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NBA Predictions and Reactions: Hoops Habit’s First Quarter NBA Survey

By Michael Shearer

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NBA Predictions and Reactions:
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets during game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on November 30, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, NBA Predictions. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement, NBA Predictions and Reactions: Hoops Habit’s First Quarter NBA Survey. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /

NBA Predictions and Reactions: Who’s primed to make a second-quarter run?

Shearer: James Harden. He’s been playing impressively these last two weeks already, and he looks like he’s figured out his foul-drawing issues. There still is this narrative that he’s had a bad season thus far when in fact he’s back to last season’s dominant level. Opposing teams are finding this out the hard way.

Jeter: Nikola Vucevic. As impressive as the Chicago Bulls have looked to start the season, Vucevic struggled in his first few games, which is reflected in his 14.5 points per game and 48.1 true shooting percentage. That said, he’s too talented of a scorer for this to continue, and his recent game against the Hornets on November 29 (30 points, 14 rebounds) is hopefully a sign of what’s to come.

Rausch: The Milwaukee Bucks were something of a sleeping giant for most of the first quarter of the season. They have currently won eight in a row and seem to be right on track to reclaiming the top seed in the conference yet again. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton missed time due to injuries, but with them back in the lineup, the champs look like the team from last year again.

Harris: Damian Lillard is going to finally make the necessary adjustments and shake off a rough early start. If he can go on a tear in the second quarter of the season, he very well could end up being a dark horse MVP candidate, if players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant begin to cool off.

Marcus: Speaking of the Lakers, I think they have the best chance at turning things around. In fact, they have recently shown moments of greatness. Russell Westbrook seems to be getting better and they are tending to their third-quarter woes while fostering some great young players. Will they achieve an 18-win-run like the Suns? Unlikely, but there are still surprises up their sleeves.

O’Keefe: Having begun the season at 6-8, the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks have rattled off eight straight wins to move to fourth in the eastern conference. They’ve got the key trio of Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and Middleton up and running, having not lost a game yet when those three play together. I thought they’d be a 60-win team again, and despite the slow start, I still have faith they’ll rise to the top of the East by the midway point.

Simone: It’s already started a bit, but I have a sneaky suspicion that Darius Garland is about to burst onto the scene. With the players he has around him, he could legitimately average a double-double one day, and this next quarter of basketball should be a big one for him. Watch out for the national media jumping on the Garland bandwagon.