In the East
Pretty much par for the course. Last year broke down very similarly...
(1) Toronto v. (8) Washington
(4) Cleveland v. (5) Indiana
(3) Philadelphia v. (6) Miami
(2) Boston v (7) Milwaukee
So what has changed? Well obviously LEBRON IS OUT OF THE EAST! There is not other team more satisfied with that then Toronto, that's for sure. The move by LeBron drops the Cavs out of the picture, and puts Detroit in it's place. With a backcourt of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, it's possible they could make it in. They finished 9th last season so it's not a stretch, and with Dwayne Casey taking over it makes even more sense to bet on Detroit claiming the 8th seed.
The West
This is wild. They are predicting San Antonio to miss the Playoffs for the first time since 1996! I don't buy it. DeMar DeRozan may have a tough time adjusting to life under Popovich, but the idea that the Spurs will miss the season entirely is ludicrous. Last year the bracket looked as follows...
(1)Houston v. (8) Minnesota
(4)Oklahoma City v. (5) Utah
(3) Portland v. (6) New Orleans
(2) Golden State v. (7) San Antonio
The Wolves are predicted to have a big jump, as it Utah. Houston and Golden State switch spots, and the Pelicans drop down a spot (what sense does that make? I can see why Portland drops to 8th, but the Pelicans swept the Blazers last year, and have virtually the same roster this year (minus Boogie).
Anyways, I'm predicting a Philadelphia v. Boston Eastern Finals and a Golden State v. Houston or Utah Western Finals.
What do you think? Can anyone stop the Warriors? What about LeBron's Lakers getting snubbed? Let me know it the comments!