Weekly NFL Preview/Review: Doctor Ew

We're at the halfway point of the NFL season. I apologize for the British-related pun in the title, but that's what I'm going to talk about today: The league's cellar-dwellers going to London. The NFL always seems to send bad teams to London to showcase the NFL. Multiple coaches have been fired after losing in London, including this season, after Miami lost to the Jets in Week 4. Last week in London, 3-4 Buffalo lost to 2-5 Jacksonville, and this week, 1-6 Detroit faces 2-5 Kansas City. Poor Londoners have seen so much of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Week 7 Review

Top Games
1. Bills 31, Jaguars 34
This game made history by being the first NFL game live-streamed online (it was on Yahoo), and it turned out to be a good game. Jacksonville took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter, but Buffalo scored a touchdown with six-and-a-half minutes left (and got the two-point conversion), then got a pick-six from Corey Graham to take a 31-27 lead. However, the Jags struck back, as Blake Bortles made up for his interception with a 31-yard touchdown pass just before the two-minute warning.

2. Buccaneers 30, Redskins 31
Tampa Bay took a 24-7 lead into the third quarter, but then the Washington comeback began. After they got within three, the Bucs kicked a field goal to stretch the lead to 30-24, but then Kirk Cousins marched the Redskins down the field and threw a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Reed with 24 seconds remaining. Cousins was kind of pumped about it afterward:

3. Cowboys 20, Giants 27
In a game that shockingly was not on Sunday Night Football, the two NFC East foes battled back-and-forth. The Giants were helped by two interceptions off Matt Cassel, including a 58-yard pick-six from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. They were also helped by former Cowboy Dwayne Harris, who scored what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown on a 100-yard kickoff return.


Play of the Week
Chris Johnson continued his comeback/late-career renaissance Monday night against Baltimore. He ran for 122 yards (his third 100-yard rushing game this season) and a touchdown. He also made the highlight reel with this big run that looked like it would be stopped for a short gain. But Johnson, aware that he was not down and no whistle had been blown, kept running and busted a 62-yard run.

Play of the Weak
Cole Beasley may have lost his job as the Cowboy's primary punt returner Sunday. Down seven with a minute-and-a-half to play and no timeouts left, the Cowboys forced a punt from the Giants. Brad Wing punted from his own 22 yard line to Dallas' 15 yard line, where Beasley had to back up to try to catch it, and never got hold of it. It bounced right into Myles White's hands and the Giants secured the victory.


Top Performances
Dolphins RB Lamar Miller vs. Houston (W 44-26): 14 carries, 175 yards, TD
Miller busted out a big game for the second straight week (he had 113 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee), this time against the lowly Texans. He has found much more success (in two weeks) under new head coach Dan Campbell.

Redskins QB Kirk Cousins vs. Tampa Bay (W 31-30): 33-40, 317 yards, 3 TD
Just go back up and watch that video at least three or four more times.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper @ San Diego (W 37-29): 5 catches, 133 yards, TD
The rookie got back to tearing it up on Sunday in San Diego after two sub-par weeks, helping the Raiders beat the Chargers with his third 100-yard receiving game this season.


Week 8 Preview

Quick Picks (home team listed last)
Last Week: 9-5
Overall: 60-34

Byes: Bills, Eagles, Redskins, Jaguars
Dolphins 28, Patriots 35 (Thursday, 8:25 PM, CBS/NFL)
Lions 30, Chiefs 31 (Sunday, 9:30 AM, FOX, at Wembley Stadium)
Cardinals 32, Browns 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Buccaneers 24, Falcons 38 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
49ers 20, Rams 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Giants 27, Saints 34 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Vikings 28, Bears 23 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Chargers 31, Ravens 22 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Bengals 35, Steelers 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Titans 28, Texans 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Jets 21, Raiders 24 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, CBS)
Seahawks 27, Cowboys 21 (Sunday, 4: 25 PM, FOX)
Game to Watch: Packers 32, Broncos 27 (Sunday, 8:30 PM, NBC)
This week's Sunday Night Football matchup is between two unbeaten teams. Green Bay is winning with their offense, led by All-World quarterback Aaron Rodgers, while Denver is winning with their defense, which is making up for a struggling Peyton Manning.
Colts 24, Panthers 31 (Monday, 8:30 PM, ESPN)


Fantasy Sleepers
Cardinals RB Chris Johnson @ Cleveland 
Ravens RB Justin Forsett vs. San Diego
In this week's edition of "Who Plays the Two Worst Rushing Defenses in the NFL", we have Chris Johnson and Justin Forsett. Johnson has been on fire, and there is no reason he won't continue that against the Browns' screen door (or no door) rush defense. Forsett only ran for 32 yards last week, but he did score a touchdown, and he has gone off for 150 (vs. the Browns) and 121 this season.

Saints QB Drew Brees vs. N.Y. Giants
Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick @ Oakland
In this week's edition of "Who Plays Two of the Worst Defenses in the NFL", we have Drew Brees and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Brees faces a defense that is near the bottom in every category, and he's thrown for at least 255 yards in every game this season. Fitzpatrick has thrown two touchdown passes in all but one game, and he plays the worst pass defense (in terms of yards per game) in the league.

Vikings WR Stefon Diggs @ Chicago
Titans TE Delanie Walker @ Houston
Keep riding the Diggs bandwagon. He's quickly become Teddy Bridgewater's top option. Plus, the Bears are tied for the second-most receiving touchdowns allowed this season (15). The only team with more receiving touchdowns allowed are the Texans (16), who play Walker and the Titans Sunday. Walker is Tennessee's top target, and he'll get a boost if Marcus Mariota is able to suit up.

Fantasy Busts
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant vs. Seattle
Packers WR Randall Cobb @ Denver
I don't care if Dez plays this weekend. Hold off on inserting him back into your starting lineup. He won't be completely healthy, he'll have Matt Cassel at quarterback, and he'll be up against Richard Sherman and the Legion of Boom. Cobb will be up against Aqib Talib and the vicious Denver secondary, and Aaron Rodgers has other options anyway.

Colts QB Andrew Luck @ Carolina
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cincinnati 
Luck has not looked sharp thus far, and the Panthers defense is scary. As with Dez Bryant, hold off on Big Ben. He won't be 100% and the Bengals defense is strong.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray vs. N.Y. Jets
Jets RB Chris Ivory @ Oakland
Latavius is coming off a solid game in San Diego, but this week he faces a tougher defense then the Chargers. The Jets have the stingiest rush defense in the NFL. On the other sideline, Chris Ivory goes up against the third-best rush defense in the NFL in Oakland.

CFB Weekly Review/Preview: Playoff Shake-Up

Welcome back for for Week 9 of the college football season. Last week, a couple College Football Playoff contenders suffered big losses, either on the scoreboard or on the field. Utah, who I have been praising, was sitting pretty heading to L.A. for a battle with the USC Trojans, who have played very well since the firing of coach Steve Sarkisian. Although Utah was in the top four and USC was unranked, many believed the Utes would fall to the Trojans, and sure enough, USC trounced Utah 42-24 Saturday night in the Coliseum. Meanwhile, Baylor, right now arguably the second-best team in the country (or even first in the eyes of some), cruised to a 45-27 win over Iowa State. But they lost star quarterback Seth Russell, who's thrown for 2,104 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season, to a neck fracture, which he will have surgery on and miss the rest of the season. Losing their starting quarterback doesn't necessarily mean the Bears are done (see last season's National Champs), but Russell's backup, Jarrett Stidham, is a true freshman. Two more things before we get going: I would like to send my condolences to the victims of the Oklahoma State homecoming parade drunk driving incident last Saturday and Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill, who retired this week due to recurring health problems.

Week 8 Review

Top Games
1. Florida State 16, Georgia Tech 22
Another week, another wild finish. Florida State (like Michigan last week) led all 60 minutes but still lost. With just over five minutes to play in the fourth quarter and up 16-13, Noles quarterback Everett Golson threw an interception in the end zone from the ten yard-line. After a couple punts, the Jackets drove down and kicked a 35-yard field goal to tie it with 54 seconds left. Florida State was then able to march down the field and set up Roberto Aguayo, arguably the best kicker in the nation, for a 56-yard field goal with six seconds left. Then it got wild. Georgia Tech lineman Patrick Gamble blocked the kick, and after it rolled around a bit, sophomore defensive back Lance Austin picked it up and ran down the sideline 78 yards for the game-winning touchdown with no time left on the clock.

2. Duke 45, Virginia Tech 43, 4OT

Don't worry, this wasn't the only four-overtime game last Saturday. This high-scoring game between two teams more known for defense was close the entire time. Duke kicker Ross Martin hit he right upright on 46-yard field goal attempt with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, which could've come back to bite the Blue Devils. Luckily for them, though, it didn't. After Virginia Tech scored but failed the two-point conversion in the fourth overtime, Duke struck back on the very first play of their drive, as quarterback Thomas Sirk hit Erich Schneider on a 35-yard touchdown pass, and then Sirk, on a pass that was defended well by the Hokies, scrambled and fought his way into the end zone to win it for the 6-1 Blue Devils.

