Baez vs Serrano vs Walton: 22-23 NBA Preview

By Santos Baez ’25, Ezequiel Serrano ’25 and Lance Walton ’25

Baez

East

  1. Bucks
  2. 76ers
  3. Heat
  4. Nets
  5. Celtics
  6. Cavaliers
  7. Bulls
  8. Hawks
  9. Raptors
  10. Knicks

West

  1. Warriors
  2. Clippers
  3. Grizzlies
  4. Suns
  5. Nuggets
  6. Mavericks
  7. TWolves
  8. Pelicans
  9. Lakers
  10. Trailblazers

Eastern Conference Finals: Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks (Philadelphia wins in 7)

Western Conference Finals: Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers (Warriors win in 6)

NBA Champion: Golden State Warriors 4-1 over the 76ers Stephen Curry wins Finals MVP

Steph and the experienced Warriors will easily overmatch a 76er squad that hasn’t been there before.

Award predictions

MVP : Giannis Antetokounmpo

Defensive Player of the Year : Kawhi Leonard

Sixth Man of the Year: Derrick Rose

Please no injuries, please no injuries.

Rookie of the Year: Paolo Banchero

Serrano

East

  1. Bucks
  2. 76ers
  3. Nets
  4. Cavs
  5. Celtics
  6. Heat
  7. Bulls
  8. Toronto
  9. Hawks
  10. Knicks

West 

  1. Warriors 
  2. Nuggets
  3. Clippers
  4. Grizzlies
  5. Mavericks
  6. Suns
  7. Pelicans
  8. TWolves
  9. Lakers
  10. Trail blazers

Eastern Conference Champion:

Bucks

Western Conference Champion: Clippers

NBA Champion: Clippers 4-3, Kawhi Leaonard MVP

After a tight series, I think a finally healthy Clippers squad can pull off the win over the Bucks, getting their long sought

Award predictions

MVP : Joel Embiid. 

I think Joel Embiid has already been playing at an MVP level, and due to voter fatigue and his success as a player may be just enough to win him this award.

Defensive Player of the Year: Ben SImmons

 With the defensive position he has been put in, with Kevin and Kyrie both not playing good defense, he will have to prove why he is an elite defender.

Sixth Man of the Year: Tyler Herro

I can’t see a reason why he wouldn’t win, 20 ppg off the bench is incredibly helpful to your team.

Rookie of the Year: Paolo Banchero

With Chet Holmgren getting injured over the offseason, Paolo seems like the obvious pick. The Magic are bound to give him touches to help him get used to the play of the NBA, and i think he will help his team improve.

Walton

East

  1. Celtics
  2. Bucks
  3. Heat
  4. Nets
  5. Bulls
  6. Cavaliers
  7. Hawks
  8. 76ers
  9. Pistons 
  10. Raptors 

West

  1. Lakers
  2. Warriors 
  3. Mavericks 
  4. TWolves
  5. Suns
  6. Clippers 
  7. Grizzlies 
  8. Nuggets 
  9. Rockets
  10. Jazz

Eastern Conference Champion:

Bucks

Western Conference Champion: Clippers

NBA Champion: Bucks 4-2 over the Clippers

The Bucks have great teamwork and have arguably the best player in the league in Giannis. They’ve also been there before—and I think will bring the ‘ship back to Milwaukee.

Award Predictions

MVP: Joel Embid

He is very dominant in the paint and is a center who can be reliable on the perimeter as well; in other words, a very versatile player and a great candidate for MVP.

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert 

Gobert has done it three times before, and I think he’ll be looking for his 4th with his new team.

Sixth Man of the Year: Tyler Herro

He averages 20 ppg coming off of the bench, making him arguably the best offensive 6th man in the league.

Rookie of the Year: Jabari Smith Jr.

With Jabari being on the lowly Houston Rockets it’s gives him more of a chance to be a diamond in the rough and shine over his teammates and show his capabilities as a basketball player.

Leave a comment