NBA Midseason Report: 10 Brave Predictions for the Second Half

The first half of the NBA season is almost behind us, so it's time for predictions for the second half.

Making predictions is one of the most fun things to do as a sports fan. While some live up to their expectations, others don't, as you can see here. 

The recent blockbuster deals that sent Shaq, Shawn Marion, and Pau Gasol to different teams are just a couple of things that brought some interesting predictions to mind.

If these predictions don't come true, however, there is always room to admit the mistakes at the end of the season. 

So here are 10 bold predictions for the second half of the NBA season...

1. The Los Angeles Lakers will reach the Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers most recent acquisition that landed Pau Gasol in Los Angeles will make L.A. contenders in the Western Conference Finals.

After Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol combined for 66 points against Orlando, many were already convinced that the Lakers are for real.

And things are only going to get better for Los Angeles if Andrew Bymun can return to the same form he was in before going down with a kneecap injury against the Memphis Grizzlies.

If this does indeed happen, Bryant, Gasol, and Bymun won't be the only reasons.

The offseason acquisition of point guard Derek Fisher is something that often goes unnoticed. Plus, Lamar Odom along with the depth that the Lakers have off the bench with Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, Trevor Ariza, Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton, and Ronny Turiaf may come into play.

With all these factors combined, the Lakers have a great chance of reaching the conference finals.

2. The Miami Heat will win more than nine games.

The Miami Heat, who have been one the most disappointing teams this season, have only nine wins as of today with two more to play before the all-star break. 

The trade that sent Shaq to Phoenix in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks could be a better fit for the Heat than a declining Shaq.

Aside from scoring, Marion will bring both rebounding and defense to the Heat. 

ESPN's Tim Legler has already proclaimed Dwyane Wade and Marion as the next Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

I wouldn't go that far just yet—but the addition of Marion will leave Miami fans anxious to see what happens next season, because we all know they're not making the playoffs. Of course, Marion has to decide to stay with Miami when he becomes an un-restricted free agent this summer.

3. Kobe wins the race to the MVP.

In the first half of the season, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James have looked like easy favorites for the Most Valuable Player award.

The award usually goes to the best player on the best team—but if Kobe and the Lakers live up to second half expectations, then Kobe will be rewarded his first MVP trophy.

By the time the playoffs come, the race for MVP is usually down to three candidates, but with so many guys playing so well, the field will be narrowed down to five. The race will go down between all five guys mentioned above.

4. Houston wins the race for the eighth seed in the West.

As of today, Golden State and Houston are tied for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

Both teams are capable of going on some kind of the hot streak in the second half of the season, which will make the race for the eighth seed an entertaining one.

Also, the Portland Trail Blazers aren't out of contention for the eighth seed yet.

The west is so loaded this year that at least one good team will get left out. If it comes down to Houston and Golden State, the decision is a hard one. But in the end, Houston will win the battle. 

5. The San Antonio Spurs will become dangerous.

The Spurs always play their best basketball after the all-star break, and this year won't be any different once Tony Parker returns to the lineup.

If the playoffs started today, then the Spurs would face Dallas in the first round of the playoffs. 

The Spurs are currently sixth in the west, and (surprisingly) third in their division.

Damon Stoudamire can also play a vital role off the bench come second half.

If everything pans out, the Spurs will finish with the third or fourth seed in Western Conference. 

6. The Boston Celtics will win the East.

The top team in the Eastern Conference came into this season with plenty of hype, and so far they have lived up to it.

Not only have the trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen been exciting to watch—but the C's surprisingly give up few amounts of points to their opponents per game with 88.9.

Kevin Garnett has been bothered by an abdominal strain—but once he returns to full strength, the C's can get back to running the table.

7. The Phoenix Suns will clinch the No. 1 seed.

The Suns currently hold the top spot in the west—but have been swapping with New Orleans and Dallas the last few weeks.

Also the acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal will make a difference in the Suns offense.

Many have questions as to whether Shaq can survive in the Suns run-and-gun offense—but there will be no need for him to run.

Did you ever see Kurt Thomas running with these guys last season? Nope, and I think they did just fine.

Besides a big body down low, Shaq can also run high pick and rolls for Steve Nash.

8. New Orleans: The Playoff Sleeper

Last season Utah, Golden State, and even Cleveland were huge surprises in the postseason.

This year the New Orleans Hornets have the opportunity to surprise, although they are a number two seed.

New Orleans have already surprised in the first half of the season, by sitting second in the west and first in the tough Southwest Division.

The Hornets would go up against Denver if the playoffs started today, and although the Nuggets are no easy opponent, the Hornets chances of beating them in a seven game series aren't bad. 

9. Byron Scott wins the Coach of the Year.

You already know the Hornets have been a surprise this season, and Coach Byron Scott is one big reason why the team has succeeded.

Scott already has the experience as a player and coach. He won three championships with the Showtime Lakers in the 80's, and also coached the New Jersey that saw back-to-back finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.

If the Hornets keep up the pace they have managed in the first half of the season, then Scott will have a chance to run away with the award.

10. The San Antonio Spurs will repeat as NBA Champions.

Last but not least, the winner of the Larry O'Brien trophy goes to the Spurs for the second straight year.

The Celtics and Spurs would be the ultimate match-up, as two of the best big men in Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett would go head-to-head in a seven game series.

Of course, this all depends on the health on Tony Parker. Once playoff time arrives, Parker and Tim Duncan become unstoppable. 

Picture: (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer for BleacherReport.com.  To view his entire archive click here.