3. Auburn 46, Arkansas 54, 4OT

This was the first of the two four-overtime games on Saturday. This long game went back-and-forth the whole time. After Arkansas took a 14-0 lead, Auburn came back and tied it, and the two teams traded the lead from there on. Arkansas led 24-21 with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, but Auburn drove down the field and kicked a 41-yard field goal as time expired. The teams matched each other in the first three overtimes (they both made the two-point conversion in the third overtime). Arkansas quickly struck in the fourth overtime, scoring on the first play of the drive on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Allen to Drew Morgan, and they converted the two-point conversion. Then the Razorback defense was able to hold Auburn to a one-yard run and three incompletions, getting out with a big win.

Play of the Week

This week's best play is, unsurprisingly, Georgia Tech's block and return for a game-winning touchdown against Florida State.

Play of the Weak

Not only did USC beat up on Utah to give the Utes their first loss of the season, but this poor Utah defender was embarrassed. USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster not only stiff-armed the guy into oblivion, but he called him out before he did it. he basically said "You are going to get absolutely destroyed by me" and then actually did it.

Top Performances

Washington State QB Luke Falk @ Arizona (W 45-42): 47-62, 514 yards, 5 TD

Falk and the pass-happy Cougars continued their ascent into a Pac-12 North contender with a big win over Arizona. Falk is third in the nation in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns. He has thrown for 2,885 yards, 26 touchdowns, and four interceptions so far this year. Washington State has a monumental game in the Pac-12 North race this weekend as they face Stanford.

Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett @ Rutgers (W 49-7): 14-18, 223 yards, 3 TD; 13 rushes, 101 yards, 2 TD

Barrett excelled in his first start of the season. The Ohio State offense looked the best it has looked since the first week of the season as Barrett ran and passed for over 100 yards and had five touchdowns.

USC LB Cameron Smith vs. Utah (W 42-24): 3 INT, 122 return yards, TD

USC took down #3 Utah behind the defensive exploits of Smith, who picked Utah quarterback Travis Wilson three times and racked up over 100 interception return yards and a touchdown. Wilson threw four interceptions as the Utes had 353 total yards.

Top 4 After Week 8

1. Ohio State

The buckeyes looked the best they've looked since their opening week win over Virginia Tech last Saturday night against Rutgers. Zeke Elliott ran for at least 100 yards for the 13th consecutive game (he had 142 yards and two touchdowns), the defense played outstanding (they gave up 293 total yards and just one touchdown, scored in the final seconds of the game), and new starting quarterback J.T. Barrett played very well. Next Game: Minnesota, 11/17, 8:00 PM

2. Clemson

Clemson climbs up to #2 after blowing out Miami. It was ugly. Clemson led 42-0 at halftime and ended up romping 58-0. After the game, Miami fired head coach Al Golden. Along with the thrashing of the Canes, Clemson boasts wins over Notre Dame and Georgia Tech. Next Game: @ NC State, Saturday, 3:30 PM

3. LSU

The Tigers easily dispatched of Western Kentucky last week, and they are in control of the SEC right now. They have elite talents at both quarterback (Brandon Harris, who has 1,098 yards passing, nine passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdown, and zero interceptions) and running back (Leonard Fournette (who has 1,352 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns). Next Game: @ #7 Alabama, 11/7, 8:00 PM 

4. Baylor

If this ranking were just based on the results of the games played so far, Baylor would be #2. But since I'm factoring in the impact of injuries, they slide to fourth. Luckily, Jarrett Stidham has time to prepare for his first start, since the Bears are off this week. Next Game: @ Kansas State, 11/5, 7:30 PM

Next Four: TCU, Michigan State, Stanford, Alabama

Week 9 Preview

Quick Picks (home team listed last)

Last Week: 14-5

Overall: 54-19

North Carolina 32, #23 Pittsburgh 30 (Thursday, 7:00 PM, ESPN)

West Virginia 42, #5 TCU 45 (Thursday, 7:30 PM, Fox Sports 1)

#19 Ole Miss 28, Auburn 21 (Saturday, Noon, ESPN)

Syracuse 17, #17 Florida State 28 (Saturday, Noon, ABC)

Colorado 24, #24 UCLA 32 (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Pac-12)

Georgia 28, #11 Florida 32 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, CBS)

#3 Clemson 29, NC State 14 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN2)

#14 Oklahoma 42, Kansas 6 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, Fox Sports 1)

#12 Oklahoma State 38, Texas Tech 34 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ESPN)

Maryland 24, #10 Iowa 32 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN2)

#15 Michigan 26, Minnesota 21 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN)

Tulane 14, #16 Memphis 32 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, CBS Sports)

Miami 35, #22 Duke 34 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPNU)

Vanderbilt 21, #18 Houston 42 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN2)

Oregon State 17, #13 Utah 34 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, Pac-12)

Game to Watch: #9 Notre Dame 28, #21 Temple 21 (Saturday, 8:00 PM, ABC)

In the only game between ranked teams this weekend, the undefeated Owls, who have had a surprisingly great season, face their biggest test yet against talented Notre Dame in South Bend. This game will help determine how seriously people should take Temple after starting 7-0.

Upset Special: #8 Stanford 32, Washington State 35 (Saturday, 10:30 PM, ESPN)

Washington State looks like the real deal after wins at Oregon and Arizona, and now they take aim at Stanford. Stanford is better than any team the Cougars have played, but Washington State my be able to shock the Cardinal with their air attack that contrasts Stanford's style of play.

2015-16 NBA Preview

The 2014-15 NBA season starts tonight, and there are many storylines as this season begins. Will the Warriors defend their title? Will LeBron help finally bring a championship to Cleveland? Will Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant both stay healthy? How will new coaches Billy Donovan and Fred Hoiberg transition from college? Who will win MVP? To help kick off the season and answer some of those questions, I've compiled a little preview that includes the projected standings and projected lineups for every team, as well as playoff predictions and award predictions.


Projected Standings and Lineups 
Info and stats from Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, ESPN.com, and FiveThirtyEight.com.
New Acquisition 
Best Player 
* - Out for Extended Period of Time to Start Season
3-point percentage shown for minimum 100 attempted 3-pointers
Top 8 Make Playoffs
Eastern Conference
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Head Coach: David Blatt
Projected Starters:
PG Kyrie Irving* 6'3", 193 lb. (2014 Stats: 21.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.2 APG, 46.8 FG%, 41.5 3P%)
SG J.R. Smith  6'6", 225 lb. (12.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 42.5 FG%, 39 3P%)
SF LeBron James 6'8", 250 lb. (25.3 PPG, 6 RPG, 7.4 APG, 48.8 FG%, 35.4 3P%)
PF Kevin Love 6'10", 240 lb. (16.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 43.4 FG%, 36.7 3P%)
C Timofey Mozgov 7'1", 250 lb. (10.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.5 APG, 59 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PF Tristan Thompson 6'9", 238 lb. (8.5 PPG, 8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 54.7 FG%)
SG Iman Shumpert*  6'5", 220 lb. (7.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 41 FG%, 33.8 3P%)
PG Mo Williams 6'1", 198 lb. (14.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 6.2 APG, 39.7 FG%, 34.2 3P%)
C Anderson Varejao 6'11", 267 lb. (9.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 55.5 FG%)
PG Matthew Dellavedova 6'4", 200 lb. (4.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 3 APG, 36.2 FG%, 40.7 3P%)
SF Richard Jefferson 6'7", 234 lb. (5.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.8 APG, 44.4 FG%, 42.6 3P%)
SF James Jones 6'8", 215 lb. (4.4 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.4 APG, 36.8 FG%, 36 3P%)

2. Toronto Raptors
Head Coach: Dwayne Casey
Projected Starters:
PG Kyle Lowry 6'0", 205 lb. (17.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.8 APG, 41.2 FG%, 33.8 P%)
SG DeMar DeRozan 6'7", 220 lb. (20.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 41.3 FG%)
SF DeMarre Carroll 6'8", 212 lb. (12.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 48.7 FG%, 39.5 3P%)
PF Patrick Patterson 6'9", 235 lb. (8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 44.9 FG%, 37.1 3P%)
C Jonas Valanciunas 7'0", 255 lb. (12 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 0.5 APG, 57.2 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG Terrence Ross 6'7", 195 lb. (9.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1 APG, 41 FG%, 37.2 3P%)
PG Cory Joseph 6'3", 190 lb. (6.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 50.4 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
PF Luis Scola 6'9", 240 lb. (9.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 46.7 FG%)
C Bismack Biyombo 6'9", 245 lb. (4.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 0.3 APG, 54.3 FG%)
PF James Johnson 6'9", 250 lb. (7.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 58.9 FG%)
PG Delon Wright 6'5", 190 lb. (Rookie - Utah)

3. Chicago Bulls
Head Coach: Fred Hoiberg
Projected Starters:
PG Derrick Rose 6'3", 190 lb. (17.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.9 APG, 40.5 FG%, 28 3P%)
SG Jimmy Butler 6'7", 220 lb. (20 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 46.2 FG%, 37.8 3P%)
SF Mike Dunleavy* 6'9", 230 lb. (9.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 43.5 FG%, 40.7 3P%)
PF Nikola Mirotic 6'10", 220 lb. (10.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 40.5 FG%, 31.6 3P%)
C Pau Gasol 7'0", 250 lb. (18.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 49.4 FG%)
Projected Bench:
C Joakim Noah 6'11", 232 lb. (7.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 44.5 FG%)
PF Taj Gibson 6'9", 225 lb. (10.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 50.2 FG%)
SF Tony Snell 6'7", 200 lb. (6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 42.9 FG%, 37.1 3P%)
SF Doug McDermott 6'8", 225 lb. (3 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.2 APG, 40.2 FG%)
SG Kirk Hinrich 6'4", 190 lb. (5.7 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 37.3 FG%, 34.5 3P%)
PG Aaron Brooks 6'0", 161 lb. (11.6 PPG, 2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 42.1 FG%, 38.7 3P%)
SG E'Twaun Moore 6'4", 191 lb. (2.7 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 44.6 FG%)

