A Brief Glance at the NBA Playoffs

Since the NBA MVP award is based on the regular season, there are no updates or rankings for the players in contention for the individual honor. This week, I will give my predictions for this year's Round 1 match-ups in the NBA playoffs, which got underway last Saturday.


Western Conference

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks: This match-up features two successful Texas franchises. Gregg Popovich, who was just awarded Coach of the Year, will lead his Spurs to a Round 1 victory. Spurs in 5 games.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have been one of the best teams in the NBA throughout the past month, as they rallied late in the season to make the playoffs. The Thunder's Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are on a mission to win their first NBA Championship though. Thunder in 6 games.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) Golden State Warriors: Many are calling this the best 1st round match-up in the playoffs. The Warriors had a disappointing regular season, while the Clippers look to elevate themselves to an elite Western Conference team. It will be a great, back-and-forth series, but I like the Clippers in 7 games.

(Chris Paul and the Clippers take on the Warriors in the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs)

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers: In Game 1, the Blazers outlasted the Rockets 122-120 in overtime in what has been the best game of the playoffs so far. I think James Harden and Dwight Howard get back on track, and Houston wins the series in 7 games.

Eastern Conference

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks: The Pacers have been in an absolute free fall in the 2nd half of the season. Reports are now saying that Indiana coach Frank Vogel needs to win this series if he wants to keep his job. I think the Pacers get their act together and win the series. Pacers in 6 games.

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats: Miami took care of the Bobcats easily in Game 1 with a 99-88 victory at home. The Bobcats also learned that Al Jefferson injured his foot during the game, and won't be back to 100% for the rest of the series. Heat in 5 games.

(Lebron looks to lead the Miami Heat to a 3rd straight championship)

(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets: The Nets stole Game 1 in Toronto, only to have the Raptors win Game 2. With the series tied 1-1 headed back to New York, I think this could be a great, 7 game series. I think the Nets, with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, have the upper-hand with so much playoff experience. Nets in 7 games.

(4) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Washington Wizards: Washington has shocked every basketball fan by winning both games in Chicago. With a 2-0 series lead, the Wizards head back to the nation's capital with an opportunity to finish out the series. I think the Bulls make an admirable comeback in the series, but Washington pulls it out in the final game. Wizards in 7 games.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Wrapping up the NBA Regular Season

The 2013-2014 NBA regular season is over. Every player on all 30 teams have made their case for why they should be the NBA MVP. Since the Most Valuable Player award is a regular season honor, this week will be my last entry where I predict the top five players in the MVP race. Next week I will recap the season and look forward as the playoffs are starting to get under way. Consider these my predictions for when the NBA announces the 2013-2014 MVP in a few weeks:


1. Kevin Durant- Durant and Lebron were neck and neck for this award just a few weeks ago. Durant's play heightened in the last month of the season and the Oklahoma City Thunder played great basketball, while Lebron and the Heat struggled to finish out the season. It is almost guaranteed that the Oklahoma City superstar will take home this award for his stellar play all year.

2. Lebron James- The Miami Heat small forward is still recognized as the best basketball player on the planet, but Durant stole the award this year with his leadership and consistent play. James finished the year averaging 27.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 6.4 APG, which are incredible numbers that prove how dynamic and well-rounded a player he is. Lebron leads the Heat into the playoffs, where he is looking to win his third straight championship.

3. Blake Griffin- Blake has really turned the corner this year and cemented himself as a bona fide NBA superstar. He finishes the year with averages of 24.1 PPG and 9.5 RPG, which make him one of the best scorers and rebounds in the league.

(Blake Griffin has enjoyed a breakout year for the Clippers)

4. Joakim Noah- Noah's numbers haven't been overly impressive and his team has had to fight to gain respect as a legitimate contender. What makes Noah special is the value he brings to the Bulls. Without their center, the Chicago Bulls would most likely be one of the worst teams in the NBA. Noah's leadership, intensity, and defense are the reasons why he will get a few votes for MVP.

