Sports

NBA 2019-2020 Predictions

At the halfway point of the season, who are the top teams and players? Read on for predictions of the rankings, playoffs, and awards for this season’s NBA.

Nicholas Rizk, Editor|January 22, 2020

Elmar78 [Public domain]

The Staples Center is home to two of the best teams in the NBA, the Lakers and the Clippers, but will either one of these teams be able to bring Los Angeles a Championship?

Eastern Standings (Predicted):
1. Bucks
Coming off of a great regular season and a disappointing post-season last year, not much has changed for the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo is already having an amazing year, looking even more dominant than he was last year, when he won the MVP. The rest of the team has allowed Giannis to flourish, although they are also playing very well. The other starters for the Bucks have created a situation in which Giannis can excel, while the rest of the starters including Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Eric Bledsoe can focus more on defense. Kyle Korver, George Hill, and Donte DiVincenzo have also been very impressive bench players, shooting at a high percentage and playing good defense.

Nick Rizk — Many Celtics fans believe that their team can go all the way this year and win Boston their first title since 2008.

2. Celtics
Ending their devastating season last year, Kyrie Irving, their star point guard, moved on to Brooklyn to play alongside Kevin Durant. It looked as if the Celtics were going to, yet again, be a decent, but not great, team. This was until they made a trade for Kemba Walker, another one of the best point guards in the league. With their young stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Gordon Hayward coming back, they look like title contenders. They have all of these players along with a talented and aggressive bench. They might be able to surprise some people and take their talent to the championship this year!

3. Heat
With the addition of Jimmy Butler to this young, talented team, the Heat are real contenders this year. They’ve found great success in their newly drafted players, Tyler Herro and Coby White. Bam Abedayo, their young center, is also one of their leaders, helping them to a great start. Jimmy Butler has finally found a tough and hardworking team to lead to a title.

4. Pacers
With a hurt Victor Oladipo, it would seem that the Pacers would not be good, but they have proven to be a real threat. Led by Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, and Myles Turner, this team has proven itself this season. If the Pacers can keep playing at a high level, and Oladipo returns before the playoffs, this team could surprise some people and make a playoff run.

5. 76ers
Last year, a heart-breaking buzzer-beater from Kawhi Leonard sent the Philadelphia 76ers home early. The 76ers were looking to win a championship last year, but this year they have an even better team. With the addition of Al Horford, a veteran big man, it looks as if they have the best starting lineup in the league. If their bench players are able to take some stress off of Embiid, Simmons, and Harris, then the 76ers have a great shot at the title this year!

Andrew Scheer [CC0] — The Raptors won their first ever NBA Championship last season, representing all of Canada.

6. Raptors
The reigning champions! Although this team lost their best player, Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors have still proven to be a talented team. With the re-signing of Kyle Lowry, a veteran point guard, Pascal Siakam, a young star, and other players to round off this team, they still have a chance to make it out of the East and prove that they can win the chip without Kawhi.

7. Magic
The Magic don’t have a super talented roster, but they play well together as a team. Markelle Fultz, the number one pick in the 2017 draft, was considered a bust by many, until this season. He is playing like his injuries had never happened, which is one of the main reasons that the Magic have found success this season. Their “star”, Nikola Vucevic, is also having a great season, averaging almost 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Along with those two, Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Terrence Ross have been key players to get this team to the playoffs. The Magic probably won’t put up much of a fight in the playoffs, but sometimes there are miracles.

8. Nets
The Nets are using this season to prepare for next season, but they could still playoff contenders right now. Kyrie Irving, although hurt, will return soon and continue to lead this team. The Nets are most likely not going to o much in the playoffs, but lead by an experienced playoff veteran, they could give teams some trouble.

9. Pistons
The Pistons’ roster consists of Andre Drummond, Derrick Rose, Markeiff Morris, and Sekou Doumbouya. Outside of them, the rest of the roster is either not very good or hurt, like Blake Griffin who is likely out for the season after knee surgery. Big changes need to come in order to propel this team to the playoffs.

nathanmac87 [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)] — Can Zach Lavine be Chicago’s next basketball legend?

