DWW Staff Roundtable: 2021 NBA Awards Predictions

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: James Harden #13, Kevin Durant #7, and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets look on against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Barclays Center on April 30, 2021 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images) /

NBA Awards: Finals Prediction

DJ – LA Clippers 4-3 Brooklyn Nets

I love the Nets. I love the Clippers more. They have coasted through their schedule very quietly this year, and the Paul George slander has gone too far. Kawhi Leonard is incredible, and he’ll show that again this year. If there is any team that has the ability to guard all of Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant, it’s the Clippers.

PL – Brooklyn Nets 4-3 LA Lakers

Without James Harden, it was hard for me to see the Nets making the finals. But now that they have Harden, I can’t see another team in the East making the finals over them. Even if one of the big three ends up on a minute restriction because of injury, this team has proven that they can win even if a player is out. The Lakers are another team that has had some injury concerns for most of the season, but with Lebron making a return just a few weeks before the playoffs, they are going to be a dangerous team throughout the playoffs. However, a team like the Brooklyn Nets are too powerful to beat when fully healthy and will end up hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy after a competitive series.

PF – Brooklyn Nets 4-3 LA Lakers

I flipped it from my preseason prediction where I had the Lakers beating the Nets in seven games. If Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden are all healthy for the playoffs, the Nets are an unstoppable offensive juggernaut that no team, even a great defensive team like the Lakers, can stop. LeBron and Anthony Davis should be fresh for another deep playoff run, but I don’t believe they have enough firepower to keep up with the Nets.

BW – LA Lakers 4-2 Milwaukee Bucks

Lebron and AD have got some well needed rest right before the playoffs, and while Playoff Lebron is already a thing, imagine this 36-year-old with fresh legs. As for the Bucks, I don’t see yet another playoff collapse happening, with Giannis being more determined than ever to get the job done. He does have more help around him this year in case teams decide to sag off him again like the Raptors did in 2019.

BF – Milwaukee Bucks 4-3 LA Lakers

We’re beginning to see the best version of the Bucks. Their newfound versatility on defense and diversity on offense will pay off in the postseason. Once fully healthy, the Lakers may be the best team in the NBA but the Bucks have the pieces to play any style and beat any opponent.

FINAL COUNT: Brooklyn Nets 2, LA Clippers 1, LA Lakers 1, Milwaukee Bucks 1

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