Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Chicago at Milwaukee - Bulls by 2
LA Clippers at San Antonio - Spurs by 4
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-0 (1.000) 26-11 overall (.703)
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Predictions - 29 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 9
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 3
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 1-1 (.500) 24-11 overall (.686)
NBA Playoffs
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 9
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 3
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 1-1 (.500) 24-11 overall (.686)
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
NBA Playoff Odds - 28 Apr
Every first round series has now reached at least 4 games, and three of them ended in sweeps over the weekend, with Golden State, Cleveland, and Washington finishing up early and earning a little extra rest while they wait to find out which team they will face next. Here are each team's updated odds of advancing through this season's playoffs:
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Warriors - 100.0% (+0.9)
2. Cavaliers - 100.0% (+6.3)
3. Wizards - 100.0% (+17.5)
4. Rockets - 95.8% (+2.8)
5. Grizzlies - 92.0% (+8.8)
6. Bulls - 88.3% (-6.1)
7. Hawks - 84.1% (-14.0)
8. Spurs - 53.7% (-4.4)
9. Clippers - 46.3% (+4.4)
10. Nets - 15.9% (+14.0)
11. Bucks - 11.7% (+6.1)
12. Trail Blazers - 8.0% (-8.8)
13. Mavericks - 4.2% (-2.8)
The pair of upsets pulled off by Brooklyn on their home court had the biggest impact on this round, but they are still big underdogs, just not extreme underdogs.
Odds of Winning Second Round
1. Warriors - 93.9% (+1.5)
2. Cavaliers - 72.3% (+9.7)
3. Hawks - 61.4% (-18.2)
4. Spurs - 44.1% (-1.9)
5. Wizards - 35.2% (+18.9)
6. Clippers - 33.9% (+2.6)
7. Bulls - 26.8% (-8.1)
8. Rockets - 21.8% (-0.5)
9. Grizzlies - 5.8% (-0.6)
10. Nets - 3.4% (+3.4)
The biggest movers here were Washington and Cleveland, which have closed out their first round series and are now resting at home, watching their odds continue to increase by the day.
Odds of Making NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 68.8% (+3.2)
2. Cavaliers - 51.6% (+12.8)
3. Hawks - 26.1% (-13.5)
4. Spurs - 17.3% (-1.1)
5. Bulls - 14.9% (-2.5)
6. Clippers - 9.9% (-1.1)
7. Wizards - 7.0% (+4.2)
8. Rockets - 2.7% (-0.8)
9. Grizzlies - 1.2% (-0.1)
The top two teams in the East are headed in opposite directions right now, making it look like LeBron could make his 5th straight Finals appearance, which has not been done in decades by any player.
Odds of Winning NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 60.2% (+2.8)
2. Spurs - 13.9% (-0.7)
3. Cavaliers - 11.4% (+3.1)
4. Clippers - 7.1% (-1.1)
5. Hawks - 3.6% (-3.3)
6. Bulls - 1.7% (-0.6)
7. Rockets - 1.3% (-0.4)
Golden State is still is prohibitive favorite, and they will get a couple extra days of rest thanks to Portland extending their series last night with a win.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Dallas at Houston - Rockets by 6
San Antonio at LA Clippers - Clippers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 1-2 (.333) 23-10 overall (.697)
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Warriors - 100.0% (+0.9)
2. Cavaliers - 100.0% (+6.3)
3. Wizards - 100.0% (+17.5)
4. Rockets - 95.8% (+2.8)
5. Grizzlies - 92.0% (+8.8)
6. Bulls - 88.3% (-6.1)
7. Hawks - 84.1% (-14.0)
8. Spurs - 53.7% (-4.4)
9. Clippers - 46.3% (+4.4)
10. Nets - 15.9% (+14.0)
11. Bucks - 11.7% (+6.1)
12. Trail Blazers - 8.0% (-8.8)
13. Mavericks - 4.2% (-2.8)
The pair of upsets pulled off by Brooklyn on their home court had the biggest impact on this round, but they are still big underdogs, just not extreme underdogs.
Odds of Winning Second Round
1. Warriors - 93.9% (+1.5)
2. Cavaliers - 72.3% (+9.7)
3. Hawks - 61.4% (-18.2)
4. Spurs - 44.1% (-1.9)
5. Wizards - 35.2% (+18.9)
6. Clippers - 33.9% (+2.6)
7. Bulls - 26.8% (-8.1)
8. Rockets - 21.8% (-0.5)
9. Grizzlies - 5.8% (-0.6)
10. Nets - 3.4% (+3.4)
The biggest movers here were Washington and Cleveland, which have closed out their first round series and are now resting at home, watching their odds continue to increase by the day.
Odds of Making NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 68.8% (+3.2)
2. Cavaliers - 51.6% (+12.8)
3. Hawks - 26.1% (-13.5)
4. Spurs - 17.3% (-1.1)
5. Bulls - 14.9% (-2.5)
6. Clippers - 9.9% (-1.1)
7. Wizards - 7.0% (+4.2)
8. Rockets - 2.7% (-0.8)
9. Grizzlies - 1.2% (-0.1)
The top two teams in the East are headed in opposite directions right now, making it look like LeBron could make his 5th straight Finals appearance, which has not been done in decades by any player.
Odds of Winning NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 60.2% (+2.8)
2. Spurs - 13.9% (-0.7)
3. Cavaliers - 11.4% (+3.1)
4. Clippers - 7.1% (-1.1)
5. Hawks - 3.6% (-3.3)
6. Bulls - 1.7% (-0.6)
7. Rockets - 1.3% (-0.4)
Golden State is still is prohibitive favorite, and they will get a couple extra days of rest thanks to Portland extending their series last night with a win.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Dallas at Houston - Rockets by 6
San Antonio at LA Clippers - Clippers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 1-2 (.333) 23-10 overall (.697)
Monday, April 27, 2015
Predictions - 27 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Hawks by 4
Milwaukee at Chicago - Bulls by 7
Memphis at Portland - Trail Blazers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-2 (.500) 22-8 overall (.733)
NBA Playoffs
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Hawks by 4
Milwaukee at Chicago - Bulls by 7
Memphis at Portland - Trail Blazers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-2 (.500) 22-8 overall (.733)
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Predictions - 26 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Cleveland at Boston - Cavaliers by 2
LA Clippers at San Antonio - Spurs by 4
Toronto at Washington - Wizards by 2
Houston at Dallas - Rockets by 2
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 1-3 (.250) 20-6 overall (.769)
NBA Playoffs
Cleveland at Boston - Cavaliers by 2
LA Clippers at San Antonio - Spurs by 4
Toronto at Washington - Wizards by 2
Houston at Dallas - Rockets by 2
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 1-3 (.250) 20-6 overall (.769)
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Predictions - 25 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Hawks by 5
Chicago at Milwaukee - Bulls by 3
Golden State at New Orleans - Warriors by 6
Memphis at Portland - Trail Blazers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 3-0 (1.000) 19-3 overall (.864)
Upsets: 1-0
NBA Playoffs
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Hawks by 5
Chicago at Milwaukee - Bulls by 3
Golden State at New Orleans - Warriors by 6
Memphis at Portland - Trail Blazers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 3-0 (1.000) 19-3 overall (.864)
Upsets: 1-0
Friday, April 24, 2015
Predictions - 24 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Houston at Dallas - Rockets by 1
Toronto at Washington - Wizards by 2
LA Clippers at San Antonio - Spurs by 3
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 3-0 (1.000) 16-3 overall (.842)
NBA Playoffs
Houston at Dallas - Rockets by 1
Toronto at Washington - Wizards by 2
LA Clippers at San Antonio - Spurs by 3
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 3-0 (1.000) 16-3 overall (.842)
Thursday, April 23, 2015
NBA Playoff Odds - 23 Apr
Two games have now been completed in each playoff series, and 7 of the 8 series stand at 2-0, with only Washington and San Antonio winning on the road so far. I've updated each team's chances of winning their first round series from its current standing, as well as advancing through each remaining round below:
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Warriors - 99.1% (+3.0)
2. Hawks - 98.1% (+4.9)
3. Bulls - 94.4% (+15.8)
4. Cavaliers - 93.7% (+17.2)
5. Rockets - 93.0% (+19.1)
6. Grizzlies - 83.2% (+36.2)
7. Wizards - 82.5% (+48.6)
8. Spurs - 58.1% (+1.4)
9. Clippers - 41.9% (-1.4)
10. Raptors - 17.5% (-48.6)
11. Trail Blazers - 16.8% (-36.2)
12. Mavericks - 7.0% (-19.1)
13. Celtics - 6.3% (-17.2)
14. Bucks - 5.6% (-15.8)
15. Nets - 1.9% (-4.9)
The smallest changes came from the #1 seeds, which had little space to improve their odds, and from the Spurs, which earned a split with the Clippers, which pretty much makes it a 5-game series with San Antonio holding home court.
