Actual Predictions for the 2019-20 NBA Season

Parity may reign, but the league is still top-heavy.

This NBA season will be the most thrilling since 2015, the first year of the Golden State Warriors' mini-dynasty. I can't guarantee that, but if we say it enough then it has to be true, right?

Below are my predictions for 2019-20. These are the correct predictions, because I certainly wouldn't have made them if I thought they were bad.

What could go wrong?

Eastern Conference Playoffs

1. Milwaukee Bucks

2. Philadelphia 76ers

3. Boston Celtics

4. Toronto Raptors

5. Brooklyn Nets

6. Miami Heat

7. Indiana Pacers

8. Orlando Magic

Just Missed: Detroit Pistons

Eastern Conference Finals: 76ers over Bucks

The Bucks' depth will propel them to the No. 1 seed, but the 76ers' defense will lead them to the finals. The biggest changes to this year's standings are a resurgent Miami Heat, and the Detroit Pistons, at the mercy of Blake Griffin's health, missing the playoffs.

Western Conference Playoffs

1. Los Angeles Clippers

2. Denver Nuggets

3. Houston Rockets

4. Los Angeles Lakers

5. Utah Jazz

6. Golden State Warriors

7. San Antonio Spurs

8. Sacramento Kings

Just Missed: Portland Trailblazers, Dallas Mavericks

Western Conference Finals: Lakers over Rockets

The Clippers and Nuggets will top the West with their depth. But the Lakers, led by transcendent performances from LeBron and AD, will cruise through the playoffs. This year's teams are the same, except for the Trailblazers who will fall victim to a lack of wing depth. The talent-rich Clippers move all the way up to No. 1, Golden State tumbles due to lost personnel, and yes, the Kings' lottery streak is finally over.

NBA Finals: 76ers over Lakers

Old heads, rejoice! The Lakers and 76ers will meet each other in the finals again for the first time since 2001. I haven't seen anyone else predict this, but I don't think it's particularly bold. The Lakers will have one of the most efficient offenses in the league. The Sixers will boast one of the top defenses. Matisse Thybulle and Ben Simmons shut down LeBron. AD and Joel Embiid fight. The 76ers emerge victorious.

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Most Valuable Player: James Harden

Voters probably aren't sympathetic to Harden, especially after his grievances with MVP voting last season. He may be a long shot in reality, but his stats will say otherwise. Russell Westbrook won't steal his shine.

Finals Most Valuable Player: Joel Embiid

Embiid will do a fine job squaring up against Anthony Davis. Points will be aplenty. He is the spark behind the 76ers' victory.

Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers

Doc Rivers can handle stars and he can coach basketball. The Clippers will prove to be worthy of the No. 1 spot, a 7-seed improvement from the year before.

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

I wanted to pick a Matisse Thybulle, but I don't think the minutes will be enough. Gobert is simply a larger-than-life presence in the paint. It may not always be a block, but he's affecting any shot near the basket.

Rookie of the Year: Ja Morant

Yes, Zion could win even if he only plays 50 games. But Morant has double-double average upside and is healthy.

Most Improved Player: De'Aaron Fox

He almost won last year, averaging 17 points and 7 assists a game. But if he can approve on those numbers and take the Kings to the playoffs, it's a no-brainer.

Sixth Man of the Year: Derrick Rose

The redemptive legend story will continue for Derrick Rose. He offers exactly what Detroit needed off the bench.