2010-2011 NBA Predictions Part 3

Finishing up my season predictions...

Orlando Magic:
I have to put aside their Friday-night game against the Miami Heat when I write this, because what I saw was far from a championship contender, however, I think the Magic will have another good season this time around. True they lost Matt Barnes, whose energy will be missed, but they also picked up Quentin Richardson and Chris Duhon, players who I believe will surely help out. Dwight Howard also made several statements over the summer regarding the fact that hes no longer "joking around" and intends to work as his full potential all season long. Do I think they'll take it all? No. Not yet. But I think they'll once again come pretty close.

Philadelphia 76ers:
For whatever reason, I love this team. And I think most of that is due to Iguodala. This guy goes hard every single night and in my opinion, is severely underrated. They've struggled in the past but I think with the new addition of Evan Turner, a rookie who seems to be headed in the right direction, and of course coach Doug Collins, things will pick up for them.

Phoenix Suns:
I can't lie, losing Amare Stoudemire will certainly hurt this team. Not even just by way of skills alone, but he brought a certain swag and attitude to the floor, night after night. However, with guys like Steve Nash and Channing Frye still sticking around, plus the addition of Hedo Turkoglu, hopefully this team won't take too hard of a hit. I think they'll still make it into the Playoffs, as long as they themselves don't give up hope.

Portland Trailblazers:
As obvious of a statement as this may be, the Blazers' season depends on injuries. The last couple of years were a disaster, with key guys missing a horrifically large number of games, but health aside, this team isn't half bad. Brandon Roy is a star and hes got a handful of good backups, so this season isn't completely hopeless for them.

Sacramento Kings:
Mmm, my absolute favorite underdogs. From C-Webb once having played for them, to their all-star team back in the day, to last year's golden boy Tyreke Evans, to this year's potential killer DeMarcus Cousins, I love everything about this team. However, they're rarely talked about, let alone put in the spotlight, as lately they haven't been doing so hot. In my opinion though, thats about to change. From watching both their summer league and preseason games, the Kings seem hungry and like they are ready to put up a fight. True the West is a no-mercy type of situation, so no, I'm not expecting a miracle, but I think compared to the recent-past, they will be pleased with themselves come spring.

San Antonio Spurs:
I really don't see much change happening this season with the Spurs. Yeah theres talk of the team getting "old", but does one year really make a difference? Roger Mason is gone, someone who I actually really liked in the mix, but I don't see that affecting them too much. I predict business as usual for these guys. And thats probably a good thing.

Toronto Raptors:
For whatever reason, despite the loss of Chris Bosh, people seem to think they'll be ok. I am not one of those people. Clearly preseason isn't always a reflection of the real thing, but having gone to a Bulls/Raptors game and seeing them up-close...it wasn't looking good. Obviously they still have talented athletes on their side, such as Andrea Bargnani, but I don't see a couple of good, not amazing, guys, being nearly enough to survive.

Utah Jazz:
Having lost what feels like half their team to the Chicago Bulls, yet acquiring guys like Al Jefferson and Raja Bell, I think they'll pretty much end up where they were last year: close but no cigar.

Washington Wizards:
John Wall, John Wall, John Wall. No doubt hes going to get ROY, but will he be able to turn this team around? With the addition of him and Kirk Hinrich, and the return of the seemingly oh-so-unstable Gilbert Arenas (which to be honest, breaks my heart, as I think aside from his off-court antics, is a great guy and player), things seem to be looking up, but like anything else in life, things take time. I think they'll certainly have a better season this time around, but big change can't happen over night. I'd give it a few seasons before things really start to show some difference.

And there you have it everyone...my predictions for this NBA season are complete. Wrong or right, I can't wait to see how everything unfolds. Theres nothing like a new season of basketball to put me in a good mood.