Odds of Winning Second Round
1. Warriors - 92.4% (+2.7)
2. Hawks - 79.6% (+6.6)
3. Cavaliers - 62.6% (+9.1)
4. Spurs - 46.0% (-2.4)
5. Bulls - 34.9% (+1.9)
6. Clippers - 31.3% (-3.0)
7. Rockets - 22.3% (+6.7)
8. Wizards - 16.3% (+9.9)
9. Grizzlies - 6.4% (+2.8)
10. Raptors - 3.7% (-15.3)
11. Celtics - 1.9% (-7.7)
The biggest jump here belongs to Washington, which was not expected to win the first round originally but took a 2-0 lead on the road in Toronto. Cleveland also moved up well after earning two tough victories over a hot Celtics squad.
Odds of Making NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 65.6% (+4.0)
2. Hawks - 39.6% (-0.7)
3. Cavaliers - 38.8% (+6.3)
4. Spurs - 18.4% (-3.2)
5. Bulls - 17.4% (+1.3)
6. Clippers - 11.0% (-1.5)
7. Rockets - 3.5% (+1.0)
8. Wizards - 2.8% (+1.6)
9. Grizzlies - 1.3% (+1.3)
The Cavaliers had the biggest jump this week, mostly because they were projected to have a long series with Boston, which is not looking to be the case at this point.
Odds of Winning NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 57.4% (+2.9)
2. Spurs - 14.6% (-3.2)
3. Cavaliers - 8.3% (+1.8)
4. Clippers - 8.2% (-1.3)
5. Hawks - 6.9% (-0.3)
6. Bulls - 2.3% (+0.3)
7. Rockets - 1.7% (+0.5)
Golden State made the largest leap here after handling their business at home, which is all they need to do to win this year's title.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Cleveland at Boston - Cavaliers by 2
Chicago at Milwaukee - Bulls by 2
Golden State at New Orleans - Warriors by 6
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-1 (.667) 13-3 overall (.813)
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Warriors - 99.1% (+3.0)
2. Hawks - 98.1% (+4.9)
3. Bulls - 94.4% (+15.8)
4. Cavaliers - 93.7% (+17.2)
5. Rockets - 93.0% (+19.1)
6. Grizzlies - 83.2% (+36.2)
7. Wizards - 82.5% (+48.6)
8. Spurs - 58.1% (+1.4)
9. Clippers - 41.9% (-1.4)
10. Raptors - 17.5% (-48.6)
11. Trail Blazers - 16.8% (-36.2)
12. Mavericks - 7.0% (-19.1)
13. Celtics - 6.3% (-17.2)
14. Bucks - 5.6% (-15.8)
15. Nets - 1.9% (-4.9)
The smallest changes came from the #1 seeds, which had little space to improve their odds, and from the Spurs, which earned a split with the Clippers, which pretty much makes it a 5-game series with San Antonio holding home court.
Odds of Winning Second Round
1. Warriors - 92.4% (+2.7)
2. Hawks - 79.6% (+6.6)
3. Cavaliers - 62.6% (+9.1)
4. Spurs - 46.0% (-2.4)
5. Bulls - 34.9% (+1.9)
6. Clippers - 31.3% (-3.0)
7. Rockets - 22.3% (+6.7)
8. Wizards - 16.3% (+9.9)
9. Grizzlies - 6.4% (+2.8)
10. Raptors - 3.7% (-15.3)
11. Celtics - 1.9% (-7.7)
The biggest jump here belongs to Washington, which was not expected to win the first round originally but took a 2-0 lead on the road in Toronto. Cleveland also moved up well after earning two tough victories over a hot Celtics squad.
Odds of Making NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 65.6% (+4.0)
2. Hawks - 39.6% (-0.7)
3. Cavaliers - 38.8% (+6.3)
4. Spurs - 18.4% (-3.2)
5. Bulls - 17.4% (+1.3)
6. Clippers - 11.0% (-1.5)
7. Rockets - 3.5% (+1.0)
8. Wizards - 2.8% (+1.6)
9. Grizzlies - 1.3% (+1.3)
The Cavaliers had the biggest jump this week, mostly because they were projected to have a long series with Boston, which is not looking to be the case at this point.
Odds of Winning NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 57.4% (+2.9)
2. Spurs - 14.6% (-3.2)
3. Cavaliers - 8.3% (+1.8)
4. Clippers - 8.2% (-1.3)
5. Hawks - 6.9% (-0.3)
6. Bulls - 2.3% (+0.3)
7. Rockets - 1.7% (+0.5)
Golden State made the largest leap here after handling their business at home, which is all they need to do to win this year's title.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Cleveland at Boston - Cavaliers by 2
Chicago at Milwaukee - Bulls by 2
Golden State at New Orleans - Warriors by 6
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-1 (.667) 13-3 overall (.813)
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Predictions - 22 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 9
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 2
San Antonio at LA Clippers - Clippers by 2
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-1 (.667) 11-2 overall (.846)
NBA Playoffs
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 9
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 2
San Antonio at LA Clippers - Clippers by 2
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-1 (.667) 11-2 overall (.846)
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Predictions - 21 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Boston at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 6
Washington at Toronto - Raptors by 3
Dallas at Houston - Rockets by 5
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-0 (1.000) 9-1 overall (.900)
NBA
Boston at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 6
Washington at Toronto - Raptors by 3
Dallas at Houston - Rockets by 5
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 2-0 (1.000) 9-1 overall (.900)
Monday, April 20, 2015
Predictions - 20 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Milwaukee at Chicago - Bulls by 6
New Orleans at Golden State - Warriors by 11
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 4-0 (1.000) 7-1 overall (.875)
NBA Playoffs
Milwaukee at Chicago - Bulls by 6
New Orleans at Golden State - Warriors by 11
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 4-0 (1.000) 7-1 overall (.875)
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Predictions - 19 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
Boston at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 5
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 9
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 2
San Antonio at LA Clippers - Clippers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 3-1 (.750)
NBA Playoffs
Boston at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 5
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 9
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 2
San Antonio at LA Clippers - Clippers by 1
Prediction Results
NBA Playoffs: 3-1 (.750)
Saturday, April 18, 2015
NBA Playoff Preview
The NBA Playoffs begin today, and while Golden State has been #1 for months, they are not the only team with a good shot at winning the championship. I have analyzed every team's odds of beating any other team in a 7-game series, and have come up with each team's odds of advancing through each round, and I've also made my picks for the winner and length of each series:
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Warriors - 96.1%
2. Hawks - 93.2%
3. Bulls - 78.6%
4. Cavaliers - 76.5%
5. Rockets - 73.9%
6. Raptors - 66.1%
7. Spurs - 56.7%
8. Trail Blazers - 53.0%
9. Grizzlies - 47.0%
10. Clippers - 43.3%
11. Wizards - 33.9%
12. Mavericks - 26.1%
13. Celtics - 23.5%
14. Bucks - 21.4%
15. Nets - 6.8%
16. Pelicans - 3.9%
Home court advantage is really showing here, with only San Antonio and Portland having over a 50% chance of winning a series without that advantage.
