The Golden State Warriors got to 73 wins, Kobe Bryant gave us a final brilliant performance and the bracket for the 2016 NBA Playoffs is set. What a time to be alive!
Before teams start embarking on their playoff journeys, let’s tackle some bold predictions. As is typically the case with bold predictions, fans can expect these ones to be spicy, and not completely obvious.
10. Kevin Love Is A Secret Weapon — And Then Some
Getty ImagesThe Cleveland version of Kevin Love hasn't been as impressive as many hoped, one might say. That aside, players are now in playoff mode, and Love is still a very talented star in this league. Expect Love to finally look like he fits in, which will help the Cavs look like title contenders early and often this playoff season.
9. Steph Curry Averages 35 PPG
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He averaged 30.1 points per game during the season, so would anyone really be surprised if the superstar averaged around 35 PPG in the playoffs, a time when players tend to up their games? Curry is kind of on a different level, just in case people haven't noticed.
8. Andre Drummond Is Unstoppable Against The Cavs
Getty ImagesWe aren't saying the Pistons will pull off the mega-upset against the Cavaliers, but we are saying this: Andre Drummond will be a serious force the entire time. Big-time double-doubles are on the horizon.
7. Most Exciting Series (Well, Of The First Round, That Is): Miami vs. Charlotte
Getty ImagesMiami is the No. 3 seed and Charlotte the No. 6. That said, they have identical records. Game on!
6. Justise Winslow Will Break Out
Getty ImagesCall it a hunch, wishful thinking or whatever you would like, but rookie Justise Winslow will break out during the playoffs.
5. Curry Makes It Rain From Behind The Arc With 15 Three-Pointers In One Game
Getty Images15 threes — especially during the playoffs — would be absurd. Curry did drain 10 threes in his last outing of the season, though. Plus, with Curry, anything is possible, and no record is safe.
4. Both No. 5 Seeds Move Past The First Round
Getty ImagesBoston over Atlanta and Portland over Los Angeles? Coming right up — in bold prediction fashion, that is!
3. The Thunder Make The Western Conference Finals
Getty ImagesWhy this is bold: Despite the fact that the San Antonio Spurs have been flying under the radar this season, they have been brilliant, and many folks are expecting the Spurs to take on the Warriors.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are two of the best players on the planet, and they play on the same team.
Why this is bold: Despite the fact that the San Antonio Spurs have been flying under the radar this season, they have been brilliant, and many folks are expecting the Spurs to take on the Warriors.
2. For Once, A LeBron-Led Team Doesn’t Make The Finals
Getty ImagesWhen it comes to college basketball’s glorious NCAA tournament, major upsets happen early and often. That isn’t exactly the case for the NBA playoffs. Despite that, let’s run up the bold meter by saying LeBron James (for once) and the Cavaliers won’t make the Finals. Considering King James seems to partake in the Finals on a yearly basis, this one is oozing with boldness.
1. Warriors Only Lose 3 Games On The Way To Back-To-Back Titles
Getty ImagesThe Warriors only lost five games last postseason. This season, they have improved — and then some. However, the West is going to be brutal, even for a 73-win team.