4. Atlanta Hawks
Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer
Projected Starters:
PG Jeff Teague 6'2", 180 lb. (15.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 7 APG, 46 FG%, 34.3 3P%)
SG Kyle Korver 6'7", 212 lb. (12.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 48.7 FG%, 49.2 3P%)
SF Thabo Sefolosha 6'7", 222 lb. (5.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 41.8 FG%)
PF Paul Millsap 6'8", 253 lb. (16.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 47.6 FG%, 35.6 3P%)
C Al Horford 6'10", 250 lb. (15.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 53.8 FG%)
Projected Bench:
C Tiago Splitter 6'11", 245 lb. (8.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 55.8 FG%)
PG Dennis Schroder 6'1", 168 lb. (10 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 42.7 FG%, 35.1 3P%)
SF Kent Bazemore 6'5", 201 lb. (5.2 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG, 42.6 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
SG Tim Hardaway Jr. 6'6", 210 lb. (11.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 38.9 FG%, 34.2 3P%)
PG Shelvin Mack 6'3", 207 lb. (5.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 40.1 FG%, 31.5 3P%)
PF Mike Scott 6'8", 237 lb. (7.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 44.4 FG%, 34.4 3P%)
C Mike Muscala 6'11", 230 lb. (4.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 0.6 APG, 55 FG%)

5. Milwaukee Bucks
Head Coach: Jason Kidd
Projected Starters:
PG Michael Carter-Williams 6'6", 190 lb. (14.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 6.7 APG, 39.6 FG%, 23.5 3P%)
SG Khris Middleton 6'7", 225 lb. (13.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 46.7 FG%, 40.7 3P%)
SF Giannis Antetokounmpo 6'11", 217 lb. (12.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 49.1 FG%, 15.9 3P%)
PF Jabari Parker 6'8", 240 lb. (12.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 43 FG%)
C Greg Monroe 6'11", 250 lb. (15.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 49.6 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PG Greivis Vasquez 6'6", 200 FG% (9.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, 40.8 FG%, 37.9 3P%)
PF John Henson 6'11", 230 lb. (7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 56.8 FG%)
SG O.J. Mayo 6'5", 210 lb. (11.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 42.2 FG%, 35.7 3P%)
C Miles Plumlee 6'11, 249 lb. (4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.5 APG, 53.5 FG%)
SG Jerryd Bayless 6'3", 200 lb. (7.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3 APG, 42.6 FG%, 30.8 3P%)
SF Chris Copeland 6'8", 235 lb. (6.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1 APG, 36.1 FG%, 31.1 3P%)
PG Tyler Ennis 6'3", 175 lb. (3.7 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 36.1 FG%)

6. Washington Wizards
Head Coach: Randy Wittman
Projected Starters:
PG John Wall 6'4", 195 lb. (17.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 10 APG, 44.5 FG%, 30 3P%)
SG Bradley Beal 6'5", 207 lb. (15.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 42.7 FG%, 40.9 3P%)
SF Otto Porter Jr. 6'8", 198 lb. (6 PPG, 3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 45 FG%, 33.7 3P%)
PF Nene 6'11", 250 lb. (11 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 51.1 FG%, 20 3P%)
C Marcin Gortat 6'11", 240 lb. (12.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 56.6 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG Jared Dudley 6'7", 225 lb. (7.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 46.8 FG%, 38.5 3P%)
PG Ramon Sessions 6'3", 190 lb. (6.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 37.4 FG%, 31.7 3P%)
PF Kris Humphries 6'9", 235 lb. (8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 47.3 FG%)
SG Gary Neal 6'4", 210 lb. (10.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 37.4 FG%, 30.5 3P%)
SG Alan Anderson* 6'6", 220 lb. (7.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 44.3 FG%, 34.8 3P%)
C Drew Gooden 6'10", 250 lb. (5.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1 APG, 39.9 FG%)
SF Martell Webster 6'7", 230 lb. (3.3 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.5 APG, 26.4 FG%)

7. Miami Heat
Head Coach: Eric Spoelstra 
Projected Starters:
PG Goran Dragic 6'3", 190 lb. (16.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 50.1 FG%, 34.7 3P%)
SG Dwayne Wade 6'4", 220 lb. (21.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 47 FG%, 28.4 3P%)
SF Luol Deng 6'9", 220 lb. (14 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 46.9 FG%, 35.5 3P%)
PF Chris Bosh 6'11", 235 lb. (21.1 PPG, 7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 46 FG%, 37.5 3P%)
C Hassan Whiteside 7'0", 265 lb. (11.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 62.8 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PG Mario Chalmers 6'2", 190 lb. (10.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 40.3 FG%, 29.4 3P%)
PF Josh McRoberts 6'10", 240 lb. (4.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 52.8 FG%)
SF Justice Winslow 6'6", 220 lb. (Rookie - Duke)
SG Gerald Green 6'8", 210 lb. (11.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 41.6 FG%, 35.4 3P%)
PF Amar'e Stoudemire 6'10", 245 lb. (11.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 55.7 FG%)
PG Tyler Johnson 6'3", 190 lb. (5.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 41.9 FG%)
C Chris Anderson 6'10", 245 lb. (5.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 58 FG%)

8. Boston Celtics
Head Coach: Brad Stevens
Projected Starters:
PG Marcus Smart 6'4", 220 lb. (7.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 36.7 FG%, 33.5 3P%)
SG Avery Bradley 6'2", 180 lb. (13.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 42.8 FG%, 35.2 3P%)
SF Jae Crowder 6'6", 235 lb. (7.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 42 FG%, 29.3 3P%)
PF David Lee 6'9", 245 lb. (7.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 51.1 FG%)
C Tyler Zeller 7'0", 253 lb. (10.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 54.9 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PG Isaiah Thomas 5'9", 185 lb. (16.4 PPG, 2.3 APG, 4.2 RPG, 42.1 FG%, 37.3 3P%)
C Kelly Olynyk 7'0", 238 lb. (10.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 47.5 FG%, 34.9 3P%)
PF Amir Johnson 6'9", 240 lb. (9.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 57.4 FG%)
PF Jared Sullinger 6'9", 260 lb. (13.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 43.9 FG%, 28.3 3P%)
PF Jonas Jerebko 6'10", 231 lb. (6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 44.6 FG%, 38.6 3P%)
SF Evan Turner 6'7", 220 lb. (9.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 42.9 FG%, 27.7 3P%)
SG James Young 6'6", 215 lb. (3.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.4 APG, 35.3 FG%)

9. Indiana Pacers
Head Coach: Frank Vogel
Projected Starters:
PG George Hill 6'3", 188 lb. (16.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.1 APG, 47.7 FG%, 35.8 3P%)
SG Monta Ellis 6'3", 185 lb. (18.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 44.5 FG%, 28.5 3P%)
SF C.J. Miles 6'6", 231 lb. (13.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 39.8 FG%, 34.5 3P%)
PF Paul George 6'9", 220 lb. (8.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1 APG, 36.7 FG%)
C Ian Mahinmi 6'11", 250 lb. (4.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 55.2 FG%)
Projected Bench: 
SG Rodney Stuckey 6'5", 205 lb. (12.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 44 FG%, 39 3P%)
SF Chase Budinger 6'7", 209 lb. (6.8 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG, 43.3 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
C Jordan Hill 6'10", 235 lb. (12 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 45.9 FG%)
SF Solomon Hill 6'7", 225 lb. (8.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 39.6 FG%, 32.6 3P%)
C Lavoy Allen 6'9", 255 lb. (5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 47.2 FG%)
PF Myles Turner 6'11", 243 lb. (Rookie - Texas)
SF Glenn Robinson III 6'7", 222 lb. (2.1 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.3 APG, 38.8 FG%)

10. Charlotte Hornets
Head Coach: Steve Clifford
Projected Starters: 
PG Kemba Walker 6'1", 184 lb. (17.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5.1 APG, 38.5 FG%, 30.4 3P%)
SG Nicolas Batum 6'8", 200 lb. (9.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.8 APG, 40 FG%, 32.4 3P%)
SF Marvin Williams 6'9", 237 lb. (7.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 42.4 FG%, 35.8 3P%)
PF Cody Zeller 7'0", 240 lb. (7.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 46.1 FG%)
C Al Jefferson 6'10", 289 lb. (16.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 48.1 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG Jeremy Lamb 6'5", 185 lb. (6.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 41.6 FG%, 34.2 3P%)
SF P.J. Hairston 6'6", 230 lb. (5.6 PPG, 2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 32.3 FG%, 30.1 3P%)
PG Jeremy Lin 6'3", 200 lb. (11.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 4.6 APG, 42.4 FG%, 36.9 3P%)
PF Frank Kaminsky III 7'0", 240 lb. (Rookie - Wisconsin)
PG Brian Roberts 6'1", 173 lb. (6.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 38.9 FG%, 32.1 3P%)
C Spencer Hawes 7'1", 245 lb. (5.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 39.3 FG%, 31.3 3P%)
PF Tyler Hansbrough 6'9", 250 lb. (3.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 52.1 FG%)

