leap a season ago into the top tier of NBA players, and the help surrounding him on the Toronto roster remains very solid. Head coach Nick Nurse has quickly been recognized as one of the best coaches in the sport, and the Raptors’ front office made a smart move in bringing back the potential All-Star talents of Fred VanVleet. Expect some regression as players like Kyle Lowry continue to age, but don’t expect a full-blown falloff from one of the best organizations in the past five years.
8. Atlanta Hawks
Did any team in the league have a better offseason? The Hawks benefitted from plenty of time off by going out and signing some players to help out the supreme talents of point guard Trae Young, who has blossomed into one of the brightest young stars in basketball. Young will now be mentored by point guard Rajon Rondo, who signed with the Hawks after a huge playoff run with the Lakers last year and figures to clean up some of Young’s flaws as a young player. In addition, head coach Lloyd Pierce will also work with two new players in Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanović, who should thrive in this elite offensive attack with so many shooters. The Hawks look explosive and fun to watch, and while that may not mean a top seed in the conference, it could see Atlanta make a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
9. Indiana Pacers
Questionable moves and a lack of offensive firepower makes Indiana a strange team to predict in the Eastern Conference, especially considering Nate McMillan’s successful term during his time with the team before he was fired following the playoffs. Indiana has a nice rotation of good players like Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis, Victor Oladipo and TJ Warren, but their identity remains unclear with a lack of a clear scorer who can carry this team for stretches. Oladipo has shown flashes in the past, while Warren dominated inside the NBA bubble in Orlando, but it is fair to have real doubts about either of their chances at repeating that heading into this year. The Pacers could make the playoffs, but their future looks unpromising right now after an awkward offseason.
10. Orlando Magic
Will the Magic fall out of the playoff picture entirely due to an improved conference around them? It certainly seems possible, and it seems like only a matter of time before Orlando finally decides to move forward Aaron Gordon. However, center Nikola Vucevic remains one of the most underrated players in all of basketball, and the Magic remain a very long team that can cause issues for teams on the defensive end. But a lack of clear scoring makes their playoff hopes even tougher this year, especially with teams like Hawks and Wizards getting better.
11. Chicago Bulls
Chicago has been dying for a return to winning ways for the past five years, and like the Magic, it seems like only a matter of time before they end up trading their best player in Zach LaVine. The athletic two guard remains an elite scorer who has taken over for long stretches during his time with the Bulls, but the lack of a solid supporting cast around him makes Chicago’s playoff hopes this season very grim. However, watch out for a leap year for second-year guard, Coby White. As a catalyst on both ends of the court who showed some real flashes last year, the former UNC product has the making of a long-term option for the Bulls. Don’t expect the playoffs, but Bulls fans need to see something quickly from this team under new head coach Billy Donovan in his first-year after time with Oklahoma City.
12. Detroit Pistons
Has any team in the league been stuck in no man’s land more over the past decade? Detroit has some nice players on their roster like Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin, but a lack of real energy in the building has this team treading water once again. Although experienced head coach Dwane Casey remains a very solid option, his lack of a strong cast on either side of the floor makes this teams’ playoff hopes unlikely at best. The Pistons should go out and trade Griffin and Rose to better teams in order to get some young assets back, and it would not be a surprise whatsoever to see this team even lower in the standings at the season’s end.
13. Charlotte Hornets
Does one of the most interesting stories of the season actually reside in Charlotte? Rookie phenom LaMelo Ball enters the picture for a young Hornets team trying to make a fringe playoff push, especially behind a very dynamic backcourt featuring Ball and Devonte' Graham. This is likely Charlotte’s most interesting team to watch in years, and it will be fun to see just how far this young team can go in the much-improved Eastern Conference. This team could be similar to last year’s Grizzlies, but don’t count on a playoff spot quite yet in the East.
