The NBA is at all times stuffed with drama, and this season is not any totally different. We’ve seen gorgeous trades of Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler. Heck, a coach — latest Coach of the 12 months candidate Taylor Jenkins — bought fired by the playoff-bound Memphis Grizzlies (44-32).
What different drama may very well be in retailer for the remainder of the season and past? Listed here are 10 dramatic NBA predictions. (All statistics and information are by means of Wednesday’s play.)
1. The Suns will miss the play-In …
The Suns (35–41) have climbed their approach again into the play-in image, however they continue to be one sport behind the Kings for the tenth and ultimate spot. However the Suns are in enormous hassle as a result of Kevin Durant is out with an ankle damage, and their remaining schedule is brutal (at Celtics, at Knicks, vs. Warriors, vs. Thunder, vs. Spurs, at Kings). They’ll miss the playoffs and go down as one of many largest failures in latest NBA historical past. Which is able to result in…
2. … and Phoenix will blow it up this summer time
After practically being traded on the deadline, Durant will nearly actually be dealt this summer time. However the return received’t be sufficient to vault Phoenix into competition or jump-start a rebuild. In order that they’ll commerce Devin Booker (25.5 PPG) as properly — probably at his request — and hope to rebuild by means of the draft. Keep watch over the Houston Rockets and OKC Thunder as doable commerce companions. Each have an abundance of first-round picks and younger expertise to supply.
3. The Mavericks will lose within the play-In and transfer on from GM Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd
The Mavericks (38-39), who’re 18-26 because the begin of the yr, made one of many worst trades in sports activities historical past with the Luka Doncic–for–Anthony Davis deal on Feb. 2. Dallas is 12-16 because the deal, per StatMuse.
The minute Kyrie Irving went down with a torn ACL, all of it however assured the Mavericks wouldn’t be contenders this season or subsequent. Everybody within the group who was a part of this deal — particularly Harrison — is now a lame duck.
4. The rumored rival basketball league shall be introduced someday between now and begin of subsequent season.
As reported earlier this year, a gaggle of buyers — working with LeBron James’ longtime enterprise associate, Maverick Carter — is making an attempt to boost $5B for a rival basketball league that will function equally to Components 1, touring internationally from metropolis to metropolis. Like LIV Golf, it will provide greater pay for high gamers, bypassing the NBA’s most wage construction. In different phrases, gamers will go away the NBA for this league. Extra money, much less work. The Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard goes to like this!
5. The Thunder will set all-time document for finest web score in NBA historical past
Per StatMuse, they’re tied with the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls for the best net rating per 100 possessions at +13.4. That’s proper — they’re tied with arguably the most effective crew in NBA historical past. Their ultimate two video games are towards the Utah Jazz (16–61) and New Orleans Pelicans (21–55) — the Pels lately shut down Zion Williamson for the season — so anticipate them to run up the rating in the event that they’re inside vary.
6. However OKC shall be taken out once more by Luka Doncic, prompting it to open its warfare chest of property
Final season, the Thunder (64-12) misplaced a six-game convention semifinals sequence to Doncic, Irving and the Mavericks. This season, they’ll fall to Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves in a one other hard-fought second-round sequence.
It’ll be unbelievable hoops, and OKC can have nothing to be ashamed of, however the loss will push GM Sam Presti to re-evaluate his roster development technique. With 5 first-round draft picks in 2025 alone (h/t: SI.com) and a great deal of younger expertise, OKC has the products to pair practically each star within the NBA with MVP favourite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
7. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo can have a historic first-round sequence versus the Knicks
Keep in mind Giannis’ sequence towards the Celtics in 2022, when he averaged 33.9 factors, 14.7 rebounds and seven.1 assists? Anticipate related numbers as his sixth-seeded Bucks (41-34) upset the Knicks (48-28) in a low-scoring, first-round thriller.
8. However Boston’s Jayson Tatum will outplay him within the second spherical
Tatum (27 PPG, 8.7 RPG) is probably going having the most effective season of his profession, with improved playmaking and a career-high 5.9 APG. He’s clearly in his prime, and as a defending champion, he performs with added swagger each time he shares the courtroom with one other celebrity. He’ll go toe-to-toe with Giannis and lead the Celtics (56-20) to a decisive win, sparking debates over whether or not Tatum is now the NBA’s alpha canine
9. However that speak will simmer down after the top-seeded Cavaliers dethrone the Celtics within the Japanese Convention Finals
In a battle of attrition, the Cavaliers (61-15) will prevail and limp throughout the end line, due to their depth and home-court benefit. And…
10. The ultimate sport of the season shall be Recreation 7: LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Lakers on the street towards the Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s written. However it’s too enjoyable to attempt to predict. Bounce ball!
