2016-17 NBA predictions: Can the Warriors finish the job this time?
At long last, the NBA season is upon us.
The Cavaliers began their title defense Tuesday night at home against the New York Knicks, while Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors opened their highly anticipated 2016-17 campaign against the San Antonio Spurs -- and kind of flopped. We'll give them a mulligan on that one.
SEE MORE: NBA Power Rankings 1.0: Warriors, Cavs destined for a Finals rematch
Anyway, in the spirit of opening week, we present to you our officially official predictions for the 2016-17 NBA season.
Below are our picks for the major annual awards, followed by our playoff predictions -- spoiler alert: you're already pretty familiar with our Finals matchup.
NBA Awards
MVP: Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid, 76ers
Sixth Man of the Year: Enes Kanter, Thunder
Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
Most Improved Player: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hornets
Coach of the Year: Billy Donovan, Thunder
Eastern Conference Playoffs
First Round
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Washington WIzards: Cavaliers in 5
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Charlotte Hornets: Celtics in 6
(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks: Raptors in 6
(4) Detroit Pistons vs. (5) Indiana Pacers: Pacers in 7
Conference Semifinals
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Indiana Pacers: Cavaliers in 6
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Toronto Raptors: Celtics in 7
Conference Finals
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (2) Boston Celtics: Cavaliers in 6
Western Conference Playoffs
First Round
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks: Warriors in 4
(2) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (7) Utah Jazz: Clippers in 6
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Oklahoma City Thunder: Spurs in 7
(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers: Rockets in 7
Conference Semifinals
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (4) Houston Rockets: Warriors in 5
(2) Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs: Clippers in 7
Conference Finals
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (2) Los Angeles Clippers: Warriors in 6
NBA Finals
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (1) Golden State Warriors: Warriors in 6
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