11. Brooklyn Nets
Head Coach: Lionel Hollins
Projected Starters:
PG Jarrett Jack 6'3", 200 lb. (12 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.7 APG, 43.9 FG%, 26.7 3P%)
SG Bojan Bogdanovich 6'8", 216 lb. (9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 45.3 FG%, 35.5 3P%)
SF Joe Johnson 6'7", 240 lb. (14.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 43.5 FG%, 35.9 3P%)
PF Thaddeus Young 6'8", 221 lb. (14.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 46.6 FG%)
C Brook Lopez 7'0", 275 lb. (17.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 51.3 FG%)
Projected Bench:
C Andrea Bargnani 7'0", 245 lb. (14.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 45.4 FG%)
PG Shane Larkin 5'11", 175 lb. (6.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3 APG, 43.3 FG%, 30.2 3P%)
SG Wayne Ellington 6'4", 200 lb. (10 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 41.2 FG%, 37 3P%)
SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 6'7", 220 lb. (Rookie - Arizona)
SF Sergey Karasev 6'7", 208 lb. (4.6 PPG, 2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 40.3 FG%)
PF Thomas Robinson 6'10", 237 lb. (5.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 48.5 FG%)
PG Donald Sloan 6'3", 205 lb. (7.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 40.8 FG%, 31.3 3P%)


12. Orlando Magic
Head Coach: Scott Skiles
Projected Starters:
PG Elfrid Payton 6'4", 185 lb. (8.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 6.5 APG, 42.5 FG%)
SG Victor Oladipo 6'4", 210 lb. (17.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 43.6 FG%, 33.9 3P%)
SF Tobias Harris 6'9", 235 lb. (17.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 46.6 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
PF Aaron Gordon 6'9", 220 lb. (5.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 44.7 FG%)
C Nikola Vucevic 7'0", 260 lb. (19.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2 APG, 52.4 FG%, 33.3 3P%)
Projected Bench:
SG Evan Fournier 6'7", 205 lb. (12 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 44 FG%, 37.8 3P%)
PF Channing Frye 6'11", 255 lb. (7.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 39.2 FG%, 39.3 3P%)
PG C.J. Watson 6'2", 175 lb. (10 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 43.4 FG%, 40 3P%)
SF Mario Hezonja 6'8", 215 lb. (Rookie - Croatia)
C Jason Smith 7'0", 245 lb. (8 PPG, 4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 43.4 FG%)
PG Shabazz Napier 6'1", 175 lb. (5.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 38.2 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
SG Devyn Marble 6'6", 200 lb. (2.3 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 31.8 FG%)

13. Detroit Pistons
Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy
Projected Starters:
PG Reggie Jackson 6'3", 208 lb. (14.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6 APG, 43.4 FG%)
SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 6'5", 205 lb. (12.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 40.1 FG%, 34.5 3P%)
SF Marcus Morris 6'9", 235 lb. (10.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 43.4 FG%, 35.8 3P%)
PF Ersan Ilyasova 6'10", 235 lb. (11.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1 APG, 47.2 FG%, 38.9 3P%)
C Andre Drummond 6'11", 279 lb. (13.8 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 51.4 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PG Brandon Jennings* 6'1", 169 lb. (15.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 40.1 FG%, 36 3P%)
SG Jodie Meeks 6'4", 210 lb. (11.1 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 41.6 FG%, 34.9 3P%)
SF Stanley Johnson 6'7", 245 lb. (Rooke - Arizona)
PF Anthony Tolliver 6' 8", 240 lb. (6.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.8 APG, 41 FG%, 36.6 3P%)
C Aron Bynes 6'10", 260 lb. (6.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 56.6 FG%)
PG Steve Blake 6'3", 172 lb. (4.3 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 37.3 FG%, 35.2 3P%)
PG Spencer Dinwiddie 6'6", 200 lb. (4.3 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 30.2 FG%)

14. New York Knicks
Head Coach: Derek Fisher
Projected Starters:
PG Jose Calderon 6'3", 200 lb. (9.1 PPG, 3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 41.5 FG%, 41.5 3P%)
SG Arron Afflalo 6'5", 215 lb. (13.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 42.4 FG%, 35.4 3P%)
SF Carmelo Anthony 6'8", 240 lb. (24.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 44.4 FG%, 34.1 3P%)
PF Kristaps Porzingis 7'1", 220 lb. (Rookie - Latvia)
C Robin Lopez 7'0", 255 lb. (9.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 53.5 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PG Langston Galloway 6'2", 200 lb. (11.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, 39.9 FG%, 35.2 3P%)
PF Derrick Williams 6'8", 240 lb. (8.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 44.7 FG%, 31.4 3P%)
SF Cleanthony Early 6'8", 220 lb. (5.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 35.5 FG%)
PG Jerian Grant 6'5", 205 lb. (Rookie - Notre Dame)
C Kyle O'Quinn 6'10", 250 lb. (5.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 49.2 FG%, 27.9 3P%)
C Kevin Seraphin 6'10", 278 lb. (6.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 51.3 FG%)

15. Philadelphia 76ers
Head Coach: Brett Brown
Projected Starters:
PG Kendall Marshall* 6'4", 200 lb. (4.2 PPG, 1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 45.4 FG%)
SG Nik Stauskas 6'6", 205 lb. (4.4 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 36.5 FG%, 32.2 3P%)
SF Robert Covington 6'9", 215 lb. (13.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 39.5 FG%, 37.4 3P%)
PF Nerlens Noel 6'11", 228 lb. (9.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 46.2 FG%)
C Jahlil Okafor 6'11", 275 lb. (Rookie - Duke)
Projected Bench:
PG Isaiah Canaan 6'0", 201 lb. (9.2 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 38.6 FG%, 37 3P%)
PG Tony Wroten* 6'6", 205 lb. (16.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.2 APG, 40.3 FG%, 26.1 3P%)
SG Hollis Thompson 6'8", 206 lb. (8.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 41.3 FG%, 40.1 3P%)
PF Carl Landry 6'9", 248 lb. (7.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 51.5 FG%)
SF Jerami Grant 6'8", 210 lb. (6.3 PPG, 3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 35.2 FG%, 31.4 3P%)
SF JaKarr Sampson 6'9", 214 lb. (5.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1 APG, 42.2 FG%, 24.4 3P%)
PF Richaun Holmes 6'10", 245 lb. (Rookie - Bowling Green)

Western Conference
1. Golden State Warriors
Head Coach: Steve Kerr
Projected Starters:
PG Stephen Curry 6'3", 190 lb. (23.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.7 APG, 48.7 FG%, 44.3 3P%)
SG Klay Thompson 6'7", 215 lb. (21.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 46.3 FG%, 43.9 3P%)
SF Harrison Barnes 6'8", 225 lb. (10.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.4 APG, 48.2 FG%, 40.5 3P%)
PF Draymond Green 6'7", 230 lb. (11.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 44.3 FG%, 33.7 3P%)
C Andrew Bogut 7'0", 260 lb. (6.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 56.3 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SF Andre Iguodola 6'6", 215 lb. (7.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3 APG, 46.6 FG%, 34.9 3P%)
PG Shaun Livingston 6'7", 192 lb. (5.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 50 FG%)
PF Marreese Speights 6'10", 255 lb. (10.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 49.2 FG%)
C Festus Ezeli 6'11", 265 lb. (4.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.2 APG, 54.7 FG%)
PF Jason Thompson 6'11", 250 lb. (6.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1 APG, 47 FG%)
PG Leandro Barbosa 6'3", 194 lb. (7.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 47.4 FG%, 38.4 3P%)
SG Brandon Rush 6'6", 200 lb. (0.9 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.4 APG, 20.4 FG%)

2. Oklahoma City Thunder 
Head Coach: Billy Donovan
Projected Starters:
PG Russell Westbrook 6'3", 200 lb. (28.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.6 APG, 42.6 FG%, 29.9 3P%)
SG Andre Roberson 6'7", 210 lb. (3.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1 APG, 45.8 FG%, 24.7 3P%)
SF Kevin Durant 6'9", 240 lb. (25.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 51 FG%, 40.3 3P%)
PF Serge Ibaka 6'10", 245 lb. (14.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 47.6 FG%, 37.6 3P%)
C Steven Adams 7'0", 255 lb. (7.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 54.4 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG Dion Waiters 6'4", 225 lb. (11.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2 APG, 39.6 FG%)
C Enes Kanter 6'11", 245 lb. (15.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 51.9 FG%, 35.6 3P%)
SF Kyle Singler 6'8", 228 lb. (6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2 APG, 38.6 FG%, 39.8 3P%)
PG D.J. Augustin 6'0", 180 lb. (9.5 PPG, 2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 39.9 FG%, 33.7 3P%)
SG Anthony Morrow 6'5", 210 lb. (10.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 46.3 FG%, 43.4 3P%)
PF Nick Collison 6'10", 255 lb. (4.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 41.9 FG%)
PF Mitch McGary 6'10", 255 lb. (6.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.4 APG, 53.3 FG%)