Odds of Winning Second Round
1. Warriors - 89.7%
2. Hawks - 73.0%
3. Cavaliers - 53.5%
4. Spurs - 48.4%
5. Clippers - 34.3%
6. Bulls - 33.0%
7. Raptors - 19.0%
8. Rockets - 15.6%
9. Celtics - 9.6%
10. Wizards - 6.4%
11. Trail Blazers - 5.2%
12. Bucks - 4.0%
13. Grizzlies - 3.6%
14. Mavericks - 1.7%
15. Nets - 1.6%
16. Pelicans - 1.5%
The #1 seeds have a pretty smooth road to the conference finals, with 3 cold teams sitting in the 4 and 5 spots right now, and Memphis not playing as well as last year. The #6 seed Spurs have a very good chance at making the Western Conference Finals for the 4th year in a row, despite probably not having home court in any round this season.
Odds of Making NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 61.6%
2. Hawks - 40.3%
3. Cavaliers - 32.5%
4. Spurs - 21.6%
5. Bulls - 16.1%
6. Clippers - 12.5%
7. Raptors - 5.5%
8. Celtics - 3.4%
9. Rockets - 2.5%
10. Wizards - 1.2%
It's not the most likely matchup, but it's very possible that we will see the Spurs and LeBron James playing against each other in the Finals for the 3rd year in a row and the 4th time in a decade. The most likely matchup is between the 2 #1 seeds, but Atlanta has not made the Finals since 1961, and Golden State since 1975, meaning neither of the favorites has seen the final round in 40 years.
Odds of Winning NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 54.5%
2. Spurs - 17.8%
3. Clippers - 9.5%
4. Hawks - 7.2%
5. Cavaliers - 6.5%
6. Bulls - 2.0%
7. Rockets - 1.2%
The Western Conference has an 83% chance of winning the Finals this year, which is not surprising, since the West has been stronger for a long time.
My Picks
First Round
Hawks over Nets in 5
Cavaliers over Celtics in 6
Bulls over Bucks in 6
Raptors over Wizards in 7
Warriors over Pelicans in 5
Rockets over Mavericks in 6
Spurs over Clippers in 7
Grizzlies over Trail Blazers in 7
Second Round
Hawks over Raptors in 6
Cavaliers over Bulls in 7
Warriors over Grizzlies in 5
Spurs over Rockets in 6
Conference Finals
Hawks over Cavaliers in 7
Warriors over Spurs in 7
NBA Finals
Warriors over Hawks in 6
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
(5) Washington at (4) Toronto - Raptors by 4
(8) New Orleans at (1) Golden State - Warriors by 10
(6) Milwaukee at (3) Chicago - Bulls by 6
(7) Dallas at (2) Houston - Rockets by 5
Prediction Results
NBA: 11-3 (.786) 842-378 overall (.690)
Upsets: 2-1 (.667) 83-96 overall (.464)
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Warriors - 96.1%
2. Hawks - 93.2%
3. Bulls - 78.6%
4. Cavaliers - 76.5%
5. Rockets - 73.9%
6. Raptors - 66.1%
7. Spurs - 56.7%
8. Trail Blazers - 53.0%
9. Grizzlies - 47.0%
10. Clippers - 43.3%
11. Wizards - 33.9%
12. Mavericks - 26.1%
13. Celtics - 23.5%
14. Bucks - 21.4%
15. Nets - 6.8%
16. Pelicans - 3.9%
Home court advantage is really showing here, with only San Antonio and Portland having over a 50% chance of winning a series without that advantage.
Odds of Winning Second Round
1. Warriors - 89.7%
2. Hawks - 73.0%
3. Cavaliers - 53.5%
4. Spurs - 48.4%
5. Clippers - 34.3%
6. Bulls - 33.0%
7. Raptors - 19.0%
8. Rockets - 15.6%
9. Celtics - 9.6%
10. Wizards - 6.4%
11. Trail Blazers - 5.2%
12. Bucks - 4.0%
13. Grizzlies - 3.6%
14. Mavericks - 1.7%
15. Nets - 1.6%
16. Pelicans - 1.5%
The #1 seeds have a pretty smooth road to the conference finals, with 3 cold teams sitting in the 4 and 5 spots right now, and Memphis not playing as well as last year. The #6 seed Spurs have a very good chance at making the Western Conference Finals for the 4th year in a row, despite probably not having home court in any round this season.
Odds of Making NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 61.6%
2. Hawks - 40.3%
3. Cavaliers - 32.5%
4. Spurs - 21.6%
5. Bulls - 16.1%
6. Clippers - 12.5%
7. Raptors - 5.5%
8. Celtics - 3.4%
9. Rockets - 2.5%
10. Wizards - 1.2%
It's not the most likely matchup, but it's very possible that we will see the Spurs and LeBron James playing against each other in the Finals for the 3rd year in a row and the 4th time in a decade. The most likely matchup is between the 2 #1 seeds, but Atlanta has not made the Finals since 1961, and Golden State since 1975, meaning neither of the favorites has seen the final round in 40 years.
Odds of Winning NBA Finals
1. Warriors - 54.5%
2. Spurs - 17.8%
3. Clippers - 9.5%
4. Hawks - 7.2%
5. Cavaliers - 6.5%
6. Bulls - 2.0%
7. Rockets - 1.2%
The Western Conference has an 83% chance of winning the Finals this year, which is not surprising, since the West has been stronger for a long time.
