2011-2012 NBA Predictions Go Here
By Jason McIntyre
Playoff teams in the East:
1. Miami Heat
2. Chicago Bulls
3. New York Knicks
4. Boston Celtics
5. Indiana Pacers
6. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Washington Wizards
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Where’s Orlando? I think Dwight Howard will be traded sooner rather than later.
Where’s Atlanta? Don’t like the backcourt. But I always think Atlanta will flop. Usually, the Hawks prove me wrong.
Where’s New Jersey? I don’t think they’ll get Dwight Howard. I think he’ll go to the Lakers, which is why I have them so high in the West.
Playoffs: Miami over Milwaukee, Chicago over Washington, New York over Philadelphia, Indiana over Boston (!)
2nd round: Miami over Indiana, New York over Chicago (Yes, I’m buying into Baron Davis and a cast of characters in the backcourt!)
ECF: Miami over New York in 6
Where’s Denver? Should have them 7th, but I always like the Warriors (well, as long as Stephen Curry is there).
Where’s Minnesota? One year away.
Playoffs: Clippers over Blazers, Thunder over Warriors, Mavericks over Spurs, Lakers over Grizzlies
2nd round: Clippers over Lakers, Thunder over Mavericks
ECF: Clippers over Thunder in 7
Yes, I’m completely going all-in on Chris Paul and the Clippers. He guided decent Hornets’ teams to the playoffs, and now he’s got talent around him. The Clippers are young and vibrant; the Lakers, Mavs and Spurs are all much older. I am greatly looking forward to Chris Paul vs. Russell Westbrook in a 7-game series.
In the finals, I’ll take the Heat over the Clippers in 6.
MVP: Kevin Durant
Scoring leader: Carmelo Anthony
Rookie of the Year: Kemba Walker, Charlotte