10. Bulls
The Bulls are basically a one-man show, that man being Zach Lavine. Lavine is having huge nights and putting up great numbers throughout the season, while the rest of the roster continues to underperform. Coby White, a rookie out of UNC, is probably their second most talented player in his first year! The Bulls need to turn their season around, or they will be going nowhere except their couches to watch the playoffs.

11. Hornets
The Hornets have actually overachieved this season, as many analysts assumed that they would be the worst team in the league. While they aren’t a good team, the Hornets have many interesting pieces that could help them land some stars through trades, or that they could build around in the future.

12. Wizards
The Wizards don’t have an awful roster, but many of their stars are hurt or have been hurt during the season. John Wall, their star point guard, will remain injured until next season. Rui Hachimura, who is one of the top rookies, has been hurt. Isaiah Thomas, who was a superstar for the Celtics, but after many injuries and trades seems to be only a decent player now, suffered a hand injury and only recently began to play again. Without these injuries, this team could be a lot better and even a playoff contender.

TonyTheTiger [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] — Trae Young is the Atlanta Hawks’ young star. He’s just in his second year of the NBA and might be an All-Star starter!

13. Knicks
The Knicks suffered through free agency, as all of the big name players passed up on this franchise’s offers. They acquired some players, and although none of them are star players, they could be used for trade bait. Until this team is blown up, New York will remain suffering.

14. Cavaliers
Ever since the departure of King James, the Cavaliers have been one of the league’s worst teams, but there is hope. The Cavaliers have many veteran players that championship caliber teams could put to use, and many young talents that could be building blocks for other teams. In the end though, trades need to be made in order to restore this franchise.

15. Hawks
Outside of the Hawks young superstar, Trae Young, and their big man, John Collins, this team is awful. Although their roster consists of some young, talented players, like De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish, the major makeup of this team is just underachievers and bad contracts. Who knows where to go from here in order to fix this mess of a team.

Western Standings (Predicted):
1. Lakers
The Lakers have the most talented team and the greatest chance to win the championship during the 2019-2020 season. Last year, injuries plagued this young team, even taking out the best player in the league, Lebron James. With the addition of one of the best players in the NBA, Anthony Davis, and other veteran players, this team is looking to win it all. They have the most depth in basketball, with Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard, Alex Caruso, Quin Cook, and others coming off the bench. They also have Danny Green, who won the championship with Toronto last year, Javale McGee, a veteran center who won multiple championships with the Warriors, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a young shooting guard, and Avery Bradley, one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, switching into the starting rotation. On paper, this is the best team in the NBA, and as the season has progressed, they’ve shown to be the best team on the court too.

Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)] — Nikola Jokic, although having a slow start to this season, has turned it around and began to lead his team to the playoffs.

2. Nuggets

The Nuggets were the second-best regular season team in the West last year, but this year they will be looking to win the Western Conference. Their young star, Nikola Jokic, has had a rough start to the season, yet they’re still one of the top teams in the West. This year, other players, like Jamal Murray, have stepped up to fill this role, allowing them to outperform almost any team they’ve played so far. Right now, the Nuggets are the best defensive team in the NBA, which is why they have a chance to win the title this year. They are not a Championship caliber team, but as people continue to step up, they could become one of the top teams.

3. Jazz
Coming into this season, after trading for Mike Conley, the Jazz had very high expectations. So far, they haven’t reached their full potential, but they are still figuring things out. With Donovan Mitchell, their young leader, who is averaging all-star worthy numbers, Rudy Gobert, who is one of the best defenders in the league, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Joe Ingles, the Jazz look like one of the most talented teams. In order to make a deep playoff run, their stars and their bench will need to work on their chemistry.

Chensiyuan [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] — After winning the NBA Championship in Toronto, Kawhi made the decision to return home to LA, but not to the Lakers.

