2020-2021 NBA Season Preview and Predictions

We are officially twelve days away from the beginning of the 2020-2021 NBA season! This has been a unique and interesting off-season and a lot has happened in the last two months. In preparation for the upcoming season, I'm going to create my pre-season power rankings and predict who will make the playoffs and who will win each regular-season award.

If you want to know what happened over the off-season and what to expect this season, you're in the right place. Hopefully my predictions this year will age better than last year's, which were absolutely abysmal.

Preseason Power Rankings

Here are my rankings of all thirty NBA teams separated into tiers. Keep in mind, the rankings in each tier are fluid because I believe the teams are pretty close to each other. Also, the lineups for each team are based on the depth charts found on ESPN.

Tier 1: Championship Favorites

The best team in the league and the favorite to win the title.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Lineup:

PG: LeBron James

SG: Dennis Schroder

SF: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

PF: Anthony Davis

C: Marc Gasol

Key Additions: Dennis Schroder, Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Matthews

Tier 2: Championship Contenders

Elite teams that are good enough to compete for the title

2. Milwaukee Bucks

Lineup:

PG: Jrue Holiday

SG: Donte DiVincenzo

SF: Khris Middleton

PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo

C: Brook Lopez

Key Additions: Jrue Holiday, Torrey Craig, Bryn Forbes, Bobby Portis

3. Denver Nuggets

Lineup:

PG: Jamal Murray

SG: Gary Harris

SF: Michael Porter Jr.

PF: Paul Millsap

C: Nikola Jokic

Key Additions: JaMychal Green, Zeke Nnaji, and R.J Hampton

4. Los Angeles Clippers

Lineup:

PG: Patrick Beverley

SG: Paul George

SF: Kawhi Leonard

PF: Marcus Morris Sr.

C: Serge Ibaka

Key Additions: Serge Ibaka, Luke Kennard, Nicolas Batum

5. Brooklyn Nets

Lineup:

PG: Kyrie Irving

SG: Caris Levert

SF: Joe Harris

PF: Kevin Durant

C: Jarrett Allen

Key Additions: Kevin Durant (Achilles injury), Landry Shamet, and Bruce Brown

6. Boston Celtics

Lineup:

PG: Kemba Walker

SG: Marcus Smart

SF: Jaylen Brown

PF: Jayson Tatum

C: Daniel Theis

Key Additions: Tristan Thompson, Jeff Teague, and Aaron Nesmith

Tier 3: Fringe Title Contenders

Teams that are on the cusp of being a title contender. I wouldn't be extremely surprised if these teams were contending for the title, but there's a gap between the teams in this tier and the teams in my second tier.

7. Dallas Mavericks

Lineup:

PG: Luka Doncic

SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.

SF: Josh Richardson

PF: Maxi Kleber

C: Kristaps Porzingis

Key Additions: Josh Richardson, Josh Green, and Tyrell Terry

8. Miami Heat

Lineup:

PG: Goran Dragic

SG: Duncan Robinson

SF: Jimmy Butler

PF: Meyers Leonard

C: Bam Adebayo

Key Additions: Precious Achiuwa, Avery Bradley, and Maurice Harkless

9. Toronto Raptors

Lineup:

PG: Kyle Lowry

SG: Fred Vanvleet

SF: OG Anunoby

PF: Pascal Siakim

C: Aaron Baynes

Key Additions: Aaron Baynes, Malachi Flynn, and Alex Len

Tier 4: Quality Playoff Teams

Very good teams that should make the playoffs

10. Philadelphia 76ers

Lineup:

PG: Ben Simmons

SG: Danny Green

SF: Matisse Thybulle

PF: Tobias Harris

C: Joel Embiid

Key Additions: Danny Green, Seth Curry, Dwight Howard, Tyrese Maxey, and Isaiah Joe

11. Houston Rockets

This ranking will change if James Harden is traded

Lineup:

PG: John Wall

SG: James Harden

SF: Eric Gordon

PF: Christian Wood

C: P.J Tucker

Key Additions: John Wall and Christian Wood

12. Portland Trailblazers

Lineup:

PG: Damian Lillard

SG: C.J McCollum

SF: Derrick Jones Jr.