My Picks
First Round
Hawks over Nets in 5
Cavaliers over Celtics in 6
Bulls over Bucks in 6
Raptors over Wizards in 7
Warriors over Pelicans in 5
Rockets over Mavericks in 6
Spurs over Clippers in 7
Grizzlies over Trail Blazers in 7
Second Round
Hawks over Raptors in 6
Cavaliers over Bulls in 7
Warriors over Grizzlies in 5
Spurs over Rockets in 6
Conference Finals
Hawks over Cavaliers in 7
Warriors over Spurs in 7
NBA Finals
Warriors over Hawks in 6
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA Playoffs
(5) Washington at (4) Toronto - Raptors by 4
(8) New Orleans at (1) Golden State - Warriors by 10
(6) Milwaukee at (3) Chicago - Bulls by 6
(7) Dallas at (2) Houston - Rockets by 5
Prediction Results
NBA: 11-3 (.786) 842-378 overall (.690)
Upsets: 2-1 (.667) 83-96 overall (.464)
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Predictions - 15 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Charlotte at Toronto - Raptors by 8
Atlanta at Chicago - Bulls by 1
Portland at Dallas - Trail Blazers by 1
Utah at Houston - Rockets by 2
Boston at Milwaukee - Bucks by 1
Oklahoma City at Minnesota - Thunder by 8
San Antonio at New Orleans - Spurs by 5
Orlando at Brooklyn - Nets by 4
Washington at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 8
Detroit at New York - Pistons by 7
Miami at Philadelphia - Heat by 2
Indiana at Memphis - Grizzlies by 2
Denver at Golden State - Warriors by 15
Sacramento at LA Lakers - Kings by 1
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-0 (1.000) 831-375 overall (.689)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 81-95 overall (.460)
NBA
Charlotte at Toronto - Raptors by 8
Atlanta at Chicago - Bulls by 1
Portland at Dallas - Trail Blazers by 1
Utah at Houston - Rockets by 2
Boston at Milwaukee - Bucks by 1
Oklahoma City at Minnesota - Thunder by 8
San Antonio at New Orleans - Spurs by 5
Orlando at Brooklyn - Nets by 4
Washington at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 8
Detroit at New York - Pistons by 7
Miami at Philadelphia - Heat by 2
Indiana at Memphis - Grizzlies by 2
Denver at Golden State - Warriors by 15
Sacramento at LA Lakers - Kings by 1
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-0 (1.000) 831-375 overall (.689)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 81-95 overall (.460)
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Predictions - 14 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Toronto at Boston - Celtics by 3
Washington at Indiana - Pacers by 4
LA Clippers at Phoenix - Clippers by 8
Prediction Results
NBA: 11-1 (.917) 828-375 overall (.688)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 80-95 overall (.457)
NBA
Toronto at Boston - Celtics by 3
Washington at Indiana - Pacers by 4
LA Clippers at Phoenix - Clippers by 8
Prediction Results
NBA: 11-1 (.917) 828-375 overall (.688)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 80-95 overall (.457)
Monday, April 13, 2015
Predictions - 13 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Houston at Charlotte - Rockets by 5
Detroit at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 7
Milwaukee at Philadelphia - Bucks by 4
New York at Atlanta - Hawks by 18
Chicago at Brooklyn - Bulls by 2
Orlando at Miami - Heat by 5
New Orleans at Minnesota - Pelicans by 7
Portland at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 1
Dallas at Utah - Jazz by 4
LA Lakers at Sacramento - Kings by 4
Memphis at Golden State - Warriors by 10
Denver at LA Clippers - Clippers by 13
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-2 (.778) 817-374 overall (.686)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 78-95 overall (.451)
NBA
Houston at Charlotte - Rockets by 5
Detroit at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 7
Milwaukee at Philadelphia - Bucks by 4
New York at Atlanta - Hawks by 18
Chicago at Brooklyn - Bulls by 2
Orlando at Miami - Heat by 5
New Orleans at Minnesota - Pelicans by 7
Portland at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 1
Dallas at Utah - Jazz by 4
LA Lakers at Sacramento - Kings by 4
Memphis at Golden State - Warriors by 10
Denver at LA Clippers - Clippers by 13
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-2 (.778) 817-374 overall (.686)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 78-95 overall (.451)
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Predictions - 12 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Brooklyn at Milwaukee - Bucks by 3
Cleveland at Boston - Cavaliers by 4
Charlotte at Detroit - Pistons by 4
Sacramento at Denver - Nuggets by 3
Oklahoma City at Indiana - Pacers by 2
Atlanta at Washington - Hawks by 4
Phoenix at San Antonio - Spurs by 14
New Orleans at Houston - Rockets by 4
Dallas at LA Lakers - Mavericks by 4
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-2 (.667) 810-372 (.685)
NBA
Brooklyn at Milwaukee - Bucks by 3
Cleveland at Boston - Cavaliers by 4
Charlotte at Detroit - Pistons by 4
Sacramento at Denver - Nuggets by 3
Oklahoma City at Indiana - Pacers by 2
Atlanta at Washington - Hawks by 4
Phoenix at San Antonio - Spurs by 14
New Orleans at Houston - Rockets by 4
Dallas at LA Lakers - Mavericks by 4
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-2 (.667) 810-372 (.685)
Saturday, April 11, 2015
NBA Rankings and MVP Rankings
There is less than a week left of the NBA regular season, and there are still 7 teams vying for the final 4 playoff spots. Milwaukee is practically guaranteed a spot, which leaves 6 teams for 3 spots, and all are very much alive, which should make for an exciting final day on Wednesday. Here are my current rankings, along with my updated picks for MVP:
The Memphis Grizzlies moved up to the #2 spot in the West with a tough road win in Utah last night, but they can't get comfortable with their position, because one loss separates them from 6th place, and their next two games are against the top two teams in the Pacific Division on the road, Golden State and the Clippers. Luckily, the Grizzlies hold the tiebreaker over Houston for the division title, which would earn them a top 3 seed.
The Oklahoma City Thunder picked the wrong time to lose 6 of 7, dropping behind the Pelicans in the standings and severely hurting Westbrook's chances at an MVP. I'm still picking the Thunder to make the playoffs, but they will need to win at least 2 and possible all 3 remaining games, since New Orleans holds the tiebreaker right now.
Playoff Picks
First Round
(1) Warriors over (8) Thunder
(2) Spurs over (7) Mavericks
(6) Rockets over (3) Grizzlies
(4) Trail Blazers over (5) Clippers
(1) Hawks over (8) Celtics
(2) Cavaliers over (7) Nets
(3) Bulls over (6) Bucks
(5) Wizards over (4) Raptors
Second Round
(1) Warriors over (4) Trail Blazers
(2) Spurs over (6) Rockets
(1) Hawks over (5) Wizards
(2) Cavaliers over (3) Bulls
Conference Finals
(2) Spurs over (1) Warriors
(2) Cavaliers over (1) Hawks
NBA Finals
(2) Spurs over (2) Cavaliers
LeBron James has nightmares about facing the Spurs in the Finals, with a 1-2 record against them so far, and it will become 1-3 after this season ends.
MVP Rankings
1. (2) Stephen Curry - GSW
The voters are tired of picking LeBron, Harden's Rockets and Westbrook's Thunder are struggling, and he is the best player on the best team. The award should be his.
2. (3) LeBron James - CLE
Cleveland has been the best in the East for the past couple months, and James has a very good chance of making his 5th straight Finals and 6th overall.
3. (1) James Harden - HOU
If the Rockets don't finish in the top 3 of the West, I don't think the Beard can take home the hardware, and they are looking at #6 right now.
4. (5) Klay Thompson - GSW
The other Splash Brother is a star in his own right, but won't win over his more famous teammate.
5. (NR) Marc Gasol - MEM
The younger Gasol brother vaulted into the conversation after pushing the Grizzlies into the #2 spot in the West.
6. (6) Pau Gasol - CHI
I think it's safe to say that this is the greatest pair of brothers to ever play in the NBA.
7. (7) LaMarcus Aldridge - POR
A division title gets them the 4th seed, making some people mad since the #5 and #6 seeds will have better records.
8. (8) Damian Lillard - POR
Second pair of teammates on the list. Tougher to separate these two, but playing through a serious injury at the same level puts the big man in front of his point guard.