4. Clippers
During the offseason, the Clippers were able to attain the right players to change their team from a decent group of players, to one of the best teams in the NBA. After winning the championship in Toronto, Kawhi Leonard made the decision the return home to LA, but it wasn’t to the team that people expected. Along with Kawhi, the Clippers were also able to land Paul George, who was coming off of his MVP candidate season. With these two superstars and a deep bench consisting of Lou Williams, an elite scorer averaging 21.1 points off of the bench, Montrezl Harrell, a tough big man, and Patrick Beverly, an aggressive defender.

5. Rockets
The Rockets are extremely talented this year, especially with the addition of Russell Westbrook, one of the top point guards in the league. James Harden has started this season averaging unbelievable numbers, solidifying his title as the greatest offensive weapon in the NBA. Clint Capela is averaging almost 15 rebounds per game, dominating other big men in the paint on offense and defense. The rest of the Rockets, including P.J. Tucker, Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers, and Ben McLemore, have also helped lead this team to a strong start in a tough Western Conference.

6. Thunder
The Thunder have been very surprising this season. Led by veteran point guard Chris Paul, the Thunder could make some noise in the playoffs. They have one of the most underrated big men in the league, Steven Adams, a young star that is one of the most improved players of the year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and a great 6th man, Dennis Schroder. The Thunder’s roster also consists of many players who are providing good pieces to help allow this team to outperform many more talented teams. This team built on a veteran, young talents, and great role-players, has the chance to do something special in the playoffs.

7. Mavericks
The Mavericks have found their next superstar. Luka Doncic, a 20 year old in his second year of the league, could become the next face of the NBA and one of the greatest players of all time. He is already one of the best, if not the best, 20-year-old player of all time. Alongside Luka, the Mavericks acquired Kristaps Porzingis, also known as the unicorn. The Mavericks’ team is also made up of many role-players including, Boban Marjanovic, Seth Curry, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Justin Jackson. If Luka can continue to play like the MVP, he could lead this team to be a playoff contender this year.

8. Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been another very surprising team. Led by rookie star, Ja Morant, Jonas Valanciunas, and Jaren Jackson Jr., this team has outperformed their expectations. Along with these players, many role-players have helped turn this team into a playoff team. Although they probably will get swept by the number one team in the West, most likely the Lakers, even making the playoffs with this young team will be a win.

9. Pelicans
One word can be used to completely describe this team: young. Although they a team made mostly out of players that have been in the league for less than 4 years, they are still a decent team. They have found unbelievable talent in their young players, like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Jaxon Hayes, and many more. This is all being said even before the return of Zion Williamson! This team could surprise everyone and make the playoffs this season, but most likely they will be just out of reach.

10. Trail Blazers
The Trial Blazers have been the most disappointing team in the NBA so far. With a team consisting of Damian Lilliard, C.J. McCollum, Hassan Whiteside, and, the new addition, Carmelo Anthony, Portland seems to have a great team on paper. In reality though, the Trail Blazers are probably not going to even make the playoffs.

Vince_Carter_Suns.jpg: Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USAderivative work: Chrishmt0423 [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)] — Having the oldest player in the NBA, Vince Carter, is one of the only things that the Suns can boast about this season.

11. Spurs

The Spurs have been another very disappointing team. With DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, and Dejounte Murray, it would seem like they would atleast be a top 9 team in the West. This is not the reality though, and in order to change their fate, the players need to step up and get this team back on track.

12. Suns

Even though the Suns had a hot start to their 2019-2020 season, they were quickly hit with reality. In reality, outside of their top 5 players, the Suns have a pathetic roster. Devin Booker, their young superstar, has been playing out of his mind, but with the early season suspension of Deandre Ayton, and awful performances from the bench, their season will likely end in disappointment and trades.

13. Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have a similar issue to the Suns, their roster is not good top to bottom. Karl-Anthony Towns is their superstar big man, but he’s missed a big portion of the season. Outside of Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Robert Covington have had a hard time keeping this teams’ playoff dreams alive. Sadly, the rest of the roster is pretty bad, leaving them with an unfinished team that won’t make the playoffs anytime soon.

