It's the most wonderful time of the year.... we're talking about basketball! The NBA regular season is finally here after another sizzling offseason that sent Lebron to L.A., Kawhi to Toronto, and Jimmy Butler wilding out on Minnesota in practice. Even though it may seem obvious that Golden State will potentially 3-peat this year, teams all over the Eastern and Western conferences are getting stronger and better, so prepare to buckle up for a bumpy roller-coaster ride of an NBA season. People don't just watch the NBA to see the ultimate victor hold up the Larry O'Brien trophy in June; it's within the regular season that we see the thrills, highlights and unexpected surprises that have NBA fans begging for more. Keeping this in mind, let's take a look ahead at some predictions of the 2018-2019 season, as well as playoff standings for both the Eastern and Western Conference.
1. Lakers will win 45 games or more
Photo: Sports Illustrated
Thanks to Lebron's bold move to move to LaLa Land, the Lakers are the head topic of discussion for the 2018-2019 season, after only winning 35 games last season. Not only does Lebron put the Lakers in a winning position, he also serves as a big brother and wise teacher for the rookies and second-year players.
Even though second-year players like Kyle Kuzma had a impressive year, becoming the first rookie in NBA history to score 1,000 points and grab 400 or more boards, point guard Lonzo Ball is looking to bounce back after a low 38% shooting season, and Brandon Ingram can benefit from bulking up to improve on his defense and offense.
While the Western Conference is always stacked up, Lonzo Ball, Kuzma and even acquisitions like Lance Stephenson can thrive under Lebron's tutelage, improving in their own areas while making big contributions for the team. After all, it is Lebron that we're talking about; his presence alone can transform teams.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo will win MVP
Photo: ClutchPoints
Celtics, Raptors, 76ers should beware, as Giannis Antetokounmpo is about to put the Eastern Conference on tilt. Enterig his sixth season at 23 years old, he is starting his final phase of his development and everyone on his path should be on high alert for his arrival.
Even though he has finished sixth in the MVP races for two consecutive years, this season is the time now for Antetokounmpo ro rise and be more explosive than ever.
Even though Antetokounmpo's athleticism is insane, Milwaukee's depth proved to be a factor that restrict him from even more greatness; he never really clicked with Jabari Parker, and the Bucks overspent on role player like Greg Monroe and Miles Plumlee where the center rotation has been a constant source of unrest.
The Bucks have created a better supporting past for Antetokounmpo. Ersan Ilyasova and Brook Lopez bring dependability and spacing to a front-court that needs both. Head coach Mike Budenholzer also brings the Bucks positive momentum to bring the Bucks all the way up in the Eastern Conference.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder will miss the playoffs
Photo: Daily Express
Russell Westbrook, as dynamic and explosive of a player he is, will eventually decline from one of NBA's biggest superstars, and this season might be the start of that decline. His preseason knee surgery is a worrisome sign for the Thunder. The setback is Andre Roberson's torn patellar tendon is another worrisome sign, and he is supplemental to heir defense.
The big question to ask is do the Oklahoma City Thunder has a strong supportive cast to control their destiny if Westbrook doesn't look healthy this season? Even though they have a committed player in Paul George, can he do enough to help the Thunder stroll though the tough Western Conference?
4. Toronto will reach the NBA Finals
To a defense that ranked fifth in the NBA last season, the Raptors added the best perimeter defender in Kawhi Leonard. Conventional wisdom says Boston rule the East. But a healthy Kawhi in Toronto will turn them into a top-three defense.
Photo: The World News
5. Miles Bridges wins Rookie Of The Year
Photo: NBA
Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic have both looked terrific in preseason so far, and other rookie candidates like Trae Young and Kevin Knox are in the conversation too.
However, Miles Brides look likes he belongs, and on a team like the Charlotte Hornets where nobody's minutes expect Kemba Walker's are guaranteed, it opens up opportunity for Bridges to get good minutes, barging his way into a larger role.
In the NBA Summer League, Bridges posted up 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game; Bridges put up 15.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 58.1 percent shooting over his first three preseason games.
While Ayton is guaranteed to get monster numbers, if Bridges steps up as Kemba's righthand man, he could come out of nowhere as actually winning he award like Utah's Donovan Mitchell.
Western Conference Playoff Standings
Warriors
Rockets
Lakers
Jazz
Thunder
Pelicans
Blazers
Timberwolves
Eastern Conference Playoff Standings
Celtics
Raptors
76ers
Bucks
Pacers
Wizards
Heat
Pistons