2012-13 NBA Awards Predictions

Your 2013 MVP. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule

It’s still a few months away but the 2012-13 NBA season is closing in and it’s never too early to make some awards predictions. We’ll take a look at the individual awards as well as who will make the playoffs and who will win the whole thing. Let’s get started!

Most Valuable Player

Winner: LeBron James

Runner-up: Kevin Durant

It’s not going to be any different this year. James is still the best player on the planet and while Durant is hot on his tail, he’s not catching him this year.

Rookie of the Year

Winner: Anthony Davis

Runner-up: Damian Lillard

The uni-brow will be in full force in New Orleans this year. He’s already got a solid surrounding cast and is lucky he didn’t end up going to Charlotte. Lillard is going to have a wonderful year in Portland and is going to be looked at as the steal of this draft.

Defensive Player of the Year

Winner: Dwight Howard

Runner-up: Serge Ibaka

Howard will be in the purple and gold next year and he’s going to have a lot to do in the paint defensively. He’ll be cleaning up the messes left for him by Steve Nash and company and he’s just the guy to do it. Ibaka will want to prove he’s worth every penny of his shiny new deal.

Sixth Man of the Year

Winner: James Harden

Runner-up: Ray Allen

As long as Harden doesn’t get thrust into the starting lineup, it’s his award to lose. If he does get pushed into the lineup, look for Allen to pick up the win here. He’s going to be huge in Miami and might become the most important player on that team.

Most Improved Player

Winner: Nikola Pekovic

Runner-up: Stephen Curry

Pekovic put up a solid year for the Timberwolves before being slowed by nagging injuries. He’ll be back strong as the full-time starter and with the improving Wolves winning more games, he’ll get more credit. Curry will be back with a vengeance this year and will push his way into the superstar discussion.

Western Conference Playoff Teams

1. Lakers

2. Thunder

3. Spurs

4. Clippers

5. Nuggets

6. Grizzlies

7. Jazz

8. Timberwolves

Eastern Conference Playoff Teams

1. Heat

2. Celtics

3. Pacers

4. Nets

5. Knicks

6. Bulls

7. 76ers

8. Wizards

NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

NBA Champions

Heat win in six games.