3. Los Angeles Clippers
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
Projected Starters:
PG Chris Paul 6'0", 175 lb. (19.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 10.2 APG, 48.5 FG%, 39.8 3P%)
SG J.J. Redick 6'4", 190 lb. (16.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 47.7 FG%, 43.7 3P%)
SF Paul Pierce 6'7", 235 lb. (11.9 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 APG, 44.7 FG%, 38.9 3P%)
PF Blake Griffin 6'10", 251 lb. (21.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 50.2 FG%, 40 3P%)
C DeAndre Jordan 6'11", 265 lb. (11.5 PPG, 15 RPG, 0.7 APG, 71 FG%, 25 3P%)
Projected Bench:
SG Jamal Crawford 6'5", 200 lb. (15.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 39.6 FG%, 32.7 3P%)
PF Josh Smith 6'9", 225 lb. (12.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 41.9 FG%)
SF Wesley Johnson 6'7", 215 lb. (9.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 41.4 FG%, 35.1 3P%)
SG Lance Stephenson 6'5", 230 lb. (8.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 37.6 FG%, 17.1 3P%)
PG Austin Rivers 6'4", 200 lb. (7 PPG, 2 RPG, 2 APG, 40.9 FG%, 29.8 3P%)
C Cole Aldrich 6'11", 250 lb. (5.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 47.8 FG%)
PG Pablo Prigioni 6'3", 185 lb. (4.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 39.9 FG%, 34.3 3P%)

4. Houston Rockets
Head Coach: Kevin McHale
Projected Starters:
PG Patrick Beverley 6'1", 210 lb. (10.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 38.3 FG%, 35.6 3P%)
SG James Harden 6'5", 225 lb. (27.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 7 APG, 44 FG%, 37.5 3P%)
SF Trevor Ariza 6'8", 215 lb. (12.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 40.2 FG%, 35 3P%)
PF Terrence Jones 6'9", 255 lb. (11.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 52.8 FG%)
C Dwight Howard 6'11", 275 lb. (15.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 59.3 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PG Ty Lawson 5'11", 195 lb. (15.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 9.6 APG, 43.6 FG%, 34.1 3P%)
SG Corey Brewer 6'9", 186 lb. (11.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 42.9 FG%, 28.4 3P%)
PF Donatas Motiejunas 7'0", 255 lb. (12 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 50.4 FG%, 36.8 3P%)
SG Marcus Thornton 6'4", 205 lb. (7.9 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 40.6 FG%, 37.8 3P%)
C Clint Capela 6'10", 240 lb. (2.7 PPG, 3 RPG, 0.2 APG, 48.3 FG%)
SF Sam Dekker 6'9", 230 lb. (Rookie - Wisconsin)
PF Montrezl Harrell 6'8", 240 lb. (Rookie - Louisville)

5. San Antonio Spurs
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
Projected Starters: 
PG Tony Parker 6'2", 185 lb. (14.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 48.6 FG%, 42.7 3P%)
SG Danny Green 6'6", 215 lb. (11.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2 APG, 43.6 FG%, 41.8 3P%)
SF Kawhi Leonard 6'7", 230 lb. (16.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 47.9 FG%, 34.9 3P%)
PF LaMarcus Aldridge 6'11", 240 lb. (23.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 46.6 FG%, 35.2 3P%)
C Tim Duncan 6'11", 250 lb. (13.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3 APG, 51.2 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PF David West 6'9", 250 lb. (11.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 47.1 FG%)
SG Manu Ginobili 6'6", 205 lb. (10.5 PPG, 3 RPG, 4.2 APG, 42.6 FG%, 34.5 3P%)
PG Patty Mills 6'0", 185 lb. (6.9 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 38.1 FG%, 34.1 3P%)
C Boris Diaw 6'8", 250 lb. (8.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 46 FG%, 32 3P%)
SF Kyle Anderson 6'9", 230 lb. (2.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, 34.8 FG%)
PG Ray McCallum 6'3", 190 lb. (7.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 43.8 FG%, 30.6 3P%)
C Matt Bonner 6'10", 235 lb. (3.7 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 40.9 FG%, 36.5 3P%)

6. Memphis Grizzlies
Head Coach: David Joerger 
Projected Starters: 
PG Mike Conley 6'1", 175 lb. (15.8 PPG, 3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 44.6 FG%, 38.6 3P%)
SG Courtney Lee 6'5", 200 lb. (10.1 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2 APG, 44.8 FG%, 40.2 3P%)
SF Jeff Green 6'9", 235 lb. (15 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 43 FG%, 33.2 3P%)
PF Zach Randolph 6'9", 260 lb. (16.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 48.7 FG%)
C Marc Gasol 7'1", 255 lb. (17.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 49.4 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG Tony Allen 6'4", 213 lb. (8.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 49.5 FG%)
SF Matt Barnes 6'7", 226 lb. (10.1 PPG, 4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 44.4 FG%, 36.2 3P%)
C Brandan Wright 6'10", 210 lb. (7.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.5 APG, 64.2 FG%)
PG Beno Udrih 6'3", 205 lb. (7.7 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 48.7 FG%)
SG Vince Carter 6'6", 220 lb. (5.8 PPG, 2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 33.3 FG%, 29.7 3P%)
PF JaMychal Green 6'9", 227 lb. (2.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.2 APG, 57.4 FG%)
PG Russ Smith 6'0", 165 lb. (2.5 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 32 FG%)

7. New Orleans Pelicans 
Head Coach: Alvin Gentry 
Projected Starters:
PG Jrue Holiday 6'4", 205 lb. (14.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.9 APG, 44.6 FG%, 37.8 3P%)
SG Eric Gordon 6'4", 215 lb. (13.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 41.1 FG%, 44.8 3P%)
SF Dante Cunningham 6'8", 230 lb. (5.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 45.7 FG%)
PF Anthony Davis 6'10", 253 lb. (24.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 53.5 FG%)
C Omer Asik 7'0", 255 lb. (7.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 51.7 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG Tyreke Evans* 6'6", 220 lb. (16.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 6.6 APG, 44.7 FG%. 30.4 3P%)
PF Ryan Anderson 6'10", 240 lb. (13.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 39.9 FG%, 34 3P%)
PG Nate Robinson 5'9", 180 lb. (5.7 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 34.5 FG%, 27.7 3P%)
SF Quincy Pondexter* 6'7", 220 lb. (7.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 42.1 FG%)
C Alexis Ajinca 7'2", 248 lb. (6.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 55 FG%)
C Kendrick Perkins 6'10", 270 lb. (3.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 44.9 FG%)
PG Norris Cole* 6'2", 175 lb. (7.6 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 41.2 FG%, 31.3 3P%)

8. Utah Jazz
Head Coach: Quin Snyder
Projected Starters: 
PG Trey Burke 6'1", 185 lb. (12.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.3 APG, 36.8 FG%, 31.8 3P%)
SG Alec Burks 6'6", 211 lb. (13.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3 APG, 40.3 FG%, 38.2 3P%)
SF Gordon Hayward 6'8", 225 lb. (19.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 44.5 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
PF Derrick Favors 6'10", 262 lb. (16 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 52.5 FG%)
C Rudy Gobert 7'1", 245 lb. (8.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 60.4 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG Rodney Hood 6'8" 215 lb. (8.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 41.4 FG%, 36.5 3P%)
PF Trevor Booker 6'8", 230 lb. (7.2 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 48.7 FG%)
SG Elijah Millsap 6'6", 215 lb. (5.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 34 FG%)
SF Joe Ingles 6'8", 216 lb. (5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 41.5 FG%, 35.6 3P%)
PF Trey Liles 6'10", 250 lb. (Rookie - Kentucky)
C Tibor Pleiss 7'3", 256 lb. (Rookie - Germany)
PG Raul Neto 6'1", 179 lb. (Rookie - Brazil)
9. Phoenix Suns
Head Coach: Jeff Hornacek
Projected Starters:
PG Brandon Knight 6'3", 189 lb. (17 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.2 APG, 42.2 FG%, 38.9 3P%)
SG Eric Bledsoe 6'1", 190 lb. (17 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 44.7 FG%, 32.4 3P%)
SF P.J. Tucker 6'6", 245 lb. (9.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 43.8 FG%, 34.5 3P%)
PF Markieff Morris 6'10", 245 lb. (15.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 46.5 FG%, 31.8 3P%)
C Tyson Chandler 7'1", 240 lb. (10.3 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 66.6 FG%)
Projected Bench:
C Alex Len 7'1", 260 lb. (6.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 0.5 APG, 50.7 FG%)
SG Sonny Weems 6'6", 205 lb. (Did Not Play)
SF T.J. Warren 6'8", 230 lb. (6.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 52.8 FG%)
PF Mirza Teletovic 6'9", 242 lb. (8.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 38.2 FG%, 32.1 3P%)
SG Archie Goodwin 6'5", 200 lb. (5.6 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 39.3 FG%)
SG Devin Booker 6'6", 206 lb. (Rookie - Kentucky)
PG Ronnie Price 6'2", 190 lb. (5.1 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 34.5 FG%, 28.4 3P%)

10. Dallas Mavericks
Head Coach: Rick Carlisle 
Projected Starters:
PG Deron Williams 6'3", 200 lb (13 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 38.7 FG%, 36.7 3P%)
SG Wesley Matthews 6'5", 220 lb. (15.9, PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 44.8 FG%, 38.9 3P%)
SF Chandler Parsons 6'9", 227 lb. (15.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 46.2 FG%, 38 3P%)
PF Dirk Nowitzki 7'0", 245 lb. (17.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 45.9 FG%, 38 3P%)
C Zaza Pachulia 6'11", 240 lb. (8.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 45.4 FG%)
Projected Bench:
PG Devin Harris 6'3", 192 lb. (8.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 41.8 FG%, 35.7 3P%)
SG J.J. Barea 6'0", 185 lb. (7.5 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 42 FG%, 32.3 3P%)
C JaVale McGee 7'0", 237 lb. (3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.3 APG, 53.2 FG%)
PF Charlie Villanueva 6'11", 232 lb. (6.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 41.4 FG%, 37.6 3P%)
PG Raymond Felton 6'1", 205 lb. (3.7 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 40.6 FG%) 
SF Justin Anderson 6'6", 245 lb. (Rookie - Virginia)
SF Jeremy Evans 6'9", 200 lb. (2.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.3 APG, 55.2 FG%)

