Dallas Mavericks: End of season awards predictions roundtable

9 of 10

OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 30: Quinn Cook #4 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play against the Houston Rockets during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

NBA Champions

Golden State Warriors

“Yeah I’m a coward, whatever.” –Sean Bush

“This seems as clear as a Texas summer. Golden State might have had a few bumps here and there during their journey, but by no means does that require them to lose in what they essentially prepare for during training camp at the beginning of the season. Whether or not the beat the Clippers in six games or seven doesn’t matter, because I would most likely win the lottery before the Warriors lose a playoff series, even more so the NBA Finals.” –Arsal Hussain

“The Golden State Warriors are the champions. There is a crack of doubt, mostly regarding the iffy team chemistry with free agency looming over the franchise. However, with the team and stars in its current form, it’s nearly impossible to pick against the only dynasty in the league.” –Lance Roberson

“Aside from the ridiculously good shooting that is all over the Warriors’ roster, they are every bit as good defensively. Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, and Kevon Looney are all outstanding defenders who can switch all over the court. Stephen Curry has a bad reputation as a defender, but is still a long, active player on the defensive end.

OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 30: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks to make a play against the Houston Rockets during Game Two of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Houston Rockets do not have much of a chance to beat Golden State, and the Trailblazers, while surging behind Damian Lillard, will not beat them by any stretch of the imagination. The Bucks should not be immediately counted out, as they would have home court and have the requisite length and size to bother some of Golden State’s scorers, but Golden State is only going to lose four different times in the event they lose someone to injury.” –Evan Siegel

“I hate that I am giving it to the Warriors but they are just that much better than everyone else. No team in NBA history could have the dysfunction and lackadaisical play that the Warriors did this year and still be the favorite to win the title with ease, but that is exactly where we are. Talent-wise, there has never been a team as good as these Warriors.” –Kohl Rast

Houston Rockets

“I think the Rockets knock out the Warriors in the second round, and then take down the Raptors in the Finals. Of course, the Warriors could easily make me look stupid here, because they’re stupid good. But I just get a feeling watching this Rockets team that something’s clicking. They’ve got the look of the 2011 Mavericks, and there’s always a chance.” –Ben Zajdel