Some Pre-Season Playoff Predictions

The NBA season is finally upon us!

I know nothing, but still took the time to write a bit about who I like to make the playoffs this season...


EAST (AKA The Weak East)

1. Hawks - The loss of DeMarre Carroll hurts, but the system will still work. Atlanta cruised to 60 wins last season, and while they are unlikely to match that win total, they should manage to stay atop the conference.
2. Cavaliers - The Cavs are clearly the beast of the East, but you know LeBron is going to rest some throughout the season, and I expect Love and Irving's injuries to keep them out of some games. They will be fine, but they don't need the top seed, so why chase it?
3. Bulls - A lot of smart people are high on Chicago this season, and they do have an emerging star in Butler. But I have no faith in Rose's body holding up, or the aging big men. They will win a lot of games in the East, but won't contend.
4. Wizards - Washington made strides in the Playoffs, but losing Pierce might hurt. Wall & Beal is still a top 4 backcourt.
5. Heat - A potentially great starting unit will make Miami a tough out in the Playoffs, but Wade is another year older and creakier. He will miss 20+ games.
6. Bucks - the addition of Greg Monroe and return of Jabari Parker could get them to 45 wins. I believe in Jason Kidd.
7. Pacers - This all depends on Paul George returning to his 2014 form after breaking his leg. They lost some bigs, but Monta Ellis comes in to help the small ball transition.
8. Hornets - Dark Horse pick in the Weak East! Even without MKG, Charlotte should have a potent offense with Big Al on the block and shooters surrounding Walker and Lin drives to the hoop.

Noticeably Absent: Raptors - Toronto won 49 games last season, added DaMarre Carroll, and have a slimmer Kyle Lowry. So why don't I believe in them? They got off to a hot start last season, then imploded late before getting embarrassed in the Playoffs. 

WEST (It'll be a bloodbath again)

1. Thunder - This assuming their Big 3 stay healthy all season. Maybe the two best scorers in basketball now have some help in the paint with Kanter posting up. The biggest question is how Billy D adjusts to the NBA game.
2. Warriors - A repeat of their unfathomable regular season from last year seems unlikely, but even with a target on thier back and a chip on their shoulder, they will be dominate. 
3. Spurs - The rich got richer when San Antonio signed LaMarcus Aldridge. He and Leonard are the future of the franchise that still has some future Hall of Famer's producing at a high level. I don't buy the noise that Pop may have trouble integrating Aldridge.
4. Clippers - The only glaring weakness LA had last season was a slim bench. Their bench is now one of their strengths, with several veteran additions. Still, being very good isn't enough in the West.
5. Rockets - A lot of folks are high on them, but will Howard play 40 games? Should he? Saving him for the playoffs is the priority. Harden might win MVP and a scoring title.
6. Pelicans - The team is already banged up, but Davis will keep them afloat until they get healthy. If he can stay on the floor himself, that is.
7. Grizzlies - Memphis is still doing the grind 'em down thing in a league that has made a near complete shift to small ball. They will win their share in the reg, and win a couple playoff games.
8. Mavericks - Deron Williams' days as an elite PG are over, but he can be more than serviceable on a team with Parsons and Dirk at the 3 and 4. As long as Matthews is able to contribute they'll get swept in round 1, but stay out of the lottery (so, lose-lose).

Noticeably Absent: Suns - I love that Kentucky Wildcat flavor in the backcourt, and they will be fun to watch. A .500 team isn't getting it done in the West.