11. Sacramento Kings 
Head Coach: George Karl
Projected Starters:
PG Rajon Rondo 6'1", 186 lb. (8.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 7.9 APG, 42.8 FG%)
SG Ben McLemore 6'5", 195 lb. (12.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 43.7 FG%, 35.8 3P%)
SF Rudy Gay 6'8", 230 lb. (21.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 45.5 FG%, 35.9 3P%)
PF DeMarcus Cousins 6'11", 270 lb. (24.1 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 46.7 FG%)
C Willie Cauley-Stein 7'0", 240 lb. (Rookie - Kentucky)
Projected Bench:
PG Darren Collison 6'0", 175 lb. (16.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.6 APG, 47.3 FG%, 37.3 3P%)
C Kosta Koufos 7'0", 265 lb. (5.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.5 APG, 50.8 FG%)
SG Marco Belinelli 6'5", 210 lb. (9.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 42.3 FG%, 37.4 3P%)
PF Omri Casspi 6'9", 225 lb. (8.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 48.9 FG%)
C Quincy Acy 6'7", 240 lb. (5.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1 APG, 45.9 FG%)
SF Caron Butler 6'7", 228 lb. (5.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1 APG, 40.7 FG%, 37.9 3P%)
SG James Anderson 6'6", 213 lb. (Did Not Play)

12. Minnesota Timberwolves 
Head Coach: Sam Mitchell
Projected Starters:
PG Ricky Rubio 6'4", 192 lb. (10.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 8.8 APG, 35.6 FG%)
SG Andrew Wiggins 6'8", 199 lb. (16.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43.7 FG%, 31 3P%)
SF Tayshaun Prince 6'9", 212 lb. (7.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 44 FG%)
PF Kevin Garnett 6'11", 253 lb. (6.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 46.1 FG%)
C Karl-Anthony Towns 6'11", 250 lb. (Rookie - Kentucky)
Projected Bench:
SG Zack LaVine 6'5", 183 lb. (10.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 42.2 FG%, 34.1 3P%)
SG Kevin Martin 6'7", 204 lb. (20 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 42.7 FG%, 39.3 3P%)
C Gorgui Dieng 6'11", 233 lb. (9.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2 APG, 50.6 FG%)
SF Shabazz Muhammed 6'6", 223 lb. (13.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 48.9 FG%)
C Nikola Pekovic* 6'11", 307 lb. (12.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 42.4 FG%)
PF Nemanja Bjelica 6'10", 234 lb. (Rookie - Serbia)
PG Andre Miller 2'6", 200 lb. (4.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 50 FG%)

13. Denver Nuggets
Head Coach: Mike Malone
Projected Starters:
PG Emmanuel Mudiay 6'5", 195 lb. (Rookie - Congo)
SG Randy Foye 6'4", 213 lb. (8.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 36.8 FG%, 35.7 3P%)
SF Wilson Chandler 6'8", 225 lb. (13.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 42.9 FG%, 34.2 3P%)
PF Kenneth Faried 6'8", 228 lb. (12.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 50.7 FG%)
C Jusuf Nurkic* 6'11", 280 lb. (6.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, 44.6 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SF Danilo Gallinari 6'10", 225 lb. (12.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 40.1 FG%, 35.5 3P%)
C Joffrey Lauvergne 6'11", 220 lb. (3.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 40.4 FG%)
PG Jameer Nelson 6'0", 190 lb. (8.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 4 APG, 40.7 FG%, 34.5 3P%)
PF J.J. Hickson 6'9", 242 lb. (7.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, 47.5 FG%)
PF Darrell Arthur 6'9", 235 lb. (6.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1 APG, 40.4 FG%, 23.6 3P%)
SG Will Barton 6'6", 175 lb. (6.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 42.5 FG%)
SG Gary Harris 6'4", 210 lb. (3.4 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 30.4 FG%, 20.4 3P%)

14. Los Angeles Lakers
Head Coach: Byron Scott
Projected Starters:
PG D'Angelo Russell 6'5", 180 lb. (Rookie - Ohio State)
SG Jordan Clarkson 6'5", 185 lb. (11.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 44.8 FG%, 31.4 3P%)
SF Kobe Bryant 6'6", 212 lb. (22.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 37.3 FG%, 29.3 3P%)
PF Julius Randle 6'9", 250 lb. (2 PPG, 0 RPG, 0 APG, 33.3 FG%)
C Roy Hibbert 7'2", 290 lb. (10.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 44.6 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SF Nick Young 6'7", 210 lb. (13.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1 APG, 36.6 FG%, 36.9 3P%)
SG Lou Williams 6'1", 175 lb. (15.5 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 40.4 FG%, 34 3P%)
PF Brandon Bass 6'8", 250 lb. (10.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 50.4 FG%)
PF Ryan Kelly 6'11", 230 lb. (6.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 33.7 FG%, 33.6 3P%)
PF Larry Nance Jr. 6'9", 235 lb. (Rookie - Wyoming)
C Robert Sacre 7'0", 270 lb. (4.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.8 APG, 41.2 FG%)
C Tarik Black 6'9", 250 lb. (6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 57.5 FG%)

15. Portland Trailblazers
Head Coach: Terry Stotts
Projected Starters:
PG Damian Lilliard 6'3", 195 lb. (21 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 6.2 APG, 43.4 FG%, 34.3 3P%)
SG Gerald Henderson 6'5", 215 lb. (12.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 43.7 FG%, 33.1 3P%)
SF Al-Forouq Aminu 6'9", 215 lb. (5.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 41.2 FG%, 27.4 3P%)
PF Meyers Leonard 7'1", 245 lb. (5.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.6 APG, 51 FG%, 42 3P%)
C Mason Plumlee 6'11", 235 lb. (8.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 57.3 FG%)
Projected Bench:
SG C.J. McCollum 6'4", 200 lb. (6.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1 APG, 43.6 FG%, 39.6 3P%)
SF Maurice Harkless 6'9", 215 lb. (3.5 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 39.9 FG%)
PF Ed Davis 6'10", 240 lb. (8.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 60.1 FG%)
PG Tim Frazier 6'1", 170 lb. (5.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 34.4 FG%)
C Chris Kaman 7'0", 265 lb. (8.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 51.5 FG%)
SG Allen Crabbe 6'6", 210 lb. (3.3 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 41.2 FG%)
PF Noah Vonleh 6'10", 240 lb. (3.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.2 APG, 39.5 FG%)

Quick Picks
Playoffs
East
Cavs over Celtics
Heat over Raptors
Bulls over Wizards
Bucks over Hawks

Cavs over Bucks
Bulls over Heat

Cavs over Bulls

West
Warriors over Jazz
Thunder over Pelicans
Grizzlies over Clippers
Spurs over Rockets

Spurs over Warriors
Thunder over Grizzlies

Spurs over Thunder

NBA Finals
Cleveland Cavaliers over San Antonio Spurs

Awards
MVP: Pelicans PF Anthony Davis
There are many viable candidates for the MVP this year: LeBron, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant/Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Chris Paul/Blake Griffin, Jimmy Butler, etc. But Anthony Davis may be on the cusp of becoming the best player in the NBA (once LeBron's done). He's improved every year of his career so far, and he averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks last year. He's also expanding his range and has a new offensive-minded coach.
Coach of the Year: Cavaliers David Blatt
Blatt got a lot of flak last year after LeBron and the Cavs started slow and there were rumors of uneasiness, but the Cavs righted the ship and got to the NBA Finals. Much of that credit (rightfully) goes to LeBron and the star-studded cast, but Blatt is a good, experienced coach who is in charge of meshing these stars. Other potential contenders include Chicago's Fred Hoiberg, OKC's Billy Donovan, Utah's Quinn Snyder, New Orleans' Alvin Gentry, and, of course, San Antonio's Gregg Popovich.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jazz C Rudy Gobert
The Stifle Tower broke out defensively last season (his second season), averaging 9.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Now he looks to take another step forward on a team that could contend for a playoff spot. He'll have to compete with other superb defenders, like DeAndre Jordan, Kawhi Leonard, and Tyson Chandler.
Sixth Man of the Year: Celtics PG Isaiah Thomas
Thomas is one of the most electrifying scorers in the league off the bench. The 5'9" dynamo averaged 16.4 points per game last season and 19 points per game after coming to the Celtics (all off the bench). Other usual suspects, like Jamal Crawford and Andre Iguodola, should also be in the running, possibly along with Ty Lawson, Tyreke Evans, Mo WIlliams, and others.
Rookie of the Year: Lakers PG D'Angelo Russell
The talented young ball handler and scorer will probably start at point for the Lakers, who probably won't be very good again this year. With Russell's scoring touch and passing skills, he could put up the numbers (especially on a bad team) to win Rookie of the Year. Also keep an eye on Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota, Jahlil Okafor in Philly, Emmanuel Mudiay in Denver, and Justice Winslow in Miami.
Most Improved Player: Magic SG Victor Oladipo
Many different players could win this award, just because many different players improve every year. Sometimes it's expected as part of their normal progression, and sometimes it's a bit of a surprise jump. Oladipo is already pretty good, but he could improve his offensive game a bit.