14. Kings

Cyrus Saatsaz [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] — Kevin Durant left the Warriors after getting injured and losing the 2019 title to the Raptors. The Warriors went from the top of the NBA to the bottom in less than a year.

The Kings are a team filled with young talent, but they aren’t producing or playing as a team. The only way that this team can be fixed is through major trades, or a major turnaround in their young stars.

15. Warriors
The Warriors went from being the best team in the league last year, to being the worst team in the league this year. With the departure of Kevin Durant, and injuries sustained by Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and even D’Angelo Russell, the Warriors are stuck with their young bench players for this season. Even though this season is done for them, next season there will be a resurgence of the roster, restoring the dynasty and making them a championship contender for next season.

End of the Season Awards:

Finals MVP: Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers
If the Lakers win the title, in which they have the greatest chance of doing, Lebron James will be the key to their success. In past years, he has taken the role as the aggressive powerhouse that can’t be stopped, but as he has aged, he has improved his basketball IQ and his passing abilities. Now, in his 17th year in the league, the King is averaging 25.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. He is averaging these stats while helping the Lakers maintain the second-best record in the league, and he’s not even playing at his best. We’ll see what type of player he becomes once the playoffs begin, but most are expecting him to put up humongous numbers to lead the city of LA to another NBA Championship.
(Honorable Mentions: Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid)

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis has evolved his game to become even greater than he was last year, when he won his first MVP. The Greek Freak is now averaging even better stats while leading his team to an even greater record this season. Although there is an even tighter race for the MVP awards this year, Giannis is still at the top, and will most likely remain there.
(Honorable Mentions: Lebron James, James Harden, Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis)

Most Improved Player (MIP): Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram went from being the second option on an injured team, to being the best player on the Pelicans. With the return of Zion Williamson, the first pick of the 2019 NBA draft, Brandon Ingram’s stats may fluctuate a little, but his leadership role won’t. While the Pelicans aren’t a great team, there is still hope for a playoff run, and it rests in the hands of Brandon Ingram.
(Honorable Mentions: Andrew Wiggins, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devonte’ Graham)

Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis even said at the beginning of the season that his main focus for this year is to be the defensive player of the year. With Anthony Davis getting a majority of his rebounds on the defensive end, while in a rotation with Dwight Howard and Javale McGee, and averaging 2.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game, Anthony Davis has been very dominant defensively. His new playstyle and role will help push the Lakers toward a smooth road to victory.
(Honorable Mentions: Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Smart, Joel Embiid)

Rookie of the Year (ROTY): Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant was the second pick of the 2019 NBA draft, selected right behind Zion Williamson. However, after Zion injured himself before the season began, Ja became the highest ranking rookie of the 2019 draft class, and he has not disappointed. Averaging 18 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, he has shown that he is an elite point guard. Along with these stats, he has produced an absurd amount of highlights, showcasing his abilities. Ja Morant will not only be the rookie of the year, but also a future star in this league.
(Honorable Mentions: Zion Williamson, Kendrick Nunn, Sekou Doumbouya, Jarrett Culver, RJ Barrett)

sportslogos.net [Public domain] — Ja Morant was the second pick of the 2019 NBA draft, selected by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Sixth Man of the Year: Montrez Harrell, Los Angeles Clippers
Taking the title of “best 6th man” from his teammate Lou Williams, Montrez Harrell has proven that he is an elite defensive and offensive player, and a great role-player for a championship level team.
(Honorable Mentions: Lou Williams, Dennis Schroder, Goran Dragic, Spencer Dinwiddie)

Keith Allison [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)] — Lou Williams, who is Montrez Harrell’s teammate, has won the Sixth Man of the Year Award for the past two years, but this season it looks like Montrez has an even better chance of winning this award.

Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Indiana Pacers
So far, the Pacers have surprised everyone and maintained a top 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, without their best player. Their team effort and coaching staff have allowed their team to flourish, and when Victor Oladipo makes his return from his injury, they’re going to be one of the best teams in the league.
(Honorable Mentions: Brad Stevens, Erik Spoelstra, Mike Budenholzer, Frank Vogel)