It’s prediction time in the NBA. We take a look at the NBA GM’s Survey and give you our picks.
Which team will win the 2020 NBA Finals?
NBA GMs: LA Clippers (46%)
Making the Cut: Portland Trail Blazers
The Western Conference will take the title back and, even though, I was really tempted to take the Los Angeles Lakers, I decided to go “off the board”. Why? In an NBA season of “uncertainty” why not pick a team that has the tools yet is still flying under the radar.
The Trail Blazers have one of the best backcourts in the league in Dame Lillard and CJ McCollum. A lot will ride on Jusuf Nurkic’s health. If Nurkic can return in time to get into NBA shape, the Trail Blazers match up well enough against the Clippers and Lakers to give them a shot at winning a seven game series.
Rank the top four teams in the Eastern Conference:
NBA GMs: Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets
Making the Cut: Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors
I’m not feeling Brooklyn in the top four because it will take them some time to gel. The Eastern Conference is much better than most give them credit for. The 76ers will do enough to have the best record in the conference, in part, because I believe the Bucks take a step back.
The Celtics will win more games and roles become more defined and, call me crazy, but the Raptors will be tough even without Kawhi Leonard.
Rank the top four teams in the Western Conference:
NBA GMs: Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, LA Lakers, Utah Jazz
Making the Cut: Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz
As you can see, I’ve taken a big step back on the Nuggets. Before last season, I had them as my breakout team of the year and they didn’t disappoint until they got to the playoffs. The West will be a dogfight and you could probably interchange the Jazz with the Warriors.
Ultimately, the Lakers will find a way to win the West as the Clippers will be more focused on resting Kawhi Leonard and slowly bringing along Paul George.
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