NBA Standings 2020-2021: Playoff Predictions, Seeding, Finals Pick

The NBA is back after its shortest break in history, potentially making for one of the most unpredictable seasons the league has ever seen. There might be close to 10 teams that are legitimate contenders to finish with the best record in their respective conferences for the 2020-21 NBA season.

The Milwaukee Bucks have finished atop the overall NBA standings in two consecutive years. The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers are the clear favorites to win the title, though it could be difficult for LeBron James and Co. to repeat as the West’s No.1 seed after just a 71-day break.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George might give the Los Angeles Clippers the league’s second-best duo. The Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz are certain playoff contenders that should compete for home-court advantage in the first round.

The Miami Heat had a historically short offseason following their loss in the NBA Finals, though they might be as talented as any team in the East. Expectations are high for the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors.

Earning a top-six seed is more important than ever. There will still be eight playoff berths in each conference, but seeds No.7-No.10 will vie for the final postseason spots in a play-in tournament.

Here’s a prediction for the final standings and the 2021 NBA Finals.

Eastern Conference Western Conference

1) Milwaukee Bucks 1) Denver Nuggets

2) Philadelphia 76ers 2) Los Angeles Clippers

3) Toronto Raptors 3) Los Angeles Lakers

4) Miami Heat 4) Utah Jazz

5) Brooklyn Nets 5) Portland Trail Blazers

6) Boston Celtics 6) Dallas Mavericks

7) Indiana Pacers 7) Phoenix Suns

8) Washington Wizards 8) New Orleans Pelicans

9) Atlanta Hawks 9) Golden State Warriors

10) Orlando Magic 10) Memphis Grizzlies