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With the NBA season kicking off on Tuesday, here are 10 bold predictions, including the Knicks’ biggest competition in the East, surprise teams in the West, and standout players.
1. Jared McCain wins Sixth Man of the Year
Oddsmakers are pointing to McCain’s teammate, Ajay Mitchell, as the favorite to win this award, but it has historically gone to scorers. More times than not Mitchell will be the one setting up bench units and moving into the starting lineup when needed, while McCain possesses the larger three-ball volume and can be the more explosive scorer at times.
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2. Scoot Henderson wins Most Improved Player
With respect to Collin Murray-Boyles, Egor Demin, Khaman Maluach, Jarred Vanderbilt and the many breakout players to emerge, Henderson has slowly and quietly begun to creep back into the spotlight after struggling early as a third overall pick. Last season he displayed a career-high efficiency, now he’s learning under two All-Star point guards and shined in the preseason.
3. Darius Acuff Jr. wins Rookie of the Year
Most are expecting one of the freaks at the top of the draft — AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer or Caleb Wilson — to take this award. However Acuff is especially situated where he can be an offensive engine but not relied upon too heavily, won’t be bogged down by major defensive responsibilities, and could have an efficiency edge with his deep ball and guard play.
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4. Lakers miss the playoffs
Los Angeles spent its summer building a team in the vision of its superstar, Luka Doncic, after moving on from the LeBron James experience. While they’ve captured that essence, most will admit they don’t possess contender-level talent, but the situation may be even worse than that.
Their “Big Three” have had health issues in recent years, their supporting cast leaves you wanting more, and they have limited flexibility to maneuver away from this construct. They could be a solid team, but when you have Quentin Grimes penned in as your fourth starter, the potential downside should be considered in greater depth.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1)…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/10-bold-predictions-2026-27-150809486.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-16 15:08:00
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