Around the Web: Holiday a breakout star?

Sixers' Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams sat with injuries on Thursday (see story), Elton Brand said it's "paramount" to win a playoff series this season (see blog post) and we continued to preview the Atlantic Division with the New York Knicks (see blog post).

The regular season starts on Dec. 26 for the Sixers. That being said, SI.com's NBA writers gave their predictions for the 2011-12 season.

SI.com listed 10 predictions in total, including who will win the conference finals, NBA championship and regular-season MVP.

The Miami Heat were unanimously picked to win the Eastern Conference Final.

In the breakout star category