Hi everyone!
If you have been trying to find something to do for the past 4-5 months because of the NBA was on summer break, then your time has come as the new season is starting today with two matches of the highest profile, Cavs vs Celtics and Warriors vs Rockets. Basically is is what the finals of each conference should look like.
Just a short preview of the moves around the league before i pick the winners today.
So in the Eastern conf. we have Cavs with a few moves of their own. Kyrie left the team and moved to Celtics in a swap with Thomas. Also some rumors that Wade will join the Cavs as well. James is still the King and some rumors have surfaced before the end of last season that at the end of this season he will move somewhere in LA. Cavs clearly is the strongest team in the east this season as well and the chemistry between Thomas and James will decide their chances of reaching the finals this season
Moving on to Boston we have obviously Kyrie from Cavs and Hayward from Jazz joining the team. Both players were at their best last season and i don't see them having problems going deep this season, most likely eastern finals against Cavs is a place where everyone expects them. To be honest i see Kyrie and Hayward clicking well, even better than James and Thomas.
Other teams in the east that could be in the mix for top places is Wizzards and Raptors.
Wizzards still has a good lineup with a fast paced game and experience, should be in 3rd or 4th place maybe even better.
Toronto has Lowry and Derozan with CJ Miles who is a good shooter in the lineup. they are a good team but unfortunately for them they are not a team with a leading mentality. Sometimes they shine and clearly Lowry is the leader but he is not the same as James, Westbrook or Durant/Curry.
The bucks had a nice run last season, no notable changes in their lineups so they should make the playoffs with ease i would say so.
The rest of the east is up for grabs, Atlanta and the 76ers are on my list to make the playoffs as well.
the west is looking strong as always.
Warriors with a solid team and reigning champs will be the ones to beat again. Durant was and will be on fire Curry is just amazing and Green's determination will make them one of the best teams in the history of the game - if not there already.
Their challengers are the likes of Spurs, Thunder and Rockets.
Rockets are the main contenders for the top spot if you ask me. They have shown last season what they are capable of , and how to win matches from beyond the arc. They have added in their lineup Chris Paul and he will become the leader of the team most likely but i see a bit of problem here as the rockets have been very fast last season scoring the second most in the league, if i remember correctly, and Paul is a bit slower than the team is used to playing. This could result in him sitting more and resting or letting Harden run the pace. It will be interesting to see what happens. Hardens defense could a problem as we can see him often in Shaqtin a fool. :)
The Thunder have added some heavy names in their rooster. Paul George from the Pacers and Carmelo from the Knicks. Both are established players in the league with lots of experience and Westbrook needed some help for sure, mostly towards the end of the season where you could see him frustrated with the results. I want to see them do well and Westbrook deserves a championship ring for his amazing skills.
Clippers will be a different team this season without Paul and their record last season for the times when Paul was injured showed that they need him. So now with no Paul it will be interesting to see if they will go small or stick with their style from last season which wasn't the best.
The Spurs are still a solid team and that is mostly thanks to Popovich. He seams to bring out the best of the players. Rudy Gay is back after last season sitting out due to injury. Pau Gasol, Aldrige and Leonard should have no problems with making the playoffs and maybe even the finals.
That is it for the western conference major updates.
As you know it is still to early to say what to look out for this season i would say that the final will be the Warriors vs ___________ insert team from East here. :)
I hope it will be as entertaining as last season.
If you follow me i will be posting a few picks from NBA as well as other leagues, hopefully we can all benefit from it, all i need is an upvote. :)
Thanks
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