PF: Robert Covington

C: Jusuf Nurkic

Key Additions: Robert Covington and Harry Giles III

13. Utah Jazz

Lineup:

PG: Mike Conley

SG: Donovan Mitchell

SF: Bojan Bogdanovic

PF: Royce O'Neale

C: Rudy Gobert

Key Additions: Derrick Favors and Udoka Azubuike

Tier 5: Fringe Playoff Teams

Teams that are good enough to make the playoffs, but will only make it as a seventh or eighth seed

14. Phoenix Suns

Lineup:

PG: Chris Paul

SG: Devin Booker

SF: Mikal Bridges

PF: Jae Crowder

C: Deandre Ayton

Key Additions: Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, E'Twaun Moore, and Jalen Smith

15. Golden State Warriors

Lineup:

PG: Stephen Curry

SG: Andrew Wiggins

SF: Kelly Oubre Jr.

PF: Draymond Green

C: James Wiseman

Key Additions: Kelly Oubre Jr., James Wiseman, Brad Wanamaker, and Kent Bazemore

16. Indiana Pacers

Lineup:

PG: Malcolm Brogdon

SG: Victor Oladipo

SF: T.J Warren

PF: Domantas Sabonis

C: Myles Turner

Key Additions: None

17. Atlanta Hawks

Lineup:

PG: Trae Young

SG: Kevin Heurter

SF: Bogdan Bogdanovic

PF: John Collins

C: Clint Capela

Key Additions: Danillo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, and Onyeka Okongwu

18. Washington Wizards

Lineup:

PG: Russell Westbrook

SG: Bradley Beal

SF: Davis Bertans

PF: Rui Hachimura

C: Thomas Bryant

Key Additions: Russell Westbrook and Deni Avdija

19. Memphis Grizzlies

Lineup:

PG: Ja Morant

SG: Dillon Brooks

SF: Kyle Anderson

PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.

C: Jonas Valanciunas

Key Additions: Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman Sr., Killian Tillie, and Robert Woodard II

Tier 6: On The Outside Looking In

Teams that aren't quite playoff-caliber teams

20. Sacramento Kings

Lineup:

PG: De'Aaron Fox

SG: Buddy Hield

SF: Harrison Barnes

PF: Marvin Bagley III

C: Richaun Holmes

Key Additions: Tyrese Haliburton and Glenn Robinson III

21. New Orleans Pelicans

Lineup:

PG: Lonzo Ball

SG: Eric Bledsoe

SF: Brandon Ingram

PF: Zion Williamson

C: Steven Adams

Key Additions: Eric Bledsoe, Steven Adams, and Kira Lewis Jr.

22. San Antonio Spurs

Lineup:

PG: Dejounte Murray

SG: Derrick White

SF: DeMar DeRozan

PF: LaMarcus Aldridge

C: Jakob Poeltl

Key Additions: Devin Vassell and Tre Jones

23. Minnesota Timberwolves

Lineup:

PG: D'Angelo Russell

SG: Malik Beasley

SF: Anthony Edwards

PF: Juan Hernangomez

C: Karl Anthony Towns

Key Additions: Anthony Edwards and Ed Davis

Tier 7: There's Always Next Year

Teams that will lose a lot of games, but will be fun to watch on league pass

24. Chicago Bulls

Lineup:

PG: Coby White

SG: Zach Lavine

SF: Otto Porter Jr.

PF: Lauri Markkanen

C: Wendell Carter Jr.

Key Addition: Patrick Williams

25. Charlotte Hornets

Lineup:

PG: Devonta Graham

SG: Terry Rozier

SF: Gordon Hayward

PF: PJ Washington

C: Cody Zeller

Key Additions: Gordon Hayward, LaMelo Ball, Grant Riller, and Jaden McDaniels

26. Orlando Magic

Lineup:

PG: Markelle Fultz

SG: Evan Fournier

SF: James Ennis III

PF: Aaron Gordon

C: Nikola Vucevic

Key Addition: Cole Anthony

Tier 8: Cade Cunningham Contenders

The worst teams in the league who will be in the hunt to select the projected number one overall pick, Cade Cunningham

27. Oklahoma City Thunder

Lineup:

PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

SG: Hamidou Diallo

SF: Luguentz Dort

PF: Darius Bazley

C: Al Horford

Key Additions: George Hill and Al Horford

28. New York Knicks

Lineup:

PG: Elfrid Payton

SG: RJ Barrett

SF: Obi Toppin

PF: Julius Randle

C: Mitchell Robinson

Key Additions: Obi Toppin, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, Austin Rivers, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

29. Cleveland Cavaliers

Lineup:

PG: Darius Garland

SG: Colin Sexton

SF: Isaac Okoro

PF: Kevin Love

C: Andre Drummond

Key Additions: Isaac Okoro, Matthew Dellavedova, and Damyean Dotson

30. Detroit Pistons

Lineup:

PG: Killian Hayes

SG: Delon Wright

SF: Jerami Grant

PF: Blake Griffin

C: Mason Plumlee

Key Additions: Killian Hayes, Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, and Jahlil Okafor

Playoff Predictions:

This is how I think the playoff seeding will look like for each conference.

Eastern Conference:

1. Milwaukee Bucks

2. Brooklyn Nets

3. Boston Celtics

4. Miami Heat

5. Toronto Raptors

6. Philadelphia 76ers

7. Indiana Pacers

8. Atlanta Hawks

Outside Looking In:

9. Washington Wizards

10. Chicago Bulls

Western Conference:

1. Los Angeles Lakers

2. Denver Nuggets

3. Los Angeles Clippers

4. Dallas Mavericks

5. Houston Rockets

6. Portland Trailblazers

7. Utah Jazz

8. Phoenix Suns

Outside Looking In:

9. Golden State Warriors

10. Memphis Grizzlies

Regular Season Awards Predictions

These are my predictions for each regular-season award. Included are my top three candidates and one darkhorse candidate.

Most Valuable Player

Winner - Luka Doncic

2nd - Giannis Antetokounmpo

3rd - Anthony Davis

Dark Horse: Jayson Tatum

I know that Luka Doncic is the trendy pick for the most valuable player award, but I have to agree with the consensus on this one. He's coming off a historically good sophomore campaign, in which he averaged 31/10/9 per 75 possessions, and the Dallas Mavericks improved over the offseason. If Luka can keep producing at this rate and lead the Mavericks to a top-four seed in a stacked western conference, there's no doubt in my mind that he'll be a finalist for this award.

Giannis Antetokounmpo should have another fantastic regular season. He's just twenty-six years old and the Milwaukee Bucks should be a dominant team once again. Voter fatigue will unfortunately keep him from securing a third straight MVP award, but he should be a finalist if he keeps up his statistical production.

Anthony Davis was unreal last year and actually had better stats than his teammate LeBron James. If he carries a heavier load on offense with LeBron entering the final stage of his career, his numbers should better which should put him in the MVP conversation. Having another top ten teammate will hurt his case, but he should be a finalist if the Lakers have a top-three seed in the west.

Jayson Tatum took a big leap last season and became a star right before our eyes. His development into a star-level perimeter defender and shot creator has elevated him into one of the best wings in the entire league. If he takes another statistical leap and leads the Boston Celtics to a top-three seed in the east, he could be an MVP candidate.

Rookie of the Year

Winner - LaMelo Ball

2nd - Killian Hayes

3rd - Anthony Edwards

Dark Horse - Cole Anthony

ESPN doesn't have LaMelo Ball listed as a starter, but I am confident he will win the job in training camp. Assuming he does end up starting, I am extremely confident he will win the rookie of the year award. LaMelo is a passing wizard who can manipulate defenses with his tight handle and skill as a shot creator. Although I worry about his efficiency and effort on defense, I expect him to put up good numbers on a fun and surprisingly decent Hornets team. This should be enough to secure the award.

Killian Hayes also has a chance to win this award. He's going to be the lead guard for the Detroit Pistons and he'll have the keys to the offense. I expect him to put up good numbers, but his case will ultimately be hurt by the fact that the Pistons should be a losing team. It's unfortunate, but that's how the regular-season award voting process goes.

Anthony Edwards will have a smaller role than Hayes and Ball, but his scoring prowess is undeniable. If he's able to average a bunch of points, he'll likely be in the conversation for this award.

