The NBA wraps up the first half of its season with two games tonight before the kickoff of All Star Weekend. You know what that means, time to predict the future. The first half has seen many interesting storylines, and what time better than now to tell you who’s going to be holding that trophy in June.
The East has been relatively predictable so far and is clearly a three team race. Toronto will head into the break as the one seed for the first time in their franchise’s history thanks to a seven game win streak and the Celtics playing like crap as of late. Boston still holds the two seed, but they need to figure out what’s going on quick and get back to dominating teams. The Cavs are starting to look better again after a serious roster reset at the deadline and a refreshing version of Lebron. Let’s be honest, the rest of the East is competing to lose to one of these top teams come playoff time. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what young teams like Philly, Milwaukee and Detroit are made of. Right now they don’t stand a chance, but a good ass kicking in the first round will still be a well-needed experience for some of the most exciting young talent in the league and will set them up for a more competitive year next season.
Prediction: Lebron and Kyrie will give the fans just the fight we’re looking for in the conference finals, and Lebron will prove once again why he’s the best damn ball player on this planet. Cavs in 6 over Boston.
Now to the West. Much more competitive. I count five legit threats to represent the West in the finals this year. Golden State is of course the favorite with their team of Monstars. But Houston is playing incredible ball right now behind the beard and CP3 and heads into the break a half game ahead of the Warriors. Never count out a Spurs team led by Kawhi and Coach Pop, they’ll be playing their best ball when it counts. The new big three in OKC is still working out some kinks but that kind of fire power can’t be underestimated. My sleeper team in the West? Portland. They’re sitting in sixth right now but they can score with the best of them and Dame Lillard has proven over and over again that he’s one of the best clutch players in the game. Dont be shocked if they pull off an upset or two come April.
Prediction: Houston and Golden State will shoot it out for the West in a crazy offensive clinic of a series. Golden State’s defensive ability will allow them to slow down the Rockets just enough, and they’ll be back in the Finals again. Warriors in 7.
That’s right, Warriors v. Cavs once again. I know its a boring pick but its the truth. Golden State’s roster is way too stacked and as long as Lebron is in the East no one else is touching him. But I don’t think Lebron’s greatness will be enough to topple the Warriors all around dominance. They are a rare blend of offensive fire power and defensive prowess and it will shine once again. Golden State will bring another chip home to the Bay when it’s all said and done. Warriors in 6.