9. (9) Kyrie Irving - CLE
Cleveland's star last year, he has been even better this season, but has been overshadowed by the biggest star in franchise history.
10. (10) Chris Paul - LAC
Lob City's quarterback hopes to make the team more than just an exciting team to watch this postseason.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
New York at Orlando - Magic by 8
Toronto at Miami - Raptors by 2
Philadelphia at Chicago - Bulls by 12
Memphis at LA Clippers - Clippers by 8
Utah at Portland - Trail Blazers by 4
Minnesota at Golden State - Warriors by 21
Prediction Results
NBA: 9-3 (.750) 806-370 overall (.685)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-94 overall (.450)
|
|
|
|
|
Rec
|
Proj
|
|
||
|
TW
|
LW
|
Team
|
Rating
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
PO Seed
|
|
1
|
1
|
Golden State
|
-8.8582
|
64
|
15
|
67
|
15
|
W1
|
|
2
|
2
|
San Antonio
|
-7.6491
|
54
|
26
|
56
|
26
|
W2
|
|
3
|
4
|
LA Clippers
|
-6.06733
|
53
|
26
|
55
|
27
|
W5
|
|
4
|
3
|
Cleveland
|
-4.83521
|
51
|
28
|
53
|
29
|
E2
|
|
5
|
6
|
Atlanta
|
-4.00707
|
60
|
19
|
62
|
20
|
E1
|
|
6
|
5
|
Portland
|
-2.88754
|
51
|
28
|
53
|
29
|
W4
|
|
7
|
9
|
Utah
|
-1.56912
|
36
|
43
|
37
|
45
|
|
|
8
|
7
|
Houston
|
-1.38699
|
53
|
26
|
55
|
27
|
W6
|
|
9
|
10
|
Chicago
|
-0.95617
|
48
|
31
|
50
|
32
|
E3
|
|
10
|
12
|
Memphis
|
-0.74555
|
54
|
25
|
55
|
27
|
W3
|
|
11
|
8
|
Oklahoma City
|
-0.61165
|
43
|
36
|
45
|
37
|
W8
|
|
12
|
15
|
Indiana
|
-0.01476
|
35
|
44
|
37
|
45
|
|
|
13
|
14
|
Toronto
|
0.24054
|
47
|
32
|
49
|
33
|
E4
|
|
14
|
11
|
New Orleans
|
0.33663
|
43
|
36
|
44
|
38
|
|
|
15
|
13
|
Dallas
|
0.8234
|
48
|
31
|
49
|
33
|
W7
|
|
16
|
16
|
Boston
|
1.1159
|
37
|
42
|
38
|
44
|
E8
|
|
17
|
17
|
Washington
|
2.11844
|
45
|
34
|
46
|
36
|
E5
|
|
18
|
18
|
Milwaukee
|
2.50379
|
39
|
40
|
41
|
41
|
E6
|
|
19
|
19
|
Detroit
|
2.87175
|
30
|
49
|
32
|
50
|
|
|
20
|
23
|
Brooklyn
|
3.02442
|
38
|
41
|
40
|
42
|
E7
|
|
21
|
20
|
Phoenix
|
3.82073
|
39
|
41
|
39
|
43
|
|
|
22
|
22
|
Miami
|
4.11393
|
35
|
44
|
37
|
45
|
|
|
23
|
21
|
Charlotte
|
4.48753
|
32
|
47
|
33
|
49
|
|
|
24
|
25
|
Denver
|
4.93347
|
29
|
50
|
30
|
52
|
|
|
25
|
24
|
Sacramento
|
5.50169
|
27
|
52
|
29
|
53
|
|
|
26
|
27
|
Orlando
|
6.47621
|
25
|
54
|
26
|
56
|
|
|
27
|
26
|
LA Lakers
|
7.31852
|
22
|
57
|
23
|
59
|
|
|
28
|
28
|
Philadelphia
|
8.50062
|
18
|
61
|
19
|
63
|
|
|
29
|
29
|
Minnesota
|
9.4849
|
15
|
64
|
16
|
66
|
|
|
30
|
30
|
New York
|
12.2614
|
15
|
64
|
16
|
66
|
|
The Memphis Grizzlies moved up to the #2 spot in the West with a tough road win in Utah last night, but they can't get comfortable with their position, because one loss separates them from 6th place, and their next two games are against the top two teams in the Pacific Division on the road, Golden State and the Clippers. Luckily, the Grizzlies hold the tiebreaker over Houston for the division title, which would earn them a top 3 seed.
The Oklahoma City Thunder picked the wrong time to lose 6 of 7, dropping behind the Pelicans in the standings and severely hurting Westbrook's chances at an MVP. I'm still picking the Thunder to make the playoffs, but they will need to win at least 2 and possible all 3 remaining games, since New Orleans holds the tiebreaker right now.
Playoff Picks
First Round
(1) Warriors over (8) Thunder
(2) Spurs over (7) Mavericks
(6) Rockets over (3) Grizzlies
(4) Trail Blazers over (5) Clippers
(1) Hawks over (8) Celtics
(2) Cavaliers over (7) Nets
(3) Bulls over (6) Bucks
(5) Wizards over (4) Raptors
Second Round
(1) Warriors over (4) Trail Blazers
(2) Spurs over (6) Rockets
(1) Hawks over (5) Wizards
(2) Cavaliers over (3) Bulls
Conference Finals
(2) Spurs over (1) Warriors
(2) Cavaliers over (1) Hawks
NBA Finals
(2) Spurs over (2) Cavaliers
LeBron James has nightmares about facing the Spurs in the Finals, with a 1-2 record against them so far, and it will become 1-3 after this season ends.
MVP Rankings
1. (2) Stephen Curry - GSW
The voters are tired of picking LeBron, Harden's Rockets and Westbrook's Thunder are struggling, and he is the best player on the best team. The award should be his.
2. (3) LeBron James - CLE
Cleveland has been the best in the East for the past couple months, and James has a very good chance of making his 5th straight Finals and 6th overall.
3. (1) James Harden - HOU
If the Rockets don't finish in the top 3 of the West, I don't think the Beard can take home the hardware, and they are looking at #6 right now.
4. (5) Klay Thompson - GSW
The other Splash Brother is a star in his own right, but won't win over his more famous teammate.
5. (NR) Marc Gasol - MEM
The younger Gasol brother vaulted into the conversation after pushing the Grizzlies into the #2 spot in the West.
6. (6) Pau Gasol - CHI
I think it's safe to say that this is the greatest pair of brothers to ever play in the NBA.
7. (7) LaMarcus Aldridge - POR
A division title gets them the 4th seed, making some people mad since the #5 and #6 seeds will have better records.
8. (8) Damian Lillard - POR
Second pair of teammates on the list. Tougher to separate these two, but playing through a serious injury at the same level puts the big man in front of his point guard.
9. (9) Kyrie Irving - CLE
Cleveland's star last year, he has been even better this season, but has been overshadowed by the biggest star in franchise history.
