2015-16 NBA Picks and Predictions: NBA Award Favorites and Sleepers: The preseason is over and the 2015-16 NBA season is set to begin tonight. Next to betting on the eventual conference and NBA champions, trying to pick the players that will eventually take home the major awards for the upcoming season is one of the best ways to cash in on a futures bet. Here is a closer look at my picks to take home the hardware in 2015-16. Plus, don’t forget to get more expert 2015 NBA picks and predictions from our expert handicappers on NSAwins.com plus get tonight’s top-rated NBA picks against the spread.
2015-16 NBA Picks and Predictions: NBA Award Favorites and Sleepers
MVP: Anthony Davis, Power Forward, New Orleans Pelicans
He is coming off a year when he averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game, and Davis is just scratching the surface of his talent. His range extends out beyond the 3-point line, and he is learning how to break opponents down off the dribble like a guard. Davis can dominate the game on both ends of the court, and after guiding the Pelicans into the playoffs in the brutal Western Conference last year, he has already shown he is more than just a player putting up huge numbers on a bad team. “The Brow” has just begun to do take over the NBA.
Sleeper: James Harden, Shooting Guard, Houston Rockets
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Center, Utah Jazz
When a player earns the nickname the “Stifle Tower” in just his second season, it says a lot about their ability to protect the rim. Not only was Gobert blocking shots at an alarming rate last season, but he made it downright difficult for opponents to make any shot around the basket. Utah’s defense morphed into one of the best in the NBA after Gobert began playing steady minutes, and with Enes Kanter out of the picture from the start of this season, he could easily lead the NBA in blocks and anchor an elite defense.
Sleeper: Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors
Rookie of the Year: Emmanuel Mudiay, Point Guard, Denver Nuggets
With Ty Lawson out of the picture, Mudiay has no competition for minutes at the point guard spot in Denver. Sure, he will likely struggle with efficiency and turnovers, but that won’t matter when he finishes among the rookie leaders in points, assists and steals.
Sleeper: Stanley Johnson, Small Forward, Detroit Pistons
Sixth Man of the Year: Isaiah Thomas, Point Guard, Boston Celtics
He probably should have won this award last season, and considering he averaged 19.0 points and 5.4 assists off the bench after landing in Boston near the end of last season, Thomas should have no trouble sealing the deal this year in a full season with the Celtics. He is instant offense off the bench, and he is on the court when it matters most, finishing fourth in the entire NBA in fourth-quarter points.
Most Improved Player: Otto Porter, Small Forward, Washington Wizards
After struggling to crack the rotation during the regular season, Porter got a chance to show his stuff in last year’s playoffs and responded by averaging 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. With Paul Pierce out of the picture, Porter should see steady minutes throughout the 2015-16, and the playing time should translate into a breakout campaign.
Sleeper: Nikola Mirotic, Forward, Chicago Bulls
Scoring Title: Kevin Durant, Small Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
All indications are that his foot is fine, and a healthy Durant has claimed four of the last five scoring titles. He is hands down the toughest guard in the NBA, and he can score in every way imaginable. Even if Russell Westbrook takes more shots, Durant has already shown with his past scoring crowns that his efficiency will make up the difference.
Sleeper: Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Portland Trail Blazers
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on 2015-2016 NBA Odds! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN BOVADA Sportsbook Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get a 50% BONUS upto $250 FREE added to your Player Account Funds. |