5. James Harden- Harden finishes the year averaging 25.4 PPG, 6.1 APG, and 4.7 RPG. Just like Blake Griffin, Harden has established himself among the NBA's elite with his impressive season. The duo of James Harden and Dwight Howard will look to take the Rockets deep in the playoffs.

(James Harden deserves a couple MVP votes after his breakout year)

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update! See you guys next week.

-Kyle Berka

James Acknowledges Durant as MVP

A few weeks ago, it looked like this year's MVP award could go down to the final game of the season. Both Kevin Durant and Lebron James have had incredible seasons, and both are the main reasons why their teams sit atop the NBA standings. In recent weeks, Durant has gained some separation in what has been one of the closest MVP races in recent memory.


1. Kevin Durant- The 25-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder star is just entering his prime. Durant will most likely win the NBA scoring title, averaging 32.0 PPG. To go along with his scoring, KD ranks second on his team in assists and rebounds. Earlier this week, Lebron came out and admitted Durant is on the verge of winning his first MVP.

2. Lebron James- The Heat have clearly put a greater importance on health and rest over home court advantage in the playoffs. Coach Erik Spoelstra has decided to rest a few of his starters to get them healthy and rested for the postseason. The team has looked to Lebron to carry the team in the last few games of the season to potentially get them home court throughout the playoffs. Chalk this up as another outstanding season for Lebron, but he will most likely finish second in the MVP voting.

(Lebron clearly trails Durant for the 2013-2014 NBA MVP award)

3. Blake Griffin- With Griffin putting up remarkable numbers and the Los Angeles Clippers emerging as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, the power forward should absolutely be in the MVP discussion. Earlier this week, Griffin's coach Doc Rivers lobbied for his player, saying he should be above Lebron James in the MVP voting.

4. Joakim Noah- On Wednesday night in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Noah recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, which leads the NBA. The center's passion and defense have motivated the Bulls in the second half of the season.

(Joakim Noah's versatility could carry the Bulls deep into the playoffs)

5. Stephen Curry- Curry's Golden State Warriors are looking like they will wrap up the #6 seed in the Western Conference, which would set up a first round matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Curry has been the floor general for the Warriors all season, leading the team in points, assists, and steals.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Lebron, Heat Jump Past Pacers for #1 Seed in East

Not much has changed in the NBA MVP race over the past week. Kevin Durant has continued to put up impressive numbers for the Thunder while Lebron and the rest of the NBA do their best to dethrone Durant, who sits atop the list of MVP candidates. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have surpassed the struggling Indiana Pacers for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference.


1. Kevin Durant- Durant has been playing with a chip on his shoulder all season. Whether it was the talk of not winning a championship or MVP yet, being in Lebron's shadow, or the Thunder having a disappointing postseason, the small forward out of the University of Texas deserves this year's MVP award, hands down.

(Durant has clearly been the best player in the NBA so far)

2. Lebron James- With Dwayne Wade, Ray Allen, and Greg Oden all sidelined due to injuries, James has carried the Heat over the past few weeks. The Heat, who just took the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference from the Pacers, look like they could be the team to beat in the East as they get healthy.

3. Joakim Noah- Noah has been the leader of the Chicago Bulls all season, both on and off of the court. His numbers show his versatility, averaging 12.5 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 5.2 APG, and 1.5 BPG, but he has been the leader of the Chicago Bulls emotionally, who will most likely enter the playoffs hosting a first round series.

4. Blake Griffin- The Los Angeles Clippers' power forward has been limited in the past week due to back spasms. The Clippers have wrapped up a top three seed in the Western Conference, so my guess is they will be cautious when dealing with Griffin's injury to make sure he is 100% for the playoffs. Griffin has absolutely been one of the most valuable players to his team this year, and will be a player to watch closely in the postseason.

