Early NBA Bold Predictions

We are almost a quarter of the way into this 72-game season and although it’s still early, we have learned a lot so far. It’s time to make some bold predictions.

1. The Heat won’t make the playoffs

When the Lakers and the Heat squared off in the NBA Finals last year it was the first time in NBA history that the two teams competing for the Larry O’Brien trophy missed the playoffs the previous season. Hopefully, the Heat enjoyed their run because it appears they may not make it back to the playoffs come the end of May. In the early parts of this season, they don’t look like they did in Orlando. Maybe they will begin to mesh, but with some teams in the east performing above expectations, it’s going to be a fight.

2. The Jazz will beat the Lakers in the western conference finals

We can talk all we want about the battle of LA in the west but be sure to take note of the team in Utah. Shaq can say what he wants to about Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, but the Jazz have all pieces to be dangerous in the postseason. The Jazz have had their best start to a season in years. Mike Conley is getting comfortable and looks like the old Mike Conley again, Jordan Clarkson is playing like the 6th man of the year, Rudy is doing what Rudy does to protect the paint, and we all know from last years playoffs the crazy potential that Donovan Mitchell has to lead a team in the 4th quarter. Wait until Bojan Bogdonavic has a fully recovered wrist and this will be a hard team to beat.

3. The Cavaliers will go to the playoffs without someone named Lebron James on their team for the first time since 1998

After finishing with the worst record in the east last year, the Cavaliers have been surprisingly good this season. Collin Sexton is getting buckets, Andre Drummond is playing well, and others like Cedi Osman have overachieved. This team isn’t entirely complete, and they have areas to solidify but the fans in Cleveland have something to be excited about again.

4. The Nuggets will be a first-round playoff exit

No doubt the Nuggets have shown some great things. Nikola Jokic is one of the most versatile centers in the game and is having an MVP caliber season, Jamal Murray is a gamer, and when MPJ is on, it is hard to stop him. With all the potential the Nuggets have it seems they don’t have the depth nor the defense to make the leap to be an elite team. The Nuggets may just be giving a call to Denver’s best wood floor refinishing company after they get swept in the first round of the playoffs.

5. Doc Rivers will return to the NBA Finals

For the last few seasons, there has been a lot of buzz in Philadelphia surrounding the potential of their basketball team. The excitement only increased when they were able to get the great Doc Rivers to come back East again and the Sixers look like the title-contenders that they were meant to be. Joel Embiid is playing like an MVP, Ben Simmons is elite, and role players are stepping up.

6. Frustration with Shaquille O’Neal’s hot takes will continue to rise

Shaq has a special personality that makes him what he is not only on the court but off as well. Shaq has always been one to voice his opinions, but it seems that has only amplified this year. Shaq doesn’t shy away from anything and he enjoys saying things that stir up the pot. Look for that to continue.

NBA Finals: Philadelphia 76ers vs Utah Jazz

2021 NBA Champion: Utah Jazz