by Lavi Aulck
Sports Editor

Dennie Chong
Photo Editor

Aaron Hunter
Staff Writer

Before the current NBA season began, three of the Ebbtide’s very own basketball enthusiasts met up, sat down and gave their predictions on the season. Here are hoops according to Dennie Chong (DC), Aaron Hunter (AH) and Lavi Aulck (LA).

Who’s going to the Finals? Who’s winning and in how many games?

DC: I’m going to have to say it’s going to be the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons, with Phoenix winning in 6 games. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Spurs in the Finals again.

AH: I want to be west coast biased, but I honestly think that with the big three in Boston, its going to be Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns. I think it’s going to be a high-scoring series with Boston taking it in seven.

LA: I’m going to go with the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls in the finals. The Bulls are probably the deepest team in the league and the Mavs are going to be hungry after what has happened the past two years. I’ll say Mavs in 6.

Who’s winning MVP?

DC: I think it’s going to be Lebron James. He’ll dominate, but I don’t see Cleveland in the finals this year.

AH: I say Lebron James. He should have got it last year.

LA: I’m going with Lebron James as well. If he carries any momentum over from last year’s playoffs, he’ll dominate the league.

Who’s winning Rookie of the Year?

DC: I say Kevin Durant, especially now that Greg Oden is out.

AH: Kevin Durant. Some people say that new guy, Luis Scola from Argentina, but it going to be Durant.

LA: I’ll say Kevin Durant because he’s the only rookie who’s the number one scoring option for his team.

How will the Sonics do? How many games will they win?

DC: I think maybe 25 games. I don’t see them getting much more than that.

AH: I’m saying they go 40-42. I think it will come down to them competing for the eighth playoff spot in the west.

LA: I’m saying 30 wins, which is about the same as they did last year, but I’m hoping for more.

Bold predictions?

DC: Robert Horry will FINALLY retire this year after making at least two clutch shots.

AH: I think saying the Sonics will win 40 games was bold enough.

LA: Somehow, Rasheed Wallace gets under 10 technical fouls this year.