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Staff Roundtable: 2020-21 NBA Season Predictions

By Dylan Jackson

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with his MVP trophy and Finals trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with his MVP trophy and Finals trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Eastern Conference Winner

Dylan Jackson: Philadelphia 76ers

Okay, I know that the 76ers really disappointed last year. But they did not have their best player in the playoffs, and as a result, lost in the first round to the Celtics. That said, Philly added several high-level rotation players and really improved their biggest weakness: shooting.

Josh Tyler: Milwaukee Bucks

Acquiring Jrue Holiday solidifies this already sound Bucks team as the best defensive team in the league. Their success in the postseason is what remains to be seen.

Matthew Osment: Milwaukee Bucks

No team is going for it more this season than the Bucks. They are going to everything they can to win to convince Giannis to stay. I love the Jrue Holiday deal and think he is a great upgrade over Bledsoe especially in the playoffs. I can also definitely see them being players at the trade deadline.

Phil Ford: Brooklyn Nets

I’m all-in on the Nets this season. Kevin Durant is returning to the court after missing all of last season with an achilles injury. By all accounts Durant looks great in offseason workouts and we will finally get to see him alongside Kyrie Irving, who himself only played 20 games last year. Without these two superstars, the Nets still fared pretty well last season making the playoffs as the seventh seed in the East. With Durant and Kyrie in the mix, the Nets should vault up the standings and compete for the Eastern Conference Championship. The big wrinkle that I’m basing my prediction on is what happens with James Harden? The Rockets superstar has made it known that he wants to force a trade specifically to Brooklyn. The Nets and Sixers are the two favorites to get Harden via trade this season. The feeling is that a trade to Brooklyn is going to happen, and it’s just a matter of time. When the Nets get Harden they automatically become the favorites in the Eastern Conference, and unless something crazy happens, they will overcome the Bucks, Heat, Celtics, and other contenders in the East to make the NBA Finals.

Paul Langan: Boston Celtics

After losing 4-2 last season in the eastern conference finals to the Miami Heat, the Celtics make it to the finals this year. They have all the pieces to compete and be a legit threat. Even though they lost Gordon Hayward, they signed Tristan Thompson to fill that hole somewhat. Most importantly they still have Jayson Tatum who continues to improve as well as Jaylen Brown who shot well last season. Another player that doesn’t necessarily light it up on offense but is crucial to their defense is Marcus Smart. All these players will be cohesive and lead them to the finals.

Final count: Milwaukee Bucks 2, Philadelphia 76ers 1, Brooklyn Nets 1, Boston Celtics 1

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