What I Want To See For The Rest Of The NBA Season
The NBA resuming is something that’s in question. But if it does resume, I want to see some things happen. An advanced warning, some of these are hot takes. Feel free to comment on your thoughts.
Zion Closing The ROY Race Gap
Since Zion made his season debut in February, he barely played for a month. But in that one month, he made an impact. If Zion and the Pelicans can keep their current form, I can see the Pelicans snatching the 8th seed away from the Grizzlies. Doing that would definitely bolster Zion’s argument for rookie of the year.
Sixers vs Pacers vs Heat
One of the biggest potential dilemmas come playoff time. The race for the 4th seed is tight and could definitely go down to the wire. One major question is pertaining to Victor Oladipo. The Pacers have done fine without him, now add him back into the equation changes things. Things are going to get interesting as the 3 teams play their final 18 games. But what can tighten the race, even more, is if the Heat keeps doing what they’re doing, Oladipo finds his game and the Sixers figuring things out. I see the Pacers taking the 4th seed, the Heat at the 5th seed, and the Sixers sticking with the 6th seed.
Rockets vs Thunder
The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder are currently tied at 40–24. People might think it won’t really matter who gets the 5th seed and who gets 6th. But there’s a much bigger meaning. Whoever can finish the season strong and go farther in the playoffs can and should be declared at the winner of the CP3 and Westbrook swap trade.
The Loaded MIP Race
This year has one of the best MIP race’s. Definitely one for the ages. So many young players having breakout seasons. You got Bam Adebayo, Brandon Ingram, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, Christian Wood, Devonte’ Graham. Pascal Siakam being a serious candidate is debatable. My pick for MIP is Bam Adebayo.
Raptors vs Celtics
A highly anticipated second-round matchup in the playoffs. The Raptors and Celtics have never faced off in the playoffs before thanks to a guy named LeBron James. This matchup is highly controversial as there are so many people backing both teams in the sports world and on DTG. If I had to pick a winner, it’s the Raptors in 7.
Giannis: Finals Or Not
Giannis has accomplished a lot in his young career. He’s only looking to bolster his accolades this season. But can he answer the big question, “Can he take the Bucks to the finals?” This year it’s looking more likely than ever. I definitely see Giannis and the Bucks taking a trip to the NBA Finals. But I don’t have them winning, they’ll lose to the Lakers
LeBron Winning It For Kobe
With the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant(RIP Mamba), it took a toll on the NBA. It took an even bigger toll on LeBron James. Kobe was the big brother to LeBron as MJ was to Kobe. One of the best and most respected friendships in the history of the NBA. LeBron is more motivated than ever to win an NBA championship. It’s only fitting that he dedicates his title run to Kobe Bryant.
Battle of LA
The most anticipated playoff matchup this season. Who’s winning the battle of LA. A matchup that definitely won’t disappoint. The LeBron and AD vs Kawhi and PG matchup can also be settled once and for all. Since every game is a home game for both teams, I’ve got the Lakers in 5.
Is Luka A True Leader
The Dallas Mavericks are currently sitting at 7th in the West. Luka is set to lock horns with Kawhi and the company. Luka Magic vs The Fun Guy. There have been questions regarding whether Luka is a leader or not. The playoffs will finally be his test. If Luke can hold it together, I say they give the Clippers a run for their money.
The return of the NBA season will have a lot in store. There is actually quite a lot at stake, more than people even realize. Either way, the NBA’s return will be very entertaining.
Originally published at https://www.discussthegame.com.
