20 bold predictions for the NBA's second half

20 bold predictions for the NBA’s second half

Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Magic Johnson (left) speaks during a tribute to Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) prior to the start of the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

1 of 21

NBA All-Star Weekend is now behind us, so let’s predictions about how the rest of the season will play out.

The 2015-16 NBA season has not been one to thrive on surprise or uncertainty. The probable has become the inevitable: this year’s NBA champion will be the winner of the Golden State Warriors-San Antonio Spurs series, which will play out in the Western Conference Finals. Everything else is just dressing on the windows.

Or is it?

There’s still so much that remains to be seen in this NBA season, starting with the trade deadline. The entire landscape of the NBA could shift with the trade deadline, as there is so much similarity between teams below the threshold of the top two in the West and the top one in the East. A timely trade might be enough to allow a middling team to compete deep into the playoffs.

Award races are yet to be won; bubble teams have yet to be bumped; Stephen A. Smith has more to say. Anyone who thinks the outcome of this season is certain has certainly not been following for very long.

We take a look at some predictions for how the remainder of the NBA season could play out, starting with those top two teams in the Western Conference.

Next: NBA wins record

Home/Atlanta Hawks