1,498 games down and we're ~73% through this shortened 66-game season. The sun is setting on this wild, compressed, yet thoroughly awesome season and playoff time a.k.a. Christmas for a month in April is coming.
Here's how I see things netting out.
Individual Merits
Rookie of the Year
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Kyrie Irving
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Most Improved Player
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Ryan Anderson
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6th Man of the Year
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James Harden
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Defensive Player of the Year
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Dwight Howard
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Coach of the Year
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Frank Vogel
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MVP
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Kevin Durant
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I've made a few changes here after the season has progressed.
My sixth man pick changed from Louis Williams to the bearded-one a.k.a James Harden. If there's one true starting guard that's coming off the bench, it's Harden.
I almost switched my Coach of the Year pick to San Antonio's, Greg Popovich, but I think the Pacers have picked up some big wins--and for such a small market team, they've done a terrific job.
Lastly, in this past Sunday's dismantling of Miami,--Lebron's best chance to make his case for MVP--he came up a bit lame in a less than inspiring performance versus Kevin Durant.
NBA Playoff Predictions
Eastern Conference
1
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Chicago
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No Change
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2
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Miami
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No Change
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3
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Indiana
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No Change
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4
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Orlando
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Ever since Dwight confirmed he's staying in Orlando at
least until next year, Orlando has picked up it's level of play. I guess a
little focus is all it takes sometimes.
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5
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Philadelphia
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Doug Collins and Philly have progressed and with the
emergence of "Ohio State Evan Turner", they might cause a little
scare for a top seed come playoff time.
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6
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Atlanta
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Atlanta for some reason feels less and less imposing as
the time goes on. It cost them two spots in my playoff predictions.
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7
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Boston
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Boston is still sitting at #7 but I get the feeling that
this is "Boston's last stand" and Miami better take them seriously
or they'll be in for a long series.
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8
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New York
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With an new semi-emphasis on defense, I don't really know
what to expect out of this New York team come playoff time.
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Western Conference
1
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Oklahoma City
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No Change
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|
2
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San Antonio
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With the return of Ginobili (and the unfortunate loss of
TJ Ford out for the season), the Spurs still look strong. Most
importantly, coach Popovich is doing a terrific job of resting his veterans.
Should be energized come playoff time.
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3
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L.A. Lakers
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Kobe is very much a different person than I expected under
Mike Brown. Humble, timely and a very willing teammate at times--even though
he's breaking usage rates records. Playoff time is Black Mamba time.
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4
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L.A. Clippers
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With Billups out for the season, their chances are
severely depressed, but after what Chris Paul did with the Hornets last year
I can't count them out.
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5
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Memphis
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The Grizzlies of are the same team they were last year,
plus Rudy Gay. With Randolph getting healthy for playoff time, things are
looking up for the Grizz.
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6
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Dallas
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No Change.
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7
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Denver
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The Nuggets don't particularly scare any playoff teams,
but they always play with a "nothing to lose" attitude--which for a
7-seed is exactly what should do.
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8
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Houston
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Not sure how Houston has made it's way into the playoff
hunt. But honestly, they'll probably be the only team to be swept in the 1st
round if they face OKC.
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NBA Finals Predictions
Eastern Conference Champions
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Miami Heat
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Western Conference Champions
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Oklahoma City Thunder
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2011-12 NBA Champions
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Miami Heat
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