NBA preseason predictions: Our consultants’ picks for 2019-20
The 2019-20 version of ESPN’s NBA summer time forecast is right here.
Which would be the finest and worst groups this season? Which famous person gamers will win the most important awards? What surprises are on the way in which?
We polled ESPN’s panel of basketball consultants for his or her predictions heading into the season. Over the subsequent week, we’ll roll out the outcomes proper right here.
Subsequent up: The almost certainly NBA Rookie of the Yr contenders, together with strengths and weaknesses for the highest gamers.
Plus, vote on the subsequent subject: Who will win NBA MVP?
Who will win NBA Rookie of the Yr?
The highest-Three voting totals right here observe the draft order, with Zion Williamson beginning the 12 months as a convincing front-runner forward of Ja Morant and RJ Barrett.
1. Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans: 143 factors (72.7% first-place votes)
2. Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies: 88 factors (18.2% first-place votes)
Three. RJ Barrett | New York Knicks: 53 factors (9.1% first-place votes)
four. Darius Garland | Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 factors
5. Coby White | Chicago Bulls: four factors
6. Jarrett Culver | Minnesota Timberwolves: Three factors
7. Michael Porter Jr. | Denver Nuggets: 1 level
MORE: Swing abilities for prime ROY contenders
Voters had been requested for his or her prime three almost certainly ROY candidates, and we calculated a weighted level complete.
Who will win the NBA title?
Heading into 2018-19, the Golden State Warriors acquired each first-place vote on this class. Now there’s extra competitors, with the LA Clippers main the way in which because the almost certainly NBA champion.
1. LA Clippers: 117 factors (54.5% first-place votes)
2. Milwaukee Bucks: 85 factors (36.four% first-place votes)
Three. Philadelphia 76ers: 38 factors (6.1% first-place votes)
four. Los Angeles Lakers: 29 factors
5. Golden State Warriors: 15 factors (Three.zero% first-place votes)
6. Houston Rockets: 11 factors
7. Utah Jazz: Three factors
MORE: Greatest query and best edge for every title contender
Voters had been requested for his or her prime three almost certainly title groups, and we calculated a weighted level complete.
Jap Convention standings
The Bucks and Sixers are the clear leaders within the East, they usually got here out with the highest projections in both convention.
Will a 3rd crew escape as a contender to crash the NBA Finals? And may an up-and-coming crew such because the Bulls or Hawks break into the playoff image?
1. Milwaukee Bucks: 57-25
2. Philadelphia 76ers: 55-27
Three. Boston Celtics: 48-34
four. Indiana Pacers: 46-36
5. Brooklyn Nets: 45-37
6. Toronto Raptors: 45-37
7. Miami Warmth: 43-39
eight. Orlando Magic: 41-41
9. Detroit Pistons: 38-44
10. Atlanta Hawks: 34-48
11. Chicago Bulls: 32-50
12. Washington Wizards: 28-54
13. New York Knicks: 26-56
14. Charlotte Hornets: 23-59
15. Cleveland Cavaliers: 22-60
MORE: 5-on-5: Probably the most overrated and underrated NBA groups
Groups with the identical projected file had ties damaged earlier than rounding.
Western Convention standings
Continuity wins within the West, because the Nuggets retained their core whereas including a pleasant piece in Jerami Grant, although they held off the Clippers by solely a fraction of a win. Then it is a tight playoff race all the way in which all the way down to Sacramento at No. 12. Even when groups take time working in new additions, the Western Convention will probably be loaded.
1. Denver Nuggets: 54-28
2. LA Clippers: 54-28
Three. Houston Rockets: 53-29
four. Utah Jazz: 52-30
5. Los Angeles Lakers: 51-31
6. Golden State Warriors: 49-33
7. Portland Path Blazers: 47-35
eight. San Antonio Spurs: 43-39
9. Dallas Mavericks: 41-41
10. New Orleans Pelicans: 40-42
11. Minnesota Timberwolves: 38-44
12. Sacramento Kings: 37-45
13. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: 33-49
14. Phoenix Suns: 28-54
15. Memphis Grizzlies: 27-55
MORE: Projected information, standings for each NBA crew 
Groups with the identical projected file had ties damaged earlier than rounding.
Vote now: Who will win NBA MVP?
Our consultants have made their picks. Now it is your flip to weigh in earlier than the subsequent reveal: Who will win NBA MVP?
Picture credit: Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Photos; Ethan Miller/Getty Photos; David Zalubowski/AP Picture; Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE by way of Getty Photos; Stacy Revere/Getty Photos