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)
Jokic Locks Up His 4th MVP
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)
The Joker is having one of the best seasons of his career and he is putting up other-worldly numbers before our eyes. Gilgeous-Alexander has been great, but the gap between the two is bigger than people realize in my opinion. Jokic will prove that he is by far the best basketball player in the world and secure his 4th MVP while being the third player ever to average a triple double on amazing shooting splits.
The T-Wolves make a top 4 seed
The Timberwolves have been underwhelming this season to say the least, after their big offseason move they have not been the same team. Despite seeming bad, they still have a 31-25 record which is outstanding considering they have been lackluster. Anthony Edwards has been dealing with nagging injuries to his ankle and knee, after the all star break he should be feeling rested and ready to lead the Wolves who have the 4th easiest remaining schedule.
LaMelo Ball plays fewer than 10 games as the Hornets try to increase their chances in the draft lottery to capture Cooper Flagg
Ja Morant plays fewer than 50 total games as the Grizzlies want to conserve his minutes for the playoff run
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)
Cleveland Cavaliers finish the regular season with the best record in the league.
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)
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)
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)
Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively do not play a single game together for the Mavs until the playoffs begin.
The Thunder and Cavs end up with 65+ wins
The Cavs and Thunder have been undoubtedly the two best teams in the NBA this season. Each team also has reinforcements coming back for the second half of the season, Chet Holmgren getting back to being 100% and being the defensive anchor of the already best defensive team in the league will be a massive help. The Cavs will be getting the help of key rotation pieces in Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro back while still implementing newly acquired De’Andre Hunter. Each team has about a middle of the road strength of schedule remaining.