Other Predictions
Most Improved Teams:
East: Orlando Magic
The Magic are an intriguing and mysterious vat of young players with a new coach, Scott Skiles. The backcourt features two talented and athletic defenders who are still developing offensive games (if Elfrid Payton could just shoot...). The frontcourt features an versatile forward (Tobias Harris) who has really improved and a raw but highly athletic Blake Griffin clone (Aaron Gordon). At center, they have fantasy basketball stud Nikola Vucevic. They have some solid veterans on the bench, as well as an enticing rookie from Croatia by the name of Mario Hezonja. Apparently, he's a colorful, cocky, very talented knock-down shooter. the Magic may still be a year or two away, but their headed in the right direction.
West: Utah Jazz
Under second-year coach Quinn Snyder, the Jazz could sneak into the playoffs with better play from their young guards, Trey Burke and Alec Burks, as well as from their bench. The frontcourt is the strength of this team, anchored by the rising Rudy Gobert, along with skilled post scorer Derrick Favors and do-it-all man Gordon Hayward.

Contenders for the Last Playoff Spot:
East: Celtics, Pacers, Nets
West: Jazz, Suns, Mavericks


And the first pick of the 2016 NBA Draft goes to... The Philadelphia 76ers

Weekly NFL Review/Preview: Defense Wins Championships

We are in Week 7 of the NFL season, and five teams are still undefeated. There are some things most of these teams have in common, and that is defense. The old saying is "Defense wins championships", and that couldn't be more true, as was evidenced by the Seahawks' (the #1 defense) thrashing of the Broncos (the #1 offense) in the Super Bowl two years ago. The five remaining unbeaten teams are the Patriots, Packers, Panthers, Bengals, and Broncos. The Pats (second in the league in total yards per game and pass yards per game), Pack (fifth in rush yards per game, tied for tenth in total yards per game), and Bengals (third in total yards per game) have some of the top offenses in the league, but their defenses aren't too shabby either (New England is ninth in total defense and tenth in points allowed per game, Green Bay is 11th in pass yards allowed per game and third in points allowed per game, and Cincinnati is ninth in points allowed per game). The other two unbeatens, Denver and Carolina, rely on their defenses a lot more. The Panthers are unblemished despite losing top receiver Kelvin Benjamin before the season thanks to a defense that ranks fifth in total yards allowed, seventh in yards allowed per game, third in total points allowed, and seventh in points allowed per game. The Broncos still have a zero in the loss column despite an ugly performance from Peyton Manning so far thanks to a defense that ranks fourth in total yards allowed, second in yards allowed per game, third in pass yards allowed per game, fifth in rush yards allowed per game, fifth in total points allowed, and fourth in points allowed per game. You obviously need offense to score points, but to reiterate the old saying, defense wins championships.
Stats courtesy of ESPN.com


Week 6 Review


Top Games (home team listed last)

Broncos 26, Browns 23, OT
This often looked like a game where neither team wanted to win. Peyton Manning continued to struggle, throwing an interception early, but the Broncos still took a 10-0 lead into halftime thanks to a pick-six by Aqib Talib. The Browns came back, like they did against the Ravens. aided once again by big play tight end Gary Barnidge, who had two touchdowns. Cleveland took the lead on an interception returned for a touchdown by Karlos Dansby, but didn't convert the two-point conversion, making the score 20-16. The Broncos then quickly retook the lead on a 75-yard pass from Manning to Emmanuel Sanders. The Browns kicked a field goal to tie it at 23 with a minute and a half left, and then forced the Broncos to punt. Cleveland got in to Denver territory, but then Josh McCown, trying to get the pass off as he was being pressured, was picked by David Bruton. The game went into overtime, and the Broncos won the coin toss. However, Peyton Manning was intercepted for a third time (put in Brock Osweiler!) around midfield, setting up the Browns with a good opportunity to put it away. But instead, they went backwards on three straight plays (two of them sacks) and had to punt. Denver then ran the ball down the field and kicked the game-winning field goal.

Bears 34, Lions 37, OT
The Lions finally started churning on offense in this game, and Calvin Johnson (166 yards receiving) finally started looking like Megatron again. Both teams aired it out (744 total passing yards between the two teams, 246 total rushing yards between the two teams). The Lions were aided by a questionable Golden Tate touchdown catch that was in his hands for a few seconds as he went into the endzone before getting knocked into the hands of a defender. The officials reviewed it (all scoring plays are reviewed), but they stuck with the original touchdown call. They also were helped by a fake punt late in the fourth quarter. On fourth and two from their own 32, they ran a direct snap and got 30 yards on it (they would eventually kick a field goal on that drive). Bears kicker Robbie Gould kicked 29-yard field goal to tie it at the end of regulation. Each team punted it twice in overtime, and then the Lions, led by Matthew Stafford and Johnson, drove down the field and kicked a game-winning 27-yard field goal. That secured the Lions their first win of the season.

Panthers 27, Seahawks 23
This was a battle between what was a good defense (Seattle) and what is a good defense (Carolina). The Seahawks have gotten off to a surprisingly slow start, starting 2-4 and uncharacteristically struggling on defense, while the Panthers are off to a surprisingly great start, starting 5-0 and playing great defense to go with the strong play of Cam Newton. The Seahawks were up 17-7 after a wonderful 40-yard touchdown catch by Ricardo Lockette, and tacked on a field goal to make it 20-7 midway through the third quarter. Then Cam Newton led a comeback. Three long drives were capped by two one-yard touchdown runs by Johnathan Stewart and a Steven Hauschka 43-yard field goal. Then, down three with 32 seconds to play, Newton found tight end Greg Olsen for a 26-yard touchdown that ended up being the game-winner.


Top Performances

Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Chicago (W 37-34 OT): 6 catches, 166 yards, TD
Johnson returned to form against the Bears, showing the Calvin Johnson we all know and love, including on the game-winning drive, where his catch helped set up the deciding field goal.

Texans DB Andre Hal @ Jacksonville (W 31-20): 3 tackles, 2 INT, TD
Hal's two interceptions helped Houston beat the Jaguars, and his 31-yard pick-six with 7:55 left in the fourth quarter helped the Texans pull away (it made the score 31-14).

Steelers QB Landry Jones vs. Arizona (W 25-13): 8-12, 168 yards, 2 TD
Jones came in for the injured Mike Vick (who was playing for the injured Ben Roethlisberger) and somehow managed to beat the Cardinals, playing efficiently, managing the game very well, and throwing two touchdown passes on his way to compiling the highest QB rating of any quarterback in the NFL last week (149.3).


Play of the Week

It's always fun to watch when some guy jumps over the long snapper and blocks a field goal. That's what Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins did Sunday night against the Colts. A defender can not touch the long snapper, but completely clearing him is completely legal. Collins timed it right, jumped cleanly over, and easily blocked the kick with his body.


Play of the Weak

The Play of the Weak was relatively easy to choose this week. If you watched the Sunday night game or have been on social media since then, you have probably seen this play, along with memes and jokes about it. The Colts tried to fake the Patriots out with some kind of student body right type of play. Except the Pats weren't fooled, and Griff Whalen, who was the center on the play, snapped it to Colt Anderson, who was right behind him. Whalen was going up against two New England defenders, and, while I'm a communication major, I know one-on-two is not a favorable matchup.


Week 7 Preview


Quick Picks (home team listed last)

Last Week: 10-4
Season: 51-29

Byes: Bears, Bengals, Broncos, Packers

Seahawks 27, 49ers 24 (Thursday, 8:25 PM, CBS/NFL Network)
Bills 32, Jaguars 23 (Sunday, 9:30 AM, Yahoo)
Browns 24, Rams 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Buccaneers 28, Redskins 22 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Falcons 42, Titans 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Saints 34, Colts 31 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Vikings 28, Lions 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Steelers 19, Chiefs 20 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Texans 32, Dolphins 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Jets 32, Patriots 38 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Raiders 27, Chargers 32 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, CBS)
Cowboys 31, Giants 35 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, FOX)
Game of the Week: Eagles 22, Panthers 26 (Sunday, 8:30 PM, NBC)
The Panthers continue their undefeated quest at home against the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The Eagles started the season off slow, but Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray, and company have gotten it together the past two games, beating the Saints and Giants pretty soundly.
Ravens 14, Cardinals 32 (Monday, 8:30 PM, ESPN)


Fantasy Sleepers

Saints QB Drew Brees @ Indianapolis & Chargers QB Phillip Rivers vs. Oakland
Brees, who has over 300 yards in four of the five games he's started, goes up against the Colts' 28th-ranked pass defense on Sunday. Meanwhile, Rivers, who leads the league in passing yards by a pretty wide margin (2,116 to 1,761), gets the Raiders' 31st-ranked pass defense.

Cardinals WR John Brown vs. Baltimore & Jaguars WR Allen Robinson vs. Buffalo
Brown has heated up the last two games (before last week's bye week), totaling 75 receiving yards and 73 receiving yards, respectively. He also faces the lowly Ravens, who are 27th in pass defense (so Brown's quarterback, Carson Palmer, wouldn't be a bad start either). Robinson had two touchdown catches last week, and the Bills have given up 13 receiving touchdowns this season, third-worst in the NFL.