I think Cole Anthony will shock a lot of people this season. He's become underrated after having a rough freshman season at North Carolina, but he's a terrifyingly good scorer. Depending on how much he plays, I could see Anthony having good enough production to at least contend for this award.

Defensive Player of the Year

Winner - Giannis Antetokounmpo

2nd - Anthony Davis

3rd - Rudy Gobert

Dark Horse: OG Anunoby

Well...this is boring.

I understand that these three players were finalists for this award last season, but I can't deny that they are three of the best defenders in the NBA. The defensive player of the year award caters to big men and these three players are statistically the cream of the crop. Last season, Giannis was the best defender in the league by a decent margin and I expect his dominance on that end of the floor to continue as the Bucks' scheme thrives with him as the centerpiece.

Watch out for OG Anunoby. He was one of the league's best perimeter defenders last season and he still has room to improve on that end. If his pick and roll defense is better this season, I wouldn't be shocked to see him contend for this award.

6th Man of the Year

Winner - Dennis Schroeder

2nd - Lou Williams

3rd - Danilo Gallinari

Dark Horse - Derrick Rose

The sixth man of the year award usually goes to the bench player who averages the most points, but this year that might not be the case. Lou Williams is always in the conversation for this award. but the Los Angeles Lakers will be a media darling this season and Dennis Schroeder will benefit from that. Schroeder's production may decrease since he's playing on a team with more depth and star power than his previous one, but I expect him to have a very efficient and productive year playing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

I actually may be too low on Danilo Gallinari. He had an excellent season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 23/6/2 per 75 possessions on 61% TS%, before joining the Atlanta Hawks. Now he is a part of a Hawks roster with lots of depth and offensive firepower. He's coming off the bench this season so his production will decrease, but I believe he will put up efficient numbers playing next to an awesome playmaker in Trae Young.

Derrick Rose was really good last season, averaging 26/3/8 per 75 possessions, and I expect him to have a productive season as he mentors rookie Killian Hayes. I believe he'll be punished for being on a losing Pistons team, but he should be in contention if he replicates the numbers he put up last season.

Most Improved Player

Winner - Jamal Murray

2nd - Michael Porter Jr.

3rd - Wendell Carter Jr./Lauri Markkanen

Dark Horse: OG Anunoby

It's rare to have two players from the same team finish first and second for a regular-season award, but it may happen this season. Jamal Murray looked like an all-star in the bubble, hitting ridiculous shots off the dribble and attacking the rim stronger than ever before. If bubble Jamal Murray is here to stay, I expect him to win this award with ease.

Michael Porter Jr. is on my list of players to watch this season. He's a big forward who can shoot and score off the dribble, but he has yet to take that leap into stardom. As his role within the Nuggets' offense expands, he should begin producing like a high-level wing.

I can't wait to see the Bulls play this season, because I think they'll be a totally different team without Jim Boylen as their head coach. With Billy Donovan at the helm, I expect to see Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen have bigger roles in their offense which will lead to better production.

Coach Of The Year

Winner - Frank Vogel

2nd - Nick Nurse

3rd - Doc Rivers

Dark Horse - Lloyd Pierce

The Lakers have the most star-power in the league and they added a lot of depth over the offseason. With the improvements they made, I expect them to be the best team in the NBA. If they have the best record in the league, Frank Vogel will deserve consideration for the coach of the year award. I also think the media narratives will help his case.

Nick Nurse is a top-two coach in the NBA and the Toronto Raptors should continue to be of the best teams in the east. His ability to get the most out of his players will always put him in the conversation for this award.

With the adjustments the Philadelphia 76ers made to their roster, I think they have a chance to explode and be one of the most surprising teams this season. They improved their floor spacing and did a good job of getting a quality secondary shot creator to play next to Ben Simmons (Tyrese Maxey). Their roster fits really well together now and I can see them having a big year. If that happens, Doc Rivers could be a finalist for this award.

Lloyd Pierce could be in the conversation depending on how well the Atlanta Hawks do. If the Hawks overachieve and secure a top-six seed in the eastern conference, I could see Pierce getting coach of the year buzz. It all depends on how well his team performs after an extremely active offseason.

I can't wait to see what the 2020-2021 NBA season has in store. Here's to a fun and successful year of NBA basketball!