LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 11: The NBA logo outside of the NBA store on October 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
The All-Star break is over, and the second half of the season is beginning later this week. Here are 10 bold predictions to look for before the playoffs begin.
10. Rob Dillingham replaces Mike Conley as the T-Wolves starting point guard
9. LaMelo Ball plays fewer than 10 games as the Hornets try to increase their chances in the draft lottery to capture Cooper Flagg
8. Ja Morant plays fewer than 50 total games as the Grizzlies want to conserve his minutes for the playoff run
7. Nikola Jokic finishes the season averaging a triple-double
DENVER, CO – APRIL 07: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on April 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
6. Citing various injuries, LeBron James plays no more than 18 games as he rests for the playoffs
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives in for a layup against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of the West semifinal game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
5. Cade Cunningham finishes the season averaging a points/assists double-double
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts on the court after a play against the Houston Rockets during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rockets defeated the Pistons 111-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
4. The Detroit Pistons finish as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 07: Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after his three point shot in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 07, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
3. The Golden State Warriors finish as the 7th seed in the Western Conference.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on February 22, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers finish the regular season with the best record in the league.
1. Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively do not play a single game together for the Mavs until the playoffs begin.