(The Clippers need Blake Griffin healthy if they expect to go deep in the playoffs)

5. James Harden- The Rockets have struggled recently, losing three straight games to the Clippers, Nets, and Raptors. In the trio of defeats, Harden has averaged 28.0 PPG, 5.7 APG, and 4.7 RPG. In order for Harden and the Rockets to take the next step as a player and franchise, Houston must win at least one playoff series.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Durant, Lebron Start Prepping for Playoffs

The playoffs are rapidly approaching. Only 10 games remain on most team's schedules, which means a lot of teams that have guaranteed themselves spots in the postseason will start resting their star players. On the other hand, there are still teams who are locked up in tight playoff battles, where these next 10 games will decide whether organizations move on to the postseason or go home.


1. Kevin Durant- As has been the case for most the season, Durant is the frontrunner for the MVP award. On the offensive side of the floor, Durant has clearly been the best and most consistent scorer throughout the year. Couple that with the fact that he has improved his passing, defense, and rebounding since last season, and it becomes clear that the MVP trophy deserves to be in his hands at the end of the year. Bleacher Report chronicles Durant's season, which may even rival what Michael Jordan did in his prime.

2. Lebron James- Lebron came out of a 10 game slump on Wednesday night when he put up 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Indiana Pacers in a battle of the two best teams in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for the Heat, they lost a close game and it looks like they will head into the playoffs as the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

(Lebron James will most likely settle for 2nd place in this year's MVP voting)

3. Blake Griffin- Even according to Griffin, this year's MVP competition is a two-man race between Durant and Lebron, but Griffin's impressive season leads some to believe he could win the award in the next few years. Blake ranks 6th in the NBA in points and 16th in rebounds.

4. James Harden- Harden is averaging 28.2 PPG, 5.8 APG, and 3.0 RPG in his past five games and has propelled the Rockets to a four game win streak. The Rockets' shooting guard can really put himself in the upper echelon of NBA players if he can lead the Rockets deep in the playoffs this year.

(Harden can be considered among the NBA's elite if the Rockets win a playoff series)

5. Joakim Noah- The Bulls' center has his team playing their best basketball of the season at the right time. Noah's leadership and versatility are two reasons why the Bulls are tied with the Toronto Raptors for the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls, who are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, present a very scary matchup for any team in the playoffs.


Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

MVP is Durant's to Lose

With less than one month to go in the NBA regular season, Kevin Durant is heading down the home stretch as the clear frontrunner. With Lebron James struggling with back spasms, the Oklahoma City Thunder small forward looks to be on the way to winning his first ever MVP award.


1. Kevin Durant- KD is one month away from earning the most prestigious individual honor in basketball. The Thunder have survived serious injuries and roster changes throughout the season thanks to the play of Durant, who leads the NBA in scoring. Although Durant is most well known for his scoring ability, this article highlights the other great aspects of his game.

(Durant is excelling at all facets of the game)

2. Lebron James- After a 43 point performance in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron missed the Heat's next game against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night with back spasms. Back spasms aren't the most serious thing in the world, but it is a nagging injury that the Heat might be cautious about. If Lebron is forced to miss any more games, he is practically conceding to MVP award to Durant.

3. Blake Griffin- Blake Griffin's emergence into the NBA's elite has been one of the top stories in the NBA this season. He continues to put up great numbers for the Clippers, who are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs behind Griffin and Chris Paul.

4. Joakim Noah- Although Noah probably doesn't have a shot at catching Durant for this season's MVP award, Noah will most likely take home the Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA. Noah ranks 6th in the NBA in rebounds and 11th in blocks.

(Joakim Noah's competitiveness and passion for the game are the only reason the Bulls are in the playoff hunt)

5. Stephen Curry- Curry's ability to balance scoring and distributing makes him almost impossible to guard on the defensive side of the floor. Steph ranks 7th in the NBA in scoring and 6th in assists while leading the Golden State Warriors, who currently own the 6th seed in the Western Conference.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Durant Widens the Gap in Two-Man Race

In what appears to be one of the closest MVP races in recent memory, Kevin Durant is slowly starting to emerge as the clear frontrunner. Durant and Lebron James are clearly the two best players in the NBA, and are both extremely important and valuable to their teams. It seems as though Durant and James keep battling for the MVP crown, while the rest of the league is playing for 3rd place.

