"The league completely eschewed the Eastern Conference on its first showcase night in four months, indicating it understands something many fans have felt for some time now: The West is the far better conference. That's especially true this year as Boston's Jayson Tatum and Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton are recovering from Achilles tears in the playoffs and likely to miss all of this season."
"Dieter Kurtenbach West playoff picture (1-8): Thunder, Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers, Rockets, Timberwolves, Lakers, Spurs West finals: Thunder over Warriors East playoff picture (1-8): Knicks, Cavs, Hawks, Magic, Heat, Pistons, Bucks, Bulls East finals: Knicks over Hawks NBA Finals: Thunder over Knicks MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Rookie of the year: V.J. Edgecombe, 76ers Coach of the year: Quin Snyder, Hawks Comment: There will be moments where we wonder if the Warriors' 73"
Season opens with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting Houston and raising a championship banner while the Warriors visit the Lakers. The league prioritized Western Conference games on opening night, reflecting stronger West expectations, especially with Boston's Jayson Tatum and Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton recovering from Achilles tears and likely missing the season. Projections favor the Thunder to repeat as champions, with the Thunder expected to win the West and reach the Finals. Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerge as leading MVP candidates. Rookie and coach award predictions include Ace Bailey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jamahl Mosley, and Quin Snyder.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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