by Dee4Three on Sat Apr 14, 2018 1:04 am
I can't wrap my mind around a prediction this year.
I think the NBA would love the following:
1. Warriors vs Cavs (Again) - Curry and LeBron are still the most popular players in the world, and obviously that matchup would garner the viewership/marketability the NBA would love. I think it would cap off LeBrons last year in Cleveland (I think all of us believe he is walking), and it would pit a rematch between Durant and LeBron (Which Durant dominated in last years finals).
2. 76ers vs Warriors/Rockets - The 76ers climb has clearly been great for the league, and the "process" has been quite the fan favorite (The actual process, not just Joel Embiid). Having a new, young, exciting team in the finals, passing the torch you could say, could bring new life into the NBA and shift focus onto the new upcoming talent (Embiid and Simmons). If they take on the Warriors, that's beautiful for the league, as it's the ultimate underdog vs the best team in the NBA over the last few years. If it's 76ers vs Rockets, it shows that the league isn't so top heavy, makes it look less watered down.
3. Raptors vs anybody - The Raptors are healthy, and like the 76ers vs Rockets/Warriors, it would show that the league is not so top heavy. In light of a recent tragic event that happened in the area, it would be a great story if the Raptors made an incredible playoff run.
What I think COULD happen:
I still think (Like JaoSming) that the Cavs vs Warriors will be in the finals. Two most popular players in the world, in the finals one more time before LeBron leaves Cleveland. I think the Warriors win as long as the league doesn't interfere, and they stay healthy, as the Warriors are clearly a much more talented team.