14. New York Knicks
The Knicks finally had a good offseason! Several nice moves from Knicks president Leon Rose finally gives the Big Apple some hope that their infamous losers will take some steps forward this season. But even though the Knicks acquired some nice young players like Obi Toppin, they’re not in a position to make any sort of real noise in the East this year. The Knicks’ season will be all about developing some of their young players like RJ Barrett to lure free agents or stars players to head to New York to play under feisty head coach Tom Thibodeau. Will they be able to do it? Probably not, but it will be more interesting to watch than usual in Madison Square Garden this year.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers
What do the Cavs actually have on their roster? What appears to be a farm system for title contenders looking for key veterans could see even more struggles this season, especially around an improved conference full of young and upcoming players. Kevin Love and Andre Drummond will likely see themselves out the door eventually in Cleveland, which means that players like Darius Garland and Collin Sexton will be called upon to lead the charge for this team. Sexton does look like a player who could win the Most Improved Player award this season, but with such a weak cast surrounding him for most of the season, the hopes of success seem pretty low this season for the Cavaliers.
Awards and Playoff Predictions
Denver is a real contender once again this year, and they’ll likely go as far as their All-Star big man can take them (via NBC Los Angeles).
Most Valuable Player: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Jokić found out just how great he could become last year inside the NBA bubble by helping take Denver to the Conference Finals before falling to the eventual-champion Lakers. Now, looking in shape and ready to go for a full season of play, the Nuggets’ big man has a chance to show the flash and moxie that makes him unquestionably one of the best players in basketball. Expect his scoring to tick up this year, and for people to finally realize Jokić as the game’s best pure center.
Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
AD should have clearly won this award last year, which makes this selection the easiest of the bunch this season. With respect to Rudy Gobert, Davis is the game’s best defender by a long shot, and his ability to guard almost any position makes him one of the most unique players that the sport had ever seen. Expect the Lakers’ star to lead the league in blocks and once again shine on the defensive end as the man in the middle for the league’s best defensive team.
6th Man of the Year: Gary Trent Jr., Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland guard came out of nowhere last year to help the Blazers make a playoff appearance despite a flurry of injuries around their team. Trent Jr. now has a clear role as a filthy scorer off the bench for the Blazers, and his unique skillset from long-range and driving in the paint makes him Lillard-like off the bench for the Blazers. He’s a future star in the making, and he has a great chance of winning this award this year with so many minutes for him off the bench.
Most Improved Player: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
The Suns figure to be much improved this year with Chris Paul in the mix, which means that Ayton should also take a leap forward. CP3 hasn’t played with a big man as skilled as Ayton for a long time, which means he will surely look for the Suns’ center early and often as a catalyst on offense for Phoenix. Expect huge numbers on offense from Ayton and the Suns in 2020 and 2021.
Coach of the Year: Lloyd Pierce, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks had a great offseason with some extended rest and a big free agency period, and head coach Lloyd Pierce will enjoy using his array of new and elite scorers to help propel these Hawks back into the playoffs. With Trae Young leading the way and so many young and upcoming players on the front lines for Atlanta, Pierce could have a very nice year that catches voters attention very early in the season.
Rookie of the Year: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
The youngest Ball brother is the shining star of this year’s draft class, and it should be very fun to watch him run the show for the Hornets this season. Ball remains a poor defender and a developing shooter from deep at best, but his playmaking and swagger on the court makes him a stat-stuffer on a nightly basis. Ball should have a big year and only continue to improve as a scorer as the year goes on, which could pave the way to a bright future in Charlotte.
Playoff Predictions
1st Round
#1 Lakers vs #8 Warriors (Lakers in 6)
#2 Nuggets vs #7 Suns (Nuggets in 6)
#3 Mavericks vs #6 Trail Blazers (Mavericks in 5)
#4 Clippers vs #5 Jazz (Clippers in 5)
#1 Bucks vs #8 Hawks (Bucks in 4)
#2 Heat vs #7 Raptors (Heat in 6)
#3 Nets vs #6 Wizards (Nets in 5)
#4 76ers vs #5 Celtics (76ers in 7)
2nd Round
#1 Lakers vs #4 Clippers (Lakers in 5)
#2 Nuggets vs #3 Mavericks (Mavericks in 7)
#1 Bucks vs #4 76ers (Bucks in 7)
#2 Heat vs #3 Nets (Heat in 6)
Conference Finals
#1 Lakers vs #3 Mavericks (Lakers in 6)
#1 Bucks vs #2 Heat (Heat in 7)
NBA Finals
#1 Lakers vs #2 Heat (Lakers in 5)