2020-21 NBA Playoffs Prime Picks, Prospects, and Award Predictions

Two months after the 2019-20 NBA postseason finale, the 2020-21 NBA season had started right away. Last December 22, 2020, the playoffs began and is now heading to the 5th week. Presently, the Lakers lead the West with eleven wins while the Celtics dominate the East with eight victories.

For avid NBA fans, the playoffs will run until July this year and are followed by the postseason, the play-ins. Indeed, there is a long road to take as far as the Lakers defending their title and other teams looking for another victorious slate this year. Also, sports bettors will have opportunities to find the best players and team to back on.

As you along and look forward to the action-packed NBA games happening throughout this year, finding the best performers to cheer on inside the court is another thing to consider. To give you spice up as you click here, here are some prime predictions, player picks, and prospects for the 2021 playoffs that might be everyone's cup of tea.

Eastern Conference Winner

The Boston Celtics were almost in their glory last year after appearing in the Conference Finals. However, Miami Heat brought too much hotness that burned the Celtics to a 4-2 game series. Today, this team is heading to win the Eastern Conference as they top the playoffs with eight wins and four losses while the Heat lies seven steps behind them.

Western Conference Winner

The Los Angeles Lakers are the current NBA champs and are looking to defend that this season. This team aims back to back rings, and that dream is not going away with them as their luck continues in the Western Conference slate. They currently ranked in the top with eleven wins and four losses.

Most Valuable Player

Working as Power Forward for the LA Lakers since 2019, Anthony Davis has the build and reach that contributed to their team's victory last year. He is a multi-awarded defensive player in many NBA seasons. As he leaned towards a new season for the same team this year, he's the man that might win the Most Valuable Player recognition.

Defensive Player of the Year

The Orlando Magic are now making surprising wins in the Eastern Conference as they're inside the top ten brackets. Working for the said team as a Power Forward, Jonathan Isaac is back with a dominating scorecard on the defensive side. He is the most prospective player that can win this year's Defensive Player of the Year.

Sixth Man Of The Year

The Sixth Man Of The Year recognition is given to a player who is not part of the starting lineup but comes off the bench most of the time as a substitute player. Gaining 12.4 PPG, Lonzo Ball of the New Orleans Pelicans is highly nominated and might win this award in today's season. In 2018, he was a recipient of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Most Improved Player

DeMarcus Cousins entered the season last year as a Center player for the Houston Rockets. He had shown greatness to the team, allowing them to earn a slot in the Conference Semifinals. Today, Cousins works even harder as he makes 21.0 PPG, which might bring him to earn the Most Improved Player of the Year recognition.

Coach Of The Year

Working as the head coach for the Philadelphia 76ers since last year, Doc Rivers is the best candidate for the Coach of the Year Award. Last year, his team was in the postseason first round but got defeated by the Celtics. Today, they dominate the playoffs with nine wins and five losses, settling at the Eastern Conference's third seed.

Finals Predictions

Both the Miami Heat and the Lakers will take a tougher road to the NBA season this year. The Heat is left with many teams in the Eastern playoffs while the Lakers stay on top but still have a lot of hustling to do. The NBA finals this year might be wrestled by last year's runners-up in the two conferences, which are the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics.

Finals MVP

Nikola Jokic is the Center player of the Denver Nuggets for the 5th time. He was the recipient of the 2020 All-NBA Second Team and a two-time NBA All-Star winner. As the Nuggets continue to climb in the Western Conference seeding, Jokic has generated 25.0 PPG. When they earn a chance to get into the finals and win, he might win the Finals MVP Award.

Takeaway

Although the teams and players mentioned above are only predictions and prospects, you must keep an eye on these talents as the 2020-21 NBA season progresses. They have proven their skills in the past years, and who knows, they can go bigger this year.