1. Kevin Durant- KD has continued his stellar play as of late. In his past five games, Durant is averaging 34.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 5.8 APG. On Tuesday night, Durant dazzled the crowd with a 42 point performance in a 106-98 win against the Houston Rockets, a Western Conference rival. As stated in this article, Durant has created some separation between him and Lebron in the MVP race.

2. Lebron James- Ever since his 61 point outburst against the Charlotte Bobcats, Lebron hasn't seemed right. Since his career night, James has failed to reach 25 points in five straight games, and the Heat have gone 1-4 in those games. The Miami Heat small forward needs to get hot in a hurry if he wants to catch Durant for the league's most prestigious individual honor.

(Lebron has struggled over the past five games)

3. Blake Griffin- The Los Angeles Clippers are the hottest team in basketball thanks to the play of their All-Star power forward. The Clippers have won nine games in a row as Griffin has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate. In a battle of California's best teams on Wednesday night, Blake scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a 111-98 win against the Golden State Warriors.

(Blake Griffin has the Clippers playing their best basketball of the season)

4. James Harden- The Rockets' shooting guard is thriving while being the "go-to guy" in Houston. Harden is averaging 29.8 PPG, 7.2 APG, and 5.8 RPG in his past five games. Despite the fact that many think that Harden is being overlooked and undervalued in his breakout season, he lands at #4 in the MVP race this week.

5. Tony Parker- Parker is not putting up gaudy numbers like the other four players on this list, but he is efficiently running the best team in basketball. The point guard from France is averaging 17.7 PPG, 6.2 APG, and 2.2 RPG for the Spurs, who currently own the best record in the NBA.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Harden, Noah Jump into the MVP Conversation

The All-Star break has come and gone. With just over 20 games left in the regular season, this is setting up to be one of the closest MVP races we have seen in recent years. Kevin Durant and Lebron James are still taking part in a back-and-forth battle atop our rankings. With the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls playing well, guard James Harden and center Joakim Noah jump into the top 5 this week.


1. Kevin Durant- The Oklahoma City Thunder small forward will stay atop the list for the 5th week in a row. The Thunder are hanging onto the #1 seed in the Western Conference thanks to Durant's stellar season. Almost averaging 32 PPG, Durant is well on his way to winning his 4th NBA scoring title in the last 5 years. Marc Stein from ESPN documents the Durant vs. Lebron battle for this year's MVP award in this article.

2. Lebron James- This past Monday in a contest against the Charlotte Bobcats, we may have witnessed Lebron's greatest game since he entered the league in 2003. James went off for 61 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. It looked like Lebron was ready to leapfrog Durant into the top spot, but he has since followed up his great showing with two lackluster performances. James is right on Durant's heels with about six weeks to go in the regular season.

(Lebron played a near-perfect game Monday night against the Bobcats)

3. Blake Griffin- The big man from Los Angeles was recently named the February Western Conference player of the month. Averaging just about 24.1 PPG and 9.7 RPG, Griffin has been the best player on the Clippers, who are looking more and more like a team that could make a deep run in the playoffs.

4. James Harden- The Houston Rockets are 13-2 in their last 15 games, and are looking like they could be threats to the typical Western Conference powers come playoff time. Harden has led the way for Houston, averaging 24.5 PPG, 5.7 APG, and 4.7 RPG. Many thought Harden might take a back seat role after the Rockets signed Dwight Howard in the offseason. To the surprise of some, Harden has been the team's best and most reliable player throughout the year.

(After a consistent season with the Rockets, Harden is #4 in the MVP race this week)

5. Joakim Noah- After the Bulls traded Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 7th, it looked like the team was giving up for the season and trying to free up cap space for the offseason. Since then, the Bulls have risen to the #4 seed in the Eastern Conference due to Noah's play since the departure of Deng. Noah is arguably the best defensive player in the NBA, and can even be a scoring threat down low when the team needs him to be.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Durant, James Dueling for the Top Spot

We are heading into All-Star weekend, which marks the midway point in the season. Looking into the 2nd half of the season, the MVP race is looking like a two-man competition. Kevin Durant and Lebron James have clearly been the two most impressive and valuable players to their teams through the first 45 games.


1. Kevin Durant- Durant has had a notable week, putting up big numbers against the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. More than ever, KD has been exceptional this year at getting his teammates more involved, as stated by this Los Angeles Times article. The Oklahoma City Thunder small forward is the best player on the best team in the NBA, making him a clear choice for the #1 spot.

(Durant remains the frontrunner for the most prestigious individual award in the NBA)

2. Lebron James- After a poor showing in a loss against the Utah Jazz, Lebron has been on fire the last two games. LBJ scored 37 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a big road win against the Phoenix Suns. The next night, James put up 36 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, and knocked down a fadeaway 3-pointer at the buzzer in a victory versus the Golden State Warriors. Lebron made news earlier this week when he said that he'll be on the NBA's Mount Rushmore. With 2 NBA Championships and 4 MVP awards he is probably correct, but he is still chasing Durant for this year's MVP award.

3. Blake Griffin- The big man for the Los Angeles Clippers is currently playing the best basketball of his career. Griffin is averaging 35.4 PPG and 11.0 RPG in his past five contests. With the return of Chris Paul from an injury, the Clippers are in good shape heading into the All-Star break.

(Blake Griffin carried in the Clippers in the absence of Chris Paul)

4. Stephen Curry- The Golden State Warriors have had a frustrating first half of the season, but Curry has not disappointed. Steph ranks 5th in the NBA in points and 2nd in assists heading into the break. With injuries to Derek Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul, Curry has emerged as the best point guard in the league so far this year.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge- In a battle between the two best power forwards in the NBA, Aldridge and the Trail Blazers went head-to-head against Blake Griffin and the Clippers on Wednesday night. Not only did Aldridge get outplayed by Griffin, but the Trail Blazers also lost a back-and-forth game. LaMarcus drops to 5th this week, but the power forward from Portland has had a very solid first half of the season.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Blake Griffin Enters the MVP Discussion

There are no changes at the top of the rankings for this week. Durant, James, and Aldridge remain the top three contenders for this year's MVP award. Blake Griffin, with his impressive play, has jumped into the MVP conversation though.


1. Kevin Durant- KD remains at the top of the list for the 3rd week in a row. In the past week, Durant has scored 25+ points in all four games. Besides an uncharacteristic loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday, the Thunder have been playing very well in the absence of Russell Westbrook, thanks to the play of Durant. The Thunder are the best team in NBA, according to the most recent ESPN Power Rankings.

(Kevin Durant is on pace to win his first ever MVP award)

2. Lebron James- Ever since an embarrassing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder eight days ago, Lebron has played exceptionally. Since the defeat, the Heat have tallied wins against the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Clippers. In each three games, Lebron has been the team's most consistent scorer, passer, rebounder, and defender. If it weren't for Kevin Durant's amazing season, James would be running away with his 5th MVP award.

3. LaMarcus Aldridge- Although he is coming off a disappointing performance in a win against the New York Knicks, Aldridge is still carrying the Trail Blazers as they remain a top seed in the Western Conference. LaMarcus is currently leading the team in points and rebounds, and is one of the team's most consistent low post defenders. Unfortunately for the big man from Portland, Durant and James seem to have the top two spots on lock.

4. Blake Griffin- Griffin makes his first appearance in the top five this week. Since the injury to Chris Paul on January 3rd, Griffin has put the Clippers on his back. Averaging 23.7 PPG and 9.8 RPG, Griffin is one of the league's most exciting players. As stated in this article by nba.com, Blake is playing at an MVP level for the depleted Clippers.

(Blake Griffin has jumped into the MVP conversation with his impressive recent play)

5. Stephen Curry- Despite an unimpressive, 18-point performance in a loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday, Curry remains in the top five. On Friday night, Steph erupted for 44 points on 14-26 shooting in a 95-90 win against the Utah Jazz. He continues to be the best player for the Warriors, who are clinging onto a playoff spot in Western Conference.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Durant Continues Streak, Stays at #1 Spot

1. Kevin Durant- The month of January has been kind to KD. In one of the most impressive offensive months in NBA history, Durant is averaging close to 37 points per contest throughout the month. This article summarizes how good Durant has been lately. On Wednesday night, Durant's 33 point, 7 rebound, and 5 assist performance was good enough for a 112-95 victory over the Miami Heat. Many dubbed the Thunder vs. Heat game as a way to decide the Durant vs. Lebron MVP race. Durant clearly got the best of Lebron, so he remains atop the list for this week.

2. Lebron James- After jumping out to an early lead against the Thunder, Miami got completely steamrolled by Oklahoma City on Wednesday night at home. Lebron managed to finish with 34 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Heat looked overmatched against a better Thunder team, who were playing without their second best player, Russell Westbrook. Although he was outplayed by Durant in one of the biggest games of the year, Lebron is still the most efficient player in the NBA, and stays at the #2 spot for another week.

3. LaMarcus Aldridge- Aldridge put on one of the best performances of the season last Thursday against the Denver Nuggets in a 110-105 victory. LaMarcus scored 44 points, and added 13 rebounds and 5 assists. The Power Forward for the Blazers is the main reason why Portland owns the #3 seed in the Western Conference.

(Aldridge's showing against the Nuggets moves him up to #3 in the MVP watch)

4. Stephen Curry- The Warriors have lost two of their last three, but Steph cannot be blamed. In the last week, Curry has scored 33, 38, and 23 points per game in games against the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, and Wizards. Golden State has played poorly as of late, but Curry remains their best and most consistent player.

5. Paul George- George has struggled in his past few games, which explains why he slides down the rankings for this week. On Saturday, George scored just 18 points on 6/18 shooting in a loss to the Nuggets. George followed that game with a 14 point performance against the Lakers, in which he shot 4/21 from the floor.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

Durant's Hot Stretch Vaults Him to the Top

1. Kevin Durant- Kevin Durant, the Small Forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been on an absolute tear as of late. Averaging 31.0 PPG, 5.1 APG, and 7.7 RPG for the season, Durant has clearly been the best player in the league for the past two months. In the month of January, KD has averaged close to 37 points per game, and has stepped up his play since his teammate Russell Westbrook went down with an injury.

(Durant has undoubtedly been the best player in the NBA as of late)

2. Lebron James- In the past five years, Lebron has won 4 MVP awards, 2 NBA Championships, and a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. He could go down as the greatest player of our generation, and one of the best players of all time. Recent uncharacteristic losses to the Hawks, Wizards, Nets, and Knicks, along with Durant's hot play, are the main reasons why Lebron slips to the #2 spot in this week's rankings. As mentioned in this article, some suggest that the Heat's current struggles are just due to boredom, and nothing to worry about.

3. Paul George- George is one of the up-and-coming players in the NBA. He is the best player on the Indiana Pacers, who own the best record in the NBA at 33-8. Averaging 23.3 PPG, 3.4 APG, and 6.2 RPG, George is also widely considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

4. Stephen Curry- Steph is the floor general and leader for the Golden State Warriors, who currently own the 6th seed in the Western Conference with a 26-17 record. Curry is well-known for being the best shooter in the NBA. Kevin Durant even went as far as to call Steph the best shooter ever. Pretty high praise from one superstar to another.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge- The Portland Trail Blazers are off to one of the best starts in team history. Along with the Trail Blazers' hot start, LaMarcus Aldridge is enjoying a breakout year, averaging 24.2 PPG and 11.6 RPG.


Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!