NFL
By Monte Perez
The Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA title last season, defeating the Phoenix Suns in 6 games. It was the first time they won the Championship since 1974. The Bucks will now be the team everyone is gunning for.
Eastern Conference Preview:
1. Milwaukee Bucks: (Projected Record, 58-24).
The Bucks lost toughness and defense in P.J Tucker. They added athleticism and shooting with Grayson Allen, Rodney Hood, and George Hill. Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton are a “Big-3” who play both ends of the floor.
2. Miami Heat: (Projected record, 57-25).
The Heat have added 2 starters to their roster.
- Kyle Lowry
- Duncan Robinson
- Jimmy Butler
- P.J Tucker
- Bam Adebayo
If Miami wants to make a deep run in the playoffs, Tyler Hero has to be a contender for the 6th man of the year.
3. Atlanta Hawks: (Projected record, 56-26).
The Hawks could end up as the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They have the best starting 5 in the NBA.
- Trae Young
- Bogdan Bogdanovic
- De’Andre Hunter
- John Collins
- Clint Capela
Atlanta’s bench players could start for most teams. This team is deep, talented, and well-coached.
4) Brooklyn Nets: (Projected record, 55-27).
With or without Kyrie Irving, the Nets are top-heavy. Kevin Durant and James Harden should do most of the scoring on this team. Patty Mills, Joe Harris, and LeMarcus Aldridge are all role players who can score points when asked to. Harden and Durant have battled injuries over the past few years. Look for the Brooklyn coaching staff to rest their big-name starters during the season.
5) Boston Celtics: (Projected record, 54-28).
Ime Udoka takes over the bench for the Celtics. Brad Stevens has moved to the front office. This is a team that has added some quality pieces in Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson. Jayson Tatum could win the MVP this season.
6) Philadelphia 76ers: (Projected record, 50-32):
There has been a ton of off-the-court drama with Ben Simmons. Can Doc Rivers get this team to play well and have chemistry? There is too much talent on this team for them not to win 50 games. Joel Embiid is a top 3 big man in the NBA.
7) New York Knicks: (Projected record, 48-34):
Kemba Walker is on the back-9 of his career but he can still get 15 points and 5 assists per night. This team’s success relies on how much R.J. Barrett has improved. Julius Randle is a double/double machine but he can not be your no.1 option in the post-season, that has to be Barrett. Evan Fournier should be a legitimate deep ball threat in this offense.
8) Chicago Bulls (Projected record, 48-34):
The Bulls have improved the most of any team this off-season. This starting 5 can be dangerous.
- Lonzo Ball
- Zach LaVine
- DeMar DeRozan
- Patrick Williams
- Nikola Vucevic
Alex Caruso could win 6th man of the year coming over from the Lakers.
Potential playoff teams:
Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and the Indiana Pacers.
Rebuilding.
Detroit, Cleveland, and Orlando.
NBA Eastern Conference Finals:
Milwaukee vs Atlanta… Hawks win in 6 games.
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