8 Things We Think Before the Start of the NBA Season

Are the Warriors repeating? Will the Wolves be a disappointment? We're looking around the NBA and taking aim. Peep our predictions.

LeBron James
Brett Davis/Image via USA Today Sports
LeBron James

We made it, fam. One of the most eventful offseasons in recent NBA history is officially behind us and starting today, thankfully, the games count. Basketball, in all its glory, is back. 

It's been a long haul since the Warriors put a button on their second championship in three seasons, but the agonizing wait for meaningful games is finally over tonight when the Cavs and Celtics tip, followed by the defending champs hosting the Rockets. Two good games kick off the drama that almost no other sports league brings on a nightly basis. It's just one of the reasons why we cape for the NBA as hard as we do. 

So with the season upon us, it's time to get off a few hot takes that have been simmering out the door. We have some unique expectations in the Association this season. Like how the Warriors repeat. But should we expect from Russ and the new look Thunder? Who is the most fascinating team in the league? Are the Timberwolves destined to be a disappointment? We're looking around the NBA and taking aim. Peep our predictions and outlooks. 

The Warriors are repeating.

durant and curry

The Cavaliers have significantly improved.

Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron Love Wade 2017 Preseason

Will the Thunder be a beautiful disaster?

Russell Westbrook looks into crowd during game.

The Sixers are the most interesting team in the NBA.

Embiid Simmons Sixers Preseason 2017

Why the Timberwolves might not take that leap quite yet.

Jimmy Butler Timberwolves Dunk Preseason 2017

Dion Waiters will be an All-Star.

Dion Waiters Heat Hornets Preseason 2017

Three O/U locks.

De'Aaron Fox Kings Spurs Preseason 2017

Predictions...

Stephen Curry Trophy 2017 Parade

Caparell's Predictions...

Atlantic Division champ: Celtics

Southeast Division champ: Wizards

Central Division champ: Cavaliers

Southwest Division champ: Rockets

Northwest Division champ: Thunder

Pacific Division champ: Warriors

Eastern Conference champ: Celtics

Western Conference champ: Warriors

NBA champ: Warriors (4 games)


Team that will surprise: Clippers 

Team that will disappoint: Timberwolves

NBA MVP: James Harden

Rookie of the Year: De'Aaron Fox

Bengtson's Predictions...

Atlantic Division champ: Celtics
Southeast Division champ: Wizards
Central Division champ: Cavaliers

Southwest Division champ: Spurs
Northwest Division champ: Thunder
Pacific Division champ: Warriors

Eastern Conference champ: Cavaliers
Western Conference champ: Warriors
NBA champ: Warriors (6 games)

Team that will surprise: Heat
Team that will disappoint: Hornets

NBA MVP: LeBron James
Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons

 

Frydenlund's Predictions...

Atlantic Division champ: Celtics
Southeast Division champ: Wizards
Central Division champ: Cavaliers

Southwest Division champ: Spurs
Northwest Division champ: Thunder
Pacific Division champ: Warriors

Eastern Conference champ: Cavaliers
Western Conference champ: Warriors
NBA champ: Cavaliers (6 games)

Team that will surprise: Sixers
Team that will disappoint: Timberwolves

NBA MVP: LeBron James
Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons

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