10. (10) Chris Paul - LAC
Lob City's quarterback hopes to make the team more than just an exciting team to watch this postseason.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
New York at Orlando - Magic by 8
Toronto at Miami - Raptors by 2
Philadelphia at Chicago - Bulls by 12
Memphis at LA Clippers - Clippers by 8
Utah at Portland - Trail Blazers by 4
Minnesota at Golden State - Warriors by 21
Prediction Results
NBA: 9-3 (.750) 806-370 overall (.685)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-94 overall (.450)
Friday, April 10, 2015
Predictions - 10 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Toronto at Orlando - Raptors by 4
Charlotte at Atlanta - Hawks by 10
Washington at Brooklyn - Wizards by 1
Boston at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 9
Indiana at Detroit - Pacers by 1
Milwaukee at New York - Bucks by 7
Phoenix at New Orleans - Pelicans by 5
San Antonio at Houston - Spurs by 4
Sacramento at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 8
Dallas at Denver - Mavericks by 2
Memphis at Utah - Jazz by 3
Minnesota at LA Lakers - Lakers by 4
Prediction Results
NBA: 2-0 (1.000) 797-367 overall (.685)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 77-93 overall (.453)
NBA
Toronto at Orlando - Raptors by 4
Charlotte at Atlanta - Hawks by 10
Washington at Brooklyn - Wizards by 1
Boston at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 9
Indiana at Detroit - Pacers by 1
Milwaukee at New York - Bucks by 7
Phoenix at New Orleans - Pelicans by 5
San Antonio at Houston - Spurs by 4
Sacramento at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 8
Dallas at Denver - Mavericks by 2
Memphis at Utah - Jazz by 3
Minnesota at LA Lakers - Lakers by 4
Prediction Results
NBA: 2-0 (1.000) 797-367 overall (.685)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 77-93 overall (.453)
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Predictions - 9 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Chicago at Miami - Bulls by 2
Portland at Golden State - Warriors by 8
Prediction Results
NBA: 11-2 (.846) 795-367 overall (.684)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 76-93 overall (.450)
NBA
Chicago at Miami - Bulls by 2
Portland at Golden State - Warriors by 8
Prediction Results
NBA: 11-2 (.846) 795-367 overall (.684)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 76-93 overall (.450)
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Predictions - 8 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Toronto at Charlotte - Raptors by 1
Chicago at Orlando - Bulls by 5
Washington at Philadelphia - Wizards by 4
Boston at Detroit - Pistons by 2
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Hawks by 5
Indiana at New York - Pacers by 9
New Orleans at Memphis - Grizzlies by 1
Cleveland at Milwaukee - Cavaliers by 6
Houston at San Antonio - Spurs by 8
LA Lakers at Denver - Nuggets by 4
Sacramento at Utah - Jazz by 9
Phoenix at Dallas - Mavericks by 5
Minnesota at Portland - Trail Blazers by 14
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-1 (.833) 784-365 overall (.682)
NBA
Toronto at Charlotte - Raptors by 1
Chicago at Orlando - Bulls by 5
Washington at Philadelphia - Wizards by 4
Boston at Detroit - Pistons by 2
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Hawks by 5
Indiana at New York - Pacers by 9
New Orleans at Memphis - Grizzlies by 1
Cleveland at Milwaukee - Cavaliers by 6
Houston at San Antonio - Spurs by 8
LA Lakers at Denver - Nuggets by 4
Sacramento at Utah - Jazz by 9
Phoenix at Dallas - Mavericks by 5
Minnesota at Portland - Trail Blazers by 14
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-1 (.833) 784-365 overall (.682)
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Predictions - 7 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Phoenix at Atlanta - Hawks by 8
Charlotte at Miami - Heat by 2
Golden State at New Orleans - Warriors by 7
San Antonio at Oklahoma City - Spurs by 4
Minnesota at Sacramento - Kings by 6
LA Lakers at LA Clippers - Clippers by 16
Prediction Results
NBA: 0-1 (.000) 779-364 overall (.682)
NCAA: 1-0 (1.000) 52-15 overall (.776)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 13-7 overall (.650)
NBA
Phoenix at Atlanta - Hawks by 8
Charlotte at Miami - Heat by 2
Golden State at New Orleans - Warriors by 7
San Antonio at Oklahoma City - Spurs by 4
Minnesota at Sacramento - Kings by 6
LA Lakers at LA Clippers - Clippers by 16
Prediction Results
NBA: 0-1 (.000) 779-364 overall (.682)
NCAA: 1-0 (1.000) 52-15 overall (.776)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 13-7 overall (.650)
Monday, April 6, 2015
Predictions - 6 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Portland at Brooklyn - Trail Blazers by 6
NCAA
(1) Wisconsin vs. (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 1
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-3 (.572) 779-363 overall (.682)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 76-92 overall (.452)
NBA
Portland at Brooklyn - Trail Blazers by 6
NCAA
(1) Wisconsin vs. (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 1
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-3 (.572) 779-363 overall (.682)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 76-92 overall (.452)
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Predictions - 5 Apr
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Houston at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 2
Chicago at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 7
Miami at Indiana - Pacers by 4
Golden State at San Antonio - Warriors by 1
Philadelphia at New York - 76ers by 3
Utah at Sacramento - Jazz by 4
LA Clippers at LA Lakers - Clippers by 10
Prediction Results
NBA: 6-4 (.600) 775-360 overall (.683)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 75-91 overall (.452)
NCAA: 1-1 (.500) 51-15 overall (.773)
NBA
Houston at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 2
Chicago at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 7
Miami at Indiana - Pacers by 4
Golden State at San Antonio - Warriors by 1
Philadelphia at New York - 76ers by 3
Utah at Sacramento - Jazz by 4
LA Clippers at LA Lakers - Clippers by 10
Prediction Results
NBA: 6-4 (.600) 775-360 overall (.683)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 75-91 overall (.452)
NCAA: 1-1 (.500) 51-15 overall (.773)
Saturday, April 4, 2015
NBA Rankings and MVP Rankings - 4 Apr
Golden State is still easily the top team in the league, with a 10.5 game lead in the tough Western Conference, a +10.7 point differential, and an 11-game winning streak right now. On top of that, they have lost at home only twice all season, which would tie them for the second-best home record in league history, which would be a major advantage in the playoffs, when they will most likely have home court advantage throughout. Here are this week's full rankings:
Portland clinched their division this week after winning 5 of their last 6 games, guaranteeing them a top 4 seed in the playoffs despite the fact that they have the #6 record in the conference. The Trail Blazers have 2 players who would be in the MVP race if they were just a little closer to the top of the standings, with LaMarcus Aldridge having a great season despite a torn ligament in his thumb.
San Antonio has won 6 in a row, and despite sitting at the #6 seed right now, they are only 2 games away from grabbing the #2 seed in the West, and we all know that the Spurs have a history of coming alive at the right time. They moved up to #2 in my rankings this week, their highest level of the season, so you can't count out the defending champs, especially since defending a title is about the only thing Tim Duncan has not accomplished in his amazing career.
Playoff Picks
First Round
(1) Warriors over (8) Thunder
(2) Clippers over (7) Mavericks
(3) Rockets over (6) Spurs
(4) Trail Blazers over (5) Grizzlies
(1) Hawks over (8) Heat
(2) Cavaliers over (7) Nets
(3) Bulls over (6) Bucks
(5) Wizards over (4) Raptors
Second Round
(1) Warriors over (4) Trail Blazers
(2) Clippers over (3) Rockets
(1) Hawks over (5) Wizards
(2) Cavaliers over (3) Bulls
Conference Finals
(1) Warriors over (2) Clippers
(1) Hawks over (2) Cavaliers
NBA Finals
(1) Warriors over (1) Hawks
MVP Rankings
This MVP race is one of the most hotly contested in years, with more than 2 legitimate candidates for the first time since LeBron left Cleveland. Here are my current top 10 MVP candidates:
1. James Harden - HOU - 27.5 P, 5.7 R, 7.0 A, 1.9 S, .442 FG, .865 FT, .376 3P
Harden has continued his ascension into superstardom this season, going from 6th Man of the Year in 2012 to All-NBA Third Team in 2013 to First Team last year to potential MVP this season. He is leading the league in scoring thanks to a career-high 51 against Sacramento on Wednesday, and is also #5 in the league in steals, while getting his team up to #2 in the West. Since all but one MVP in the last 20 years has been on a team that finished in the top 2 of its conference, his MVP chances may rest on maintaining the Rockets' current standing.
