NBA Preview 2K5

I think it's safe to say that the San Antonio Spurs will repeat as NBA Champions. But what else will happen? Some thoughts....

Fearless predictions:

1. At some point someone will speak out against the new dress code or even possibly pull a stunt to demonstrate their displeasure with it. Best bet: Allen Iverson or Ron Artest.

2. Speaking of Artest he will pick up at least one technical foul this year. Speaking of Iverson he will miss at least one practice.

3. The Miami Heat will have chemistry problems and coach Stan Van Gundy will get fired by team President Pat Riley after they lose their first game. Riley will then name himself the new coach.

4. Knicks coach Larry Brown will resign at some point citing health reasons. But they won't be his own health concerns. They'll be Eddy Curry's.

5. Celtics forward Al Jefferson will blow up more than one of Dave Kheel's blow up dolls.

6. Kevin "nothing but the bottom of the "Garnett will throw out his back in March after months of carrying his team.

7. Kobe Bryant will write a book about his relationship with Lakers' coach Phil Jackson.

8. The Hornets will win less games than the Washington Generals.

9. The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets will be better than you think. The Knicks and Timberwolves worse.

10. My mom will tell me that there are more productive things to do than fantasy basketball at least once a week.

Playoff Teams:

Eastern Conference -

1. Pistons
2. Heat
3. Pacers
4. Cavs
5. Nets
6. 76ers
7. Bucks
8. Wizards

Western Conference -

1. Spurs
2. Kings
3. Mavs
4. Rockets
5. Nuggets
6. Seattle
7. Lakers
8. Jazz

Finals - Spurs over Heat

Awards:

MVP - Lebron James
Rookie of the Year - Somebody named Williams
Coach of the Year - Jerry Sloan
Comeback Player of the Year - TJ Ford