Titans QB Zach Mettenberger vs. Atlanta & Buccaneers RB Doug Martin @ Washington
With Marcus Mariota banged up for Tennessee, it looks like Mettenberger will get the start, so he's worth a flier against the league's 3rd-worst pass defense. Martin, or "Dougernaut", as he now calls himself (so much better than "Muscle Hamster"), is coming off two strong performances (106 yards and a touchdown vs. Carolina, and 123 yards and three total touchdowns vs. Jacksonville) and a bye week, and faces Washington's poor run defense.

Fantasy Busts

Jets D/ST @ Patriots & Titans D/ST vs. Atlanta
The Jets defense is usually a solid option in fantasy, but obviously not this week against the offensive juggernaut that is the Patriots. Same goes for the Titans defense, which has been pretty good thus far, against Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, and company.

Steelers WR Antonio Brown @ Kansas City & Buccaneers WR Mike Evans @ Washington
I'm advising you to stay away from Brown for one more week with Landry Jones looking like the favorite to start this week. Jones was solid last week, but had his eyes on Martavis Bryant (137 yards, 2 TD), not Brown (24 yards). Evans was been lackluster the two weeks before the bye, and in Week 5 Jameis Winston targeted Charles Sims more in a 38-31 win over Jacksonville.

CFB Weekly Review/Preview: Calm After the Storm

Welcome back for another week of college football. We are halfway through the season. Last week provided us with some excitement, including a few upsets, some great plays, and one of the most amazing endings in college football history. Excitement may be a little harder to find this week. There is just one game between ranked teams, and many of the games featuring a Top 25 team don't look like they will be very close. It's so quiet this week that College Gameday will be in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where James Madison takes on Richmond.  Nevertheless, there's still sure to be excitement somewhere this weekend, and as we saw last weekend, anything can happen.


Week 8 Review

Observations

• Unbelievable Finish: I'm going to talk a lot about the end of the Michigan-Michigan State game last Saturday, and for good reason. It was crazy. I was eating dinner with some dorm mates of mine when the play happened, and everybody in the place went crazy. It was a very exciting moment. When we were walking out, some guys coming in asked who won the game. Of of them said "Michigan?", assuming they had won. Then I said "State", and we told them what had happened. They didn't believe us.

• A Victor Emerges?: Ohio State may have found the answer to who will lead their offense on Saturday. Although they once again used a two-quarterback system, one played much better than the other. Cardale Jones, who started once again, was 9 for 15 passing with 84 yards (he also ran four times for 16 yards). But it was J.T. Barrett who stole the show. He didn't throw much, completing all four of his pass attempts for 30 yards and two touchdowns, but he ran 11 times for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Barrett showed great vision reading the defense, busting options for big gains on multiple occasions. Barrett showed Saturday night that he is clearly the number one quarterback on Ohio State's roster. On Tuesday, Urban Meyer said they are switching to Barrett as the starting quarterback.

• Mid-Major Monsters: We mustn't forget about the mid-majors (teams from outside the Power Five conferences-Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC, and ACC). There are now four mid-major teams in the Top 25, three of them from the American: #18 Memphis (American), #19 Toledo (MAC), #21 Houston (American), and #22 Temple (American). All four of them are undefeated, and not against extremely weak competition. Memphis beat then-#13 Ole Miss last week, Toledo beat then-#18 Arkansas in Week 2, Houston beat Louisville in the same week, and Temple has beaten Penn State and Cincinnati.

Play of the Week

This week's choices for Play of the Week and Play of the Weak were pretty easy. My play of the week came early last week, in a Thursday night game between Stanford and UCLA. Already up 35-17 in the third quarter, the Cardinal added to the lead with this magnificent catch by Francis Owusu (brother of Jets receiver Chris Owusu). He reached around the face-guarding defender and held on to the ball the whole time. Many were calling this the play of the year so far, and it's hard to argue with that.


Play of the Weak

This week's Play of the Week, of course, is the amazing finish to the Michigan-Michigan State game. Up two with ten seconds to play, Michigan set up to punt on fourth down from the MSU 43 yard-line. The Wolverines were well on their way to a big win. But then, madness ensued. The snap was a bit low, but still catchable for punter Blake O'Neill. However, O'Neill (who had an 80-yard punt earlier in the game) muffed the snap and tried to pick it up and punt it in any direction in panic. He was bombarded by a hoard of Spartans, including Jalen Watts-Jackson, who caught the ball after it was knocked out of O'Neill's hands and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown as time expired (Watts-Jackson dislocated his hip on the play). You could say that the Wolverines shouldn't have punted it, but hindsight is 20/20. I think Jim Harbaugh made the right call there. The punter should have just dove on the ball or thrown it away after he muffed the snap, but he was probably in too much of a panic to think what the best action in that situation would be.


Game of the Week

Michigan State 27, Michigan 23
Surprise, surprise! I should have named this post something to do with Michigan and Michigan State. Before the insane finish, this was a wild back-and-forth game that included a highly questionable ejection for targeting (by "questionable", I mean it was bad), a nearly 13-second play from the one yard line, and an 80-yard punt (as I noted earlier). And it all culminated in one of the craziest finishes in college football history.


Top Performances

Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey vs. UCLA (W 56-35): 25 carries, 243 yards, 4 TD
McCaffrey had his Heisman Trophy candidate coming out party on Thursday night. The sophomore running back led the Cardinal to a blowout of UCLA, allowing them to seize control of the Pac-12 North.

Baylor QB Seth Russell (20-33, 380 yards, 5 TD) and WR Corey Coleman (10 catches, 199 yards, 3 TD) vs. West Virginia (W 62-38)
Baylor continued to do what they'v done all season: blow out teams. Last week, they did it with the lethal (as usual) passing attack featuring Russell and Coleman. Coleman had more receiving yards than the rest of the Baylor receivers combined.

Alabama RB Derrick Henry @ Texas A&M (W 41-23): 32 carries, 236 yards, 2 TD
The Tide are making their way back into the playoff picture largely thanks to their bruising tailback. Henry ran all over Texas A&M Saturday, and now has 901 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.


Top 4 After Week 7

1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes looked the best they've looked since their first game Saturday, as their offense finally seemed to break out of its slump with new starting quarterback J.T. Barrett. One area of concern, however, was their run defense, which gave up 194 yards to Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. Next Game: @ Rutgers, Saturday, 8:00 PM

2. Baylor
Another week, another blowout for the Bears. Last week's victim was West Virginia, who was ranked just a couple of weeks ago. The Mountaineers did give Baylor their closest game thus far (they only won by 24), but right now, Baylor's offense looks unstoppable. Next Game: Iowa State, Saturday, Noon

3. Utah
UTAH had another big Pac-12 win last weekend, beating Arizona State. The Utes once again played outstanding defense, giving up just 257 total yards to the Sun Devils. This week they face another tough conference test in Pasadena against USC. Next Game: @ USC, Saturday, 7:30 PM

4. LSU
The Bayou Bengals could be higher, but the main point is they belong in the playoff (as of right now). They boast wins over Mississippi State, Auburn, and Florida, and have two talented athletes in quarterback Brandon Harris and running back Leonard Fournette. Next Game: Western Kentucky, Saturday, 7:00 PM

Next Four: Clemson, TCU, Alabama, Michigan State


Week 8 Preview


Quick Picks (home team listed last; all times are Eastern)

Last Week: 13-4
Overall: 40-14

#22 Temple 42, East Carolina 28 (Thursday, 7:00 PM, ESPN 2)
#20 California 35, UCLA 32 (Thursday, 9:00 PM, ESPN)
#18 Memphis 38, Tulsa 21 (Friday, 8:00 PM, ESPN)
#21 Houston 53, UCF 24 (Saturday, Noon, ESPN News)
#25 Pittsburgh 32, Syracuse 27 (Saturday, Noon, ESPNU)
#6 Clemson 28, Miami 24 (Saturday, Noon, ABC)
Iowa State 31, #2 Baylor 52 (Saturday, Noon, ESPN)
#19 Toledo 28, Massachusetts 13 (Saturday, 3:00 PM, ESPN3)
Upset Special: Texas Tech 47, #17 Oklahoma 45 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN 2)
With two high-scoring teams like this, anything can happen. The Sooners are at home, but that's where they lost to Texas two weeks ago. Texas Tech's two losses are to the two best teams in the conference (TCU and Baylor), and they only lost to TCU by three.
Kansas 7, #14 Oklahoma State 42 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, Fox Sports 1)
Indiana 34, #7 Michigan State 38 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN 2)
#23 Duke 27, Virginia Tech 30 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ESPNU)
Tennessee 28, #8 Alabama 45 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, CBS)
Western Kentucky 17, #5 LSU 31 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPNU)
Game of the Week: #15 Texas A&M 30, #24 Ole Miss 34 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN)
This battle between SEC foes is the only ranked mathcup this weekend. 5-1 Texas A&M is coming off a loss to Alabama, while 5-2 Ole Miss beat Alabama earlier this season, but is coming off two losses in its last three games.
#9 Florida State 35, Georgia Tech 21 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN 2)
#3 Utah 32, USC 24 (Saturday, 7:30 PM, FOX)
#1 Ohio State 35, Rutgers 21 (Saturday, 8:00 PM, ABC)
Washington 23, #10 Stanford 28 (Saturday, 10:30 PM, ESPN)