2. Stephen Curry - GSW - 23.8 P, 4.3 R, 7.8 A, 2.1 S, .482 FG, .919 FT, .436 3P
Curry is the best player on the best team in the league, which means he has to be in the MVP conversation. He doesn't score quote as much as Harden, but he shoots much better in all areas, and is #3 in the league in steals, 2 spots ahead of Harden. and has boosted his career free throw percentage above 90% and into third place all time, behind only Steve Nash and Mark Price.
3. LeBron James - CLE - 25.6 P, 5.9 R, 7.3 A, 1.6 S, .490 FG, .718 FT, .354 3P
You can't have an MVP race without LeBron, who has led his Cavaliers to the #2 spot in the East and has finished in the top 5 of the MVP voting 9 straight season, with this year shaping up to be #10. Much like Michael Jordan in the 90's, he won't win the MVP every year, even if it is deserved, because voters love to give it to anybody else if there is a legitimate contender, although this year is an exception, because there are two better candidates than the King.
4. Russell Westbrook - OKC - 27.5 P, 7.2 R, 8.6 A, 2.1 S, .419 FG, .840 FT
Westbrook is ahead of James Harden in each of his averages, and has had an amazing second half of the season, with triple-doubles on a weekly basis, but the Thunder are fighting to just make the playoffs this year, which should disqualify him from wining the award, despite his all-around greatness. Next year, watch out for him to pull a James Harden and lead his team to the higher reaches of the West.
5. Klay Thompson - GSW - 21.7 P, 3.2 R, 3.0 A, 1.1 S, .462 FG, .882 FT, .431 3P
Klay Thompson is Scottie Pippen to Steph Curry's Michael Jordan, a necessary piece of a great team who should get more recognition, but a player who will not get many MVP votes due to not being the best player on his team. Russell Westbrook was in this position for the past several years, but I still had him in my top 5 several times over the years, but now that he is the best player on his team, Klay is the new Boy Wonder.
6. Pau Gasol - CHI - 18.6 P, 11.8 R, 2.7 A, 1.9 B, .497 FG, .807 FT
Pau is here because of the way he has kept the Bulls afloat in the absence of Jimmy Butler, who was a legitimate MVP candidate before his injury, but you can't ignore the career renaissance he's had after the move to Chicago.
7. LaMarcus Aldridge - POR - 23.4 P, 10.3 R, 1.8 A, 1.0 B, .467 FG, .846 FT, .351 3P
Aldridge has been great considering the fact that he has been playing with an injury that will require surgery for over two months, and he has led the Trail Blazers to the division title and a playoff berth, and he has suddenly learned how to hit the occasional 3-pointer this year.
8. Damian Lillard - POR - 21.0 P, 4.7 R, 6.3 A, 1.3 S, .433 FG, .863 FT, .344 3P
Just as essential to Portland's run this season is their point guard, who despite being snubbed on All-Star weekend is still one of the best players in the league and should receive a few votes for MVP, even with no chance of winning the award.
9. Kyrie Irving - CLE - 21.9 P, 3.1 R, 5.2 A, 1.5 S, .467 FG, .864 FT, .407 3P
Irving may be the best sidekick LeBron has had in nearly 3 years, since Dwyane Wade was actually healthy and active in Miami for the first couple years of the Big 3. Along with Harden, he is one of 2 players to reach 50 points more than once this season.
10. Chris Paul - LAC - 19.2 P, 4.6 R, 10.2 A, 1.9 S, .485 FG, .896 FT, .390 3P
Paul and the Clippers are one of the top teams in the West and still have a great chance at the #2 seed, with Paul leading the league in assists again and is #7 in steals, and hasn't missed a free throw in the last 5 games.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Philadelphia at Charlotte - Hornets by 7
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 8
Miami at Detroit - Pistons by 3
Boston at Toronto - Raptors by 4
Washington at Memphis - Grizzlies by 5
Golden State at Dallas - Warriors by 8
Orlando at Milwaukee - Bucks by 7
LA Clippers at Denver - Clippers by 8
Utah at Phoenix - Jazz by 2
New Orleans at Portland - Trail Blazers by 5
NCAA
(7) Michigan State vs. (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 7
(1) Wisconsin vs. (1) Kentucky - Wildcats by 3
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-3 (.700) 769-356 overall (.684)
Upsets: 0-2 (.000) 74-90 overall (.451)
|
|
|
|
|
Rec
|
Proj
|
|
||
|
TW
|
LW
|
Team
|
Rating
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
PO Seed
|
|
1
|
1
|
Golden State
|
-9.76381
|
62
|
13
|
68
|
14
|
W1
|
|
2
|
3
|
San Antonio
|
-6.75378
|
50
|
26
|
54
|
28
|
W6
|
|
3
|
2
|
Cleveland
|
-5.49976
|
49
|
27
|
54
|
28
|
E2
|
|
4
|
4
|
LA Clippers
|
-5.37987
|
50
|
26
|
55
|
27
|
W2
|
|
5
|
7
|
Portland
|
-2.95407
|
49
|
26
|
53
|
29
|
W4
|
|
6
|
5
|
Atlanta
|
-1.86365
|
56
|
19
|
61
|
21
|
E1
|
|
7
|
8
|
Houston
|
-1.67384
|
52
|
24
|
55
|
27
|
W3
|
|
8
|
6
|
Oklahoma City
|
-1.50923
|
42
|
34
|
46
|
36
|
W8
|
|
9
|
9
|
Utah
|
-1.49969
|
34
|
41
|
38
|
44
|
|
|
10
|
10
|
Chicago
|
-0.7873
|
47
|
29
|
51
|
31
|
E3
|
|
11
|
13
|
New Orleans
|
-0.55056
|
41
|
34
|
44
|
38
|
|
|
12
|
11
|
Memphis
|
-0.03058
|
52
|
24
|
55
|
27
|
W5
|
|
13
|
12
|
Dallas
|
0.490106
|
46
|
30
|
49
|
33
|
W7
|
|
14
|
14
|
Toronto
|
0.878229
|
45
|
31
|
48
|
34
|
E4
|
|
15
|
15
|
Indiana
|
1.306473
|
32
|
44
|
35
|
47
|
|
|
16
|
18
|
Boston
|
2.216668
|
34
|
42
|
36
|
46
|
|
|
17
|
21
|
Washington
|
2.463892
|
43
|
33
|
45
|
37
|
E5
|
|
18
|
19
|
Milwaukee
|
2.470829
|
38
|
38
|
42
|
40
|
E6
|
|
19
|
16
|
Detroit
|
2.527821
|
29
|
47
|
32
|
50
|
|
|
20
|
17
|
Phoenix
|
2.939696
|
38
|
38
|
40
|
42
|
|
|
21
|
22
|
Charlotte
|
3.412319
|
31
|
44
|
34
|
48
|
|
|
22
|
20
|
Miami
|
3.601907
|
34
|
41
|
37
|
45
|
E8
|
|
23
|
24
|
Brooklyn
|
3.838004
|
36
|
39
|
39
|
43
|
E7
|
|
24
|
25
|
Sacramento
|
5.281005
|
26
|
49
|
29
|
53
|
|
|
25
|
23
|
Denver
|
5.336079
|
28
|
48
|
30
|
52
|
|
|
26
|
26
|
LA Lakers
|
6.753655
|
21
|
54
|
24
|
58
|
|
|
27
|
28
|
Orlando
|
7.498016
|
23
|
53
|
25
|
57
|
|
|
28
|
29
|
Philadelphia
|
8.117554
|
18
|
58
|
20
|
62
|
|
|
29
|
27
|
Minnesota
|
9.446933
|
15
|
61
|
16
|
66
|
|
|
30
|
30
|
New York
|
12.99148
|
14
|
62
|
15
|
67
|
|
Portland clinched their division this week after winning 5 of their last 6 games, guaranteeing them a top 4 seed in the playoffs despite the fact that they have the #6 record in the conference. The Trail Blazers have 2 players who would be in the MVP race if they were just a little closer to the top of the standings, with LaMarcus Aldridge having a great season despite a torn ligament in his thumb.
