MIdseason Awards:
MVP: Giannis Antetokoumpo – MIL
The Greek Freak is well on his way to his second Most Valuable Player award, but he’s not alone in the race. Luka Doncic is still in the discussion and of course LeBron James is there per usual. Giannis just seems like the favorite as of right now. Averaging 30 points to go with his 13 rebounds per game, he seems tough to beat. Yes, I know James Harden is averaging 36, but check the shooting numbers. It’s not impressive to average 36 when you take as many shots as Harden does. Also, The Greek Freak has lead his Milwaukee Bucks to a league best 39-6 while as a unit they lead the league in points per game (119.4) and rebounds per game (51.7). Trae Young would be in the conversation as well if the Hawks could get him some help. Good luck Trae.
DPOY: Rudy Gobert – UTAH
It was a real toss up here between the Stifle Tower and Anthony Davis, but Gobert seemed like the guy so far. No need to cry this year, Rudy. You should be a no doubt All Star. Gobert’s presence on the floor alone is enough to scare guys from coming at the rim. At this point, Gobert has also played more games than Davis. Gobert averages 10, yes TEN defensive rebounds a game to go with 2 blocks and almost a steal per game. Davis’ numbers are also very good at 1.5 steals and 2.6 blocks. Realistically could see either guy winning the award at this point.
MIP: Brandon Ingram – NOP
Ingram has been nothing short of electric in his time in New Orleans so far. He’s finally reaching the potential many people saw from the jump. Ingram had a seven point jump in points per game this year, going from 18.3 to 25.6. He’s had 22 games this year in which he scored 25 points or more, Including a career high 49 point outburst against the Utah Jazz. Ingram also averages 6.7 rebounds per game and 4.4 assists per game. Other guys in the mix would be last years winner Pascal Siakam who went from 16.9 points per game to 23.7, Bam Adebayo who has gone from 8.9 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game to 16 points and 10.5 rebounds. Can’t count out Luka either.
6MOY: Lou Williams – LAC
What is there to say here? It’s Sweet Lou’s award every year and everyone else is just fighting for second place. Lou comes off the bench and can completely take over a game when the Clippers need it. His teammate Montrezl Harrell, last year’s third place finisher for Most Improved Player is also very much in the discussion.
COY: Mike Budenholzer – MIL
It came down to Budenholzer and Frank Vogel from the Lakers for me. While Vogel has been great, leading the Lakers to 34-9, Budenholzer has been even better leading Milwaukee to 39-6. Seems like a two man race at this point and it’s either mans award to win.
Finals Prediction:
Lakers vs. Sixers
The Lakers seem like the clear favorite to come out of the west. How are you supposed to beat LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a seven game series? The only team I see with a real chance is the Clippers if they’re healthy. The East is really anyone’s to win though. Could Be Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Boston or even Miami the way they’ve looked over the first half. As much as I want to see the nostalgic matchup of Los Angeles vs. Boston, I think Philly has the tools to beat Boston and Milwaukee in a seven game series as long as they’re healthy. But even with that being said, it’s the Lakers title to lose. I can’t see anyone beating them four times in seven games. LeBron gets his fourth before the Warriors come back to torture him again next year.
All stats via basketball-reference.com
DP's Sports Desk 