Get hyped because the NBA is back, and the hometown Washington Wizards are looking better than ever. They aren’t my Finals pick, but they’ll certainly make a nice playoff run. Here’s how I believe the Eastern and Western conferences will line up:

East:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Chicago Bulls

3. Toronto Raptors

4. Washington Wizards

5. Atlanta Hawks

6. Miami Heat

7. Brooklyn Nets

8. Indiana Pacers

9. Boston Celtics

10. Brooklyn Nets

11. Milwaukee Bucks

12. Detroit Pistons

13. New York Knicks

14. Orlando Magic

15. Philadelphia 76ers

West:

1. Golden State Warriors

2. Los Angeles Clippers

3. Houston Rockets

4. San Antonio Spurs

5. Oklahoma City Thunder

6. Portland Trailblazers

7. Memphis Grizzlies

8. Dallas Mavericks

9. Phoenix Suns

10. New Orleans Pelicans

11. Utah Jazz

12. Denver Nuggets

13. Sacramento Kings

14. Los Angeles Lakers

15. Minnesota Timberwolves

The obvious favorites to win it all are the Cleveland Cavaliers. Not to jump on the bandwagon or anything, but the Cavs are clearly the best team in the NBA. The Western Conference is once again going to be tight, but the Warriors, Clippers, Rockets, and Spurs will distinguish themselves at the top.

I think the Golden State Warriors will win the NBA finals by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in 7 tightly contested games. Steph Curry will be Finals MVP.

Nik’s Bold Picks for the 2014-2015 Season:

1) At age 36, Kobe Bryant will have a comeback season and score over 22 points per game with the Los Angeles Lakers, but will suffer an injury at one point.

2) The scoring title will go to James Harden of the Houston Rockets.

3) With Kevin Durant currently facing nagging injuries, Russell Westbrook will take on a huge role for the Thunder.

4) Dwight Howard will bounce back and finish the season in the top tier of NBA players.

5) The Chicago Bulls’ starters will have much success, but their lack of bench depth will plague them in the playoffs.

6) John Wall will lead the league in assists.

7) Paul Pierce will explode in the playoffs for the Wizards.

7) The Dallas Mavericks will make the playoffs but won’t perform as well as everyone expects.

8) LeBron James will win his 3rd MVP with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the 5th of his career.

9) Steph Curry, James Harden, and Anthony Davis will all have MVP-caliber seasons.

10) The Portland Trailblazers will have another good season, but LaMarcus Aldridge won’t stay healthy for the entire season.