San Antonio has won 6 in a row, and despite sitting at the #6 seed right now, they are only 2 games away from grabbing the #2 seed in the West, and we all know that the Spurs have a history of coming alive at the right time. They moved up to #2 in my rankings this week, their highest level of the season, so you can't count out the defending champs, especially since defending a title is about the only thing Tim Duncan has not accomplished in his amazing career.
Playoff Picks
First Round
(1) Warriors over (8) Thunder
(2) Clippers over (7) Mavericks
(3) Rockets over (6) Spurs
(4) Trail Blazers over (5) Grizzlies
(1) Hawks over (8) Heat
(2) Cavaliers over (7) Nets
(3) Bulls over (6) Bucks
(5) Wizards over (4) Raptors
Second Round
(1) Warriors over (4) Trail Blazers
(2) Clippers over (3) Rockets
(1) Hawks over (5) Wizards
(2) Cavaliers over (3) Bulls
Conference Finals
(1) Warriors over (2) Clippers
(1) Hawks over (2) Cavaliers
NBA Finals
(1) Warriors over (1) Hawks
MVP Rankings
This MVP race is one of the most hotly contested in years, with more than 2 legitimate candidates for the first time since LeBron left Cleveland. Here are my current top 10 MVP candidates:
1. James Harden - HOU - 27.5 P, 5.7 R, 7.0 A, 1.9 S, .442 FG, .865 FT, .376 3P
Harden has continued his ascension into superstardom this season, going from 6th Man of the Year in 2012 to All-NBA Third Team in 2013 to First Team last year to potential MVP this season. He is leading the league in scoring thanks to a career-high 51 against Sacramento on Wednesday, and is also #5 in the league in steals, while getting his team up to #2 in the West. Since all but one MVP in the last 20 years has been on a team that finished in the top 2 of its conference, his MVP chances may rest on maintaining the Rockets' current standing.
2. Stephen Curry - GSW - 23.8 P, 4.3 R, 7.8 A, 2.1 S, .482 FG, .919 FT, .436 3P
Curry is the best player on the best team in the league, which means he has to be in the MVP conversation. He doesn't score quote as much as Harden, but he shoots much better in all areas, and is #3 in the league in steals, 2 spots ahead of Harden. and has boosted his career free throw percentage above 90% and into third place all time, behind only Steve Nash and Mark Price.
3. LeBron James - CLE - 25.6 P, 5.9 R, 7.3 A, 1.6 S, .490 FG, .718 FT, .354 3P
You can't have an MVP race without LeBron, who has led his Cavaliers to the #2 spot in the East and has finished in the top 5 of the MVP voting 9 straight season, with this year shaping up to be #10. Much like Michael Jordan in the 90's, he won't win the MVP every year, even if it is deserved, because voters love to give it to anybody else if there is a legitimate contender, although this year is an exception, because there are two better candidates than the King.
4. Russell Westbrook - OKC - 27.5 P, 7.2 R, 8.6 A, 2.1 S, .419 FG, .840 FT
Westbrook is ahead of James Harden in each of his averages, and has had an amazing second half of the season, with triple-doubles on a weekly basis, but the Thunder are fighting to just make the playoffs this year, which should disqualify him from wining the award, despite his all-around greatness. Next year, watch out for him to pull a James Harden and lead his team to the higher reaches of the West.
5. Klay Thompson - GSW - 21.7 P, 3.2 R, 3.0 A, 1.1 S, .462 FG, .882 FT, .431 3P
Klay Thompson is Scottie Pippen to Steph Curry's Michael Jordan, a necessary piece of a great team who should get more recognition, but a player who will not get many MVP votes due to not being the best player on his team. Russell Westbrook was in this position for the past several years, but I still had him in my top 5 several times over the years, but now that he is the best player on his team, Klay is the new Boy Wonder.
6. Pau Gasol - CHI - 18.6 P, 11.8 R, 2.7 A, 1.9 B, .497 FG, .807 FT
Pau is here because of the way he has kept the Bulls afloat in the absence of Jimmy Butler, who was a legitimate MVP candidate before his injury, but you can't ignore the career renaissance he's had after the move to Chicago.
7. LaMarcus Aldridge - POR - 23.4 P, 10.3 R, 1.8 A, 1.0 B, .467 FG, .846 FT, .351 3P
Aldridge has been great considering the fact that he has been playing with an injury that will require surgery for over two months, and he has led the Trail Blazers to the division title and a playoff berth, and he has suddenly learned how to hit the occasional 3-pointer this year.
8. Damian Lillard - POR - 21.0 P, 4.7 R, 6.3 A, 1.3 S, .433 FG, .863 FT, .344 3P
Just as essential to Portland's run this season is their point guard, who despite being snubbed on All-Star weekend is still one of the best players in the league and should receive a few votes for MVP, even with no chance of winning the award.
9. Kyrie Irving - CLE - 21.9 P, 3.1 R, 5.2 A, 1.5 S, .467 FG, .864 FT, .407 3P
Irving may be the best sidekick LeBron has had in nearly 3 years, since Dwyane Wade was actually healthy and active in Miami for the first couple years of the Big 3. Along with Harden, he is one of 2 players to reach 50 points more than once this season.
10. Chris Paul - LAC - 19.2 P, 4.6 R, 10.2 A, 1.9 S, .485 FG, .896 FT, .390 3P
Paul and the Clippers are one of the top teams in the West and still have a great chance at the #2 seed, with Paul leading the league in assists again and is #7 in steals, and hasn't missed a free throw in the last 5 games.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Philadelphia at Charlotte - Hornets by 7
Brooklyn at Atlanta - Hawks by 8
Miami at Detroit - Pistons by 3
Boston at Toronto - Raptors by 4
Washington at Memphis - Grizzlies by 5
Golden State at Dallas - Warriors by 8
Orlando at Milwaukee - Bucks by 7
LA Clippers at Denver - Clippers by 8
Utah at Phoenix - Jazz by 2
New Orleans at Portland - Trail Blazers by 5
NCAA
(7) Michigan State vs. (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 7
(1) Wisconsin vs. (1) Kentucky - Wildcats by 3
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-3 (.700) 769-356 overall (.684)
Upsets: 0-2 (.000) 74-90 overall (.451)
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