6 range could make real playoff runs if things break right for them. Here are 20 NBA predictions for what should be a wild and unpredictable 2020-21 season: NBA Champions. Philadelphia 76ers 6. Boston Celtics 3. Look out for sneaky-fun LaMelo Ball and Devonte' Graham stretches on League Pass. Yahoo Sports Staff. Oh, and the Heat remain a threat after an incredible "bubble" run. These teams are in player development mode, so it's unreasonable to anticipate many victories. That lesson certainly applied to the most recent NBA season. 2020-21 NBA playoff predictions (Michael Wagstaffe/Yahoo Sports) (Michael Wagstaffe/Yahoo Sports) NBA season-opening schedule. In a matchup full of stars, the X-factor turns out to be the Clippers' inability to create easy baskets against the Lakers' stifling team defense. The Hawks are firmly in the playoff conversation after transforming the roster around Trae Young. Washington Wizards*10. 15. There’s no reason to question the Lakers’ status as favorites to win their 18th championship. Detroit Pistons14. Oh, and the Heat remain a threat after an incredible "bubble" run. They both need to take steps forward under new coach Billy Donovan if the Bulls want to be more than a young, occasionally exciting team. — LA's other team is the biggest challenger to the throne, but the bet here is that the Nuggets will finish ahead of the Clippers as Tyronn Lue experiments with different strategies ahead of the postseason. The NBA is on an indefinite pause, and … While the Bucks did lose a little depth this offseason, that should force Mike Budenholzer to put his best players on the floor for longer stretches. — All the teams in the No. — It's the battle for LA that we all wanted to watch in 2020. The NBA preseason projections in this post were pulled on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.. Unfortunately for Giannis, who will once again put up historically great numbers this season (and be a deserving MVP candidate once again), the Bucks' offseason tinkering, even with … — The Kings and Timberwolves have potential, but the West is too competitive for the youngsters. While the Bucks did lose a little depth this offseason, that should force Mike Budenholzer to... Eastern Conference finals picks. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving drive the Nets to the 2021 NBA Finals with spectacular crunch-time scoring in multiple games. Luka Doncic's individual brilliance is enough to push the Mavericks into the top four. Obviously, the supporting cast in Brooklyn is a strong and resilient mix of tough vets and up-and-coming young talent. (Knicks fans, your team didn't hand out a terrible contract this year. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/4a/c6/lebron-james-101220-ftr_1lyfzzqxa5iyu1ep3ypsxai6tu.png?t=481458389&w=500&quality=80, 1. 1. — The champs stay on top. Houston Rockets12. — Good luck trying to figure out what will happen in Houston. Atlanta Hawks*9. The NBA eventually figured out how to safely construct a "bubble" environment in Florida, and the strangest season in basketball history was finally completed in October. New Orleans Pelicans*10. The Celtics (Gordon Hayward) and Raptors (Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka) both lost significant pieces in free agency, but they bring back strong cores. Let's give them the top seed in the East for the third consecutive season. Boston Celtics3. Dallas Mavericks5. 2. Luka Doncic's individual brilliance is enough to push the Mavericks into the top four. So what should hoopheads expect? (What a concept!) The season starts Tuesday after a condensed offseason, a whirlwind week of the 2020 NBA draft and free agency and a shortened season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Instead of 82 games, this season will have 72 and only half of the schedule has … UPDATED Mar. 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That's progress!). — Portland and Utah should keep their respective playoff streaks alive, but the play-in teams right below them could crash the top-six party. The Nets and Sixers will need time to gel. 11. There will be some new teams in, and inevitably several playoff squads from yesteryear who will be on the outside looking in. The Lakers have a 33 percent chance of reaching the 2021 NBA Finals and a 21 percent chance of winning back-to-back titles, according to FiveThirtyEight's season preseason forecast. Miami Heat 5. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Here are Sporting News’ predictions for the 2020-21 NBA season, including full standings for the Eastern and Western conferences. The 2020-21 NBA schedule has finally arrived. They are rightly considered the championship favorites. — Ah, the bottom three. Orlando Magic* *play-in tournament It’s a quirky coincidence that it’s also the league’s 75th. Philadelphia 76ers6. NBA Playoff Predictor (NBA Season Picker) lets you pick every game of the NBA Season via a season Schedule Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers. Predictions for the 2020-21 Season . — It's the battle for LA that we all wanted to watch in 2020. The Hawks are firmly in the playoff conversation after transforming the roster around Trae Young. LA Clippers fans will be looking forward to a season where revenge over their rivals is … Written by Eric Williams on January 26, 2021. Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images. Defense will be an issue, but Atlanta should rack up a ton of points. Los Angeles Lakers2. Denver Nuggets3. This should be intense. 2020-21 NBA season predictions: Playoff teams, Finals winner, MVP and more. With the 2020-21 season officially getting underway, it’s time to make some NBA playoff predictions, and project which eight teams from the Eastern and Western Conference will qualify for the postseason. What is your boldest prediction for the 2020-21 season? 1. Orlando Magic*. Stephen Curry's MVP chances, the Golden State Warriors' playoff chances, and Draymond Green's first blowup highlight our predictions for the 2020-21 NBA season These teams are in player development mode, so it's unreasonable to anticipate many victories. Swapping Out Your Stock LS Cam Can Add Big Power! The Los Angeles Lakers barely just won the 2019-20 NBA championship, but it’s already time to make predictions for the 2020-21 NBA season.. 2-No. — Gordon Hayward should elevate the Hornets out of the basement and close to the play-in round if — and it's a major if — he can stay healthy. The LA Clippers are keen to avenge their playoff disappointment in the 2020-21 NBA season. The threat of COVID-19 still looms large. NBA predictions: Western Conference rankings for 2020-21. — Milwaukee no longer has to worry about Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming a free agent, so winning a championship is the main focus. With the 2020-21 season well underway, it’s time to make some updated NBA playoff predictions, and project which eight teams from the Eastern and Western Conference will … Utah Jazz6. This should be intense. — Bring on the Ja Morant and Zion Williamson highlights. Yet, the Nets are still currently playoff-positioned in the Eastern Conference. NBA predictions 2020-21: Final standings, playoff projections, NBA Finals pick. — It's a big season for the Wendell Carter Jr.-Lauri Markkanen frontcourt. — Ah, the bottom three. Team Durant, Full results from 2021 NBA All-Star Draft, NBA All-Star Draft 2021 time, TV channel & rosters for Team LeBron vs. The Lakers reign supreme in a six-game slugfest. ... There’s no excuse for the Suns not to be a playoff team in 2020-21. 2020-21 Kia Season Preview: 30 Team Previews. Defense will be an issue, but Atlanta should rack up a ton of points. NBA predictions 2020-21: Final standings, playoff projections, NBA Finals pick Jordan Greer. If Chris Paul can come close to replicating his Thunder season, the Suns should finish above .500. Limited Time Offer: Get 4 Meals Free With Your First 2 Chefs Plate Deliveries, 7 Reasons Why Canadians Are Switching To This Meal Kit, NBA rest rules for the 2020-21 season, explained, FiveThirtyEight's season preseason forecast. The Lakers have a 33 percent chance of reaching the 2021 NBA Finals and a 21 percent chance of winning back-to-back titles, according to FiveThirtyEight's season preseason forecast.