At the beginning of the NBA season, I offered five bold predictions for this season. Now, as the second half is just getting underway, it’s time to check up on my predictions to see how they are doing. Remember, these were bold predictions, not what I actually thought was going to happen.
- The Sacramento Kings will make the playoffs
While they are only 10 games out of the playoffs, the Kings are in 13th place in the stacked Western Conference. Interestingly enough, the same eight teams that made the playoffs last season in the West are currently holding the eight spots this season. My prediction looked like it could have been on point after 14 games. Sacramento was 9-5 and playing pretty solid basketball. DeMarcus Cousins has been a stud all year and eventually made it to the All-Star Game. Despite the stellar play from Cousins, the Kings hot start would end, and they have not been over .500 since December 5th. Mike Malone would eventually be fired as head coach, and George Karl is the new man in charge. Could Karl spark a winning streak that propels Sacramento into the postseason? Maybe. But, this prediction seems to be out of reach.
- Someone not named Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins will win Rookie of the Year
Jabari Parker was starting for Milwaukee and averaging 12.3 points per game before going down with an injury. He could have kept it going and made a run for ROY, but unfortunately, his rookie season ended early. That leaves Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins is averaging just over 15.0 points and is also playing 34.5 minutes per game. He is the widely accepted favorite, still to win ROY. However, my prediction is not completely done yet. I mentioned Nerlens Noel and Elfrid Payton as potential candidates, and they have not disappointed. Noel is pulling down seven rebounds per game while blocking 1.7 shots per game. He has been one of the few bright spots on the 76ers this year. Payton has been creating shots, averaging 5.7 assists per game, but he needs to cut down on the turnovers. This prediction is not wrong, but Andrew Wiggins seems to have a firm grasp on winning the award.
- Miami Heat will make the Eastern Conference Finals
Chris Bosh’s season is most likely over because of blood clots in his lungs. That is terrible news, and I hope he has a speedy recovery. Bosh will certainly be a big loss for the Heat, but luckily, they made a major move at the deadline to bring in a star in Goran Dragić. Miami currently sits in eighth place in the East and tied with the seventh-placed Hornets. The top six teams in the East are all over .500, which is a surprise to me. The Heat have ground to make up to feel secure in the playoffs, but bringing in Dragić could be what they need. Dragić will move right into the starting point guard spot and will be a focal point on this team. With Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, and the emerging Hassan Whiteside, the Heat have a decent roster with which to work. Miami is in a good position, and I stand by this prediction. This will be a sleeper team in the playoffs.
- Lance Stephenson will contend for MVP
This is by far the worst prediction I made. Stephenson has only played in 38 games because of an injury and is only averaging nine points, when he does play. To make things worse, Charlotte was actively trying to ship Stephenson to another team. After looking great last year in Indiana, Stephenson is looking like a major project for the next team to pick him up. Also, the MVP will 100 percent be coming from the West, unless the Hawks starting lineup is allowed to be crowned co-MVPs.
- Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA Championship
I saved the best for last. The Mavericks had a realistic shot at the NBA Championship in November and have only strengthened their chances over the course of the first half. Dallas traded for Rajon Rondo, who is a perfect fit in that lineup, since he does not have to be a go-to scorer. The Mavs also signed Amar’e Stoudemire, after the Knicks bought him out. Tyson Chandler and Stoudemire may not have worked in New York, but with solid talent around them, it will work in Dallas. Dirk Nowitzki was the lone All-Star on the team, but it probably should have been Monta Ellis, who has looked fantastic this year. Dallas currently sits in sixth place, but the West is very strong, so that is not something to be disappointed about. While other teams may have looked better and have better records, do not count out the Dallas Mavericks. They will be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in June.
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