Jerry Zgoda's 2015-16 NBA predictions

MVP

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

Coach of the Year

Fred Hoiberg, Chicago

Rookie of the Year

Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver

Defensive Player of the Year

Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio

Sixth Man

Isaiah Thomas, Boston

Most Improved

Otto Porter Jr., Washington

Executive of the Year

R.C. Buford, San Antonio

All-NBA Team

Forwards

LeBron James, Cleveland

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Center

Anthony Davis, New Orleans

Guards

James Harden, Houston

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

In the playoffs

Eastern Conference Finals: Cleveland over Chicago

Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City over San Antonio

NBA Finals: Cleveland over Oklahoma City

Three games to watch

Thursday, 9:30 pm, TNT, Dallas at L.A. Clippers

The first meeting between the teams since DeAndre Jordan reneged on a promise to play for the Mavericks and re-signed with the Clippers instead.

Nov. 4, 9:30 p.m., ESPN, L.A. Clippers at Golden State

The first regular-season meeting revisits a preseason feud when Clippers coach Doc Rivers told Grantland.com: "You need luck in the West. Look at Golden State. They didn't have to play us or the Spurs." Klay Thompson and Andrew Bogut responded with barbs of their own.

Nov. 11, 9:30 p.m., ESPN, San Antonio at Portland

LaMarcus Aldridge's first game back at Moda Center since he left the Trail Blazers as a free agent for the Spurs last summer.