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

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 28: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass against Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings and De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at FedExForum on November 28, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee, , 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

NBA Predictions and Reactions: What’s one bold prediction for the second quarter?

Shearer: The Spurs will rally to get Greg Popovich the all-time wins record. They need to go 20-43 in their remaining 63 games, about the same as their current 6-13 pace, but they’ve faced one of the easier schedules in the league and have had reasonably good health to date, so it’ll get harder from here. I have to imagine that Popovich is going to reach into his Mary Poppins’ bag of tricks to eke out every last win so he can finally enjoy an offseason.

Jeter: The Cavs will remain in the playoff picture: Yes, it’s the Cavs without LeBron, so it’s always a gamble to expect any sort of recent success as sustainable, but if Darius Garland continues to play at the level that he is and the defense holds up, we could see Cleveland return to the postseason in 2022. That is, assuming everyone stays relatively healthy.

Rausch: De’Aaron Fox is going to get traded. There is too much smoke around the Sacramento Kings, and after taking point guards in consecutive first rounds, the writing is on the wall. A change of scenery would do wonders for Fox, and would further shine the spotlight on how disastrous the Ranadive-era has been for the Kings.

Harris: There will be new teams in first place for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. While the Nets and Suns are both talented teams, the toll of the season will begin to set in and their stars will begin missing more and more games.

Marcus: I think we will see a slew of major trades and coach firings in the second half of the season.

O’Keefe: The Golden State Warriors slow down a little, moving from 18-3 at the quarter-point to somewhere around 29-12 at the halfway mark. Prior to the season, many saw this team as just trying to hold the fort till Klay Thompson and, to a lesser extent, James Wiseman came back. What we’ve seen has been anything but so far, although Thompson’s return may present some short-term issues. How will they re-integrate him and how does it affect the likes of Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins? However, by later in the season, they’ll be an even scarier proposition than they are now.

Simone: My somewhat bold prediction is that the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to thrive. I think they have a legitimate chance to be a top-six seed in the West. Adding Jarred Vanderbilt into the starting lineup has given them a huge boost, and with how weak the middle of the West is this season, they could make some serious noise.