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Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2021-22 NBA Season

For the first time in as long as I can remember, my New York Knicks have become a bit of a sanctuary for my sports fandom. Everything that has been the New York Yankees summer, and recent elimination, just begs for a proverbial turning of the page. The NBA season is that new chapter. 

The Knicks season is a bit of a conundrum, as they've gotten much better, BUT, so did the rest of the Eastern Conference. I'm feeling confident, but I'm also anxious for more good basketball and hoping that last year wasn't some fluky gift to us Knicks for our patience prior to last season. 

Whatevs...nonetheless, here are my predictions for the upcoming NBA season.

 EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS:

1. Milwaukee Bucks (59-23)

2. Philadephia 76ers (53-29)

3. Atlanta Hawks (52-30)

4. Brooklyn Nets (52-30)

5. Chicago Bulls (48-34)

6. New York Knicks (47-35)

7. Miami Heat (45-37)

8. Charlotte Hornets (40-42)

9. Boston Celtics (40-42)

10. Indiana Pacers (38-44)


WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS

1. Denver Nuggets (57-25)

2. Utah Jazz (56-26)

3. Phoenix Suns (52-30)

4. Golden State Warriors (51-31)

5. Los Angeles Lakers (50-32)

6. Los Angeles Clippers (50-32)

7. Minnesota Timberwolves (45-37)

8. Portland Trailblazers (44-38)

9. Dallas Mavericks (43-39)

10. Memphis Grizzlies (40-42)


SEASON OCCURRENCES

Next Household Name: Jalen Green

Biggest Name to be Traded: Ben Simmons (kind of obvious, no?)

Biggest Story: Kyrie Irving does not play until Spring. 

Scoring Champion: Kevin Durant (34+ ppg)


SEASON AWARDS

All-Star Game MVP: LaMelo Ball 

Coach of the Year: Michael Malone

Most Improved Player: Shai Gigleous-Alexander

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

Sixth Man of the Year: Bobby Portis 

Rookie of the Year: Jalen Green

Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant


CONFERENCE FINALS 

Eastern Conference: Nets d. Bucks (4-3)

Western Conference: Nuggets d. Clippers (4-2)


NBA FINALS

Nuggets d. Nets (4-2)

NBA Finals MVP: Nikola Jokic

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