The beginning of the 2021-22 NBA season is upon us! Last year had many highlights, including the Milwaukee Bucks winning the championship and Giannis Antetokounmpo being crowned the Finals MVP. Nikola Jokic was the regular season MVP and Stephen Curry, a fan favorite, won the scoring title. Aside from these awards, fans were excited to be able to go to in-person games after the 2019-20 season, which saw players having to remain isolated during the playoffs. There were also some downsides to last season; fans were unhappy with how easy it was to get offensive fouls and how injuries plagued many of the contenders. Some of these complaints were heard, such as when the NBA installed a rule change about offensive fouls. Since the season is just getting started, so are predictions! Some students believe that the Golden State Warriors will win it all (Dev Patel, 11), while others believe that our hometown, the Atlanta Hawks will (Ashish Panchumarthy, 12).

Eastern Conference Predictions
Teams
1. Chicago Bulls
2. Brooklyn Nets
3. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Miami Heat
5. Philadelphia 76ers
6. Atlanta Hawks
7. Boston Celtics
8. New York Knicks
9. Charlotte Hornets
10. Washington Wizards
11. Toronto Raptors
12. Indiana Pacers
13. Cleveland Cavaliers
14. Detroit Pistons
15. Orlando Magic

The Chicago Bulls have built a well-fit team with key stars like Demar Derozan and Zach Lavine, who’ve never taken the next step in becoming a superstar because of their teams, but now have the talent to prove otherwise. The biggest concern about this team in the preseason was their defense, but perimeter defenders such as Lonzo Ball have proven to be a valuable asset to the team. Their offense is also stellar because of their ability to score on all three levels, with Derozan having a phenomenal mid-range game and Lavine being able to stretch the floor.

The Brooklyn Nets have endured the possible loss of Kyrie Irving, but Kevin Durant and James Harden on the same team almost guarantees them a spot in the top 3. The Milwaukee Bucks just came off of a championship run and haven’t changed their team up too much since, but Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday are all-star players with a lot of chemistry. The Miami Heat are a serious contender because of the addition of Kyle Lowry, as well as Tyler Herro living up to his potential in these first couple of games.

The next four seeds are solid teams, with some flaws that may lead them to fall even lower, and strengths that could lead them to an even higher seed. Jayson Tatum’s lack of performance and leadership on the Boston Celtics this season has led some fans to be concerned. The Philadelphia 76ers’ loss of Ben Simmons without a replacement will almost certainly impact their performance.

Seeds 9 and 10 are both serious playoff contenders but lack a very key aspect that drops them to these spots. The Charlotte Hornets lack a good center, which leaves them outrebounded; the Washington Wizards lack good role players.

Seeds 11-15 lack multiple important aspects, such as a cemented superstar, like the Toronto Raptors, or they’re rebuilding and their team is very young, like the Pistons and Cavaliers.

Western Conference Predictions
Teams
1. Utah Jazz
2. Golden State Warriors
3. Los Angeles Lakers
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Phoenix Suns
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Portland Trail Blazers
9. Los Angeles Clippers
10. Memphis Grizzlies
11. Sacramento Kings
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. New Orlean Pelicans
14. Houston Rockets
15. San Antonio Spurs

The Utah Jazz is looking better than ever this year, with Donovan Mitchell being an offensive powerhouse and Rudy Gobert being one of the best rim protectors of all time. The Jazz has been regular-season champions in the past, but they haven’t been able to convert that success in the playoffs.
Hopefully, Mitchell and Gobert can take the next step and win it all this year. Some students think that they can make it “all the way to the finals” (Nathaniel Deliria, 10), while some believe that they aren’t a viable playoff team (Mohnish Mara, 11). Golden State was questionable before the season started; no one knew whether Stephen Curry’s offensive abilities would yet again have to take the strain of carrying the team, or if the rookies and role players could develop. It seems like the latter has happened, with Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins stepping their game up. Also, Klay Thompson is slated to come back in December, and his ability to draw the defense away from Curry will make the team even better. Overall, Golden State has all of the right pieces and the potential to win a championship. Some students think that Golden State’s lack of a second star will make it “impossible” to win (Brian Malcolm, 11).

The Los Angeles Lakers have an “old but gold” team. Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Russell Westbrook are in their thirties, but they’ve cemented leaders and have plenty of experience. Lebron James and Anthony Davis teamed up in 2020 to win a championship, and with these new additions, they have an opportunity to win another. In all, the NBA is coming with new and exciting players and rules, as well as familiar faces and teams. Fans are excited for the new rule change implementation, being able to see games in-person, and new city jerseys. It’ll be a toss-up to see who’ll win, and who won’t!