The best regular season team in NBA history, the Golden State Warriors, blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals and lost to the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors did not need to add anyone to their roster, as it was clear they would remain the top team in the NBA next season. But of course they added another player to improve their lineup just as every team does. The exception was that this was no ordinary player. The player they added just so happened to be Kevin Durant, one of the game’s best players and most prolific scorers. The Warriors now have the last three MVP winners in Durant and Curry. This means that they should have smooth sailing all the way into the NBA Finals. Woah now, not so fast. Even in the most predictable American sports league, there are still surprises. Here are the predictions for the 2016-17 NBA season.

Western Conference Champs

Golden State Warriors

This is a fairly easy pick. No team in the west will be able to compete with Golden State this season. They practically have a big four in Curry, Thompson, Green, and now Durant. They are a match-up nightmare for opposing teams, and once they get past their initial chemistry issues they will be nearly unbeatable.

Eastern Conference Champs

Cleveland Cavaliers

In the east it is tough to pick against the Cavs. Their only real threat is a young, inexperienced Boston team that can’t match the firepower Cleveland has. That along with the fact that LeBron will be playing with minimal pressure, makes a scary team who will contend for the title for the third straight season.

Finals Winner

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors couldn’t get it done last year, but this year they will. The addition of KD will provide them with even more weapons on offense and will create major match-up problems for the Cavs. Sorry LeBron, your finals record won’t reach .500 this year. (LeBron is currently 3-4 in the finals)

Most Valuable Player

Damian Lillard

No the MVP will not be the favorite Russell Westbrook; nor will it be LeBron James or the two time reigning MVP Steph Curry. It will be Damian Lillard, the point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers who has been snubbed from all-star teams the past two seasons, and has failed to receive the national recognition he deserves. Lillard is an extremely talented offensive player, and he will be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season. His extreme determination to take down the “super teams” will help him to have a great individual season and lead the Blazers to the playoffs. It seems like a long shot now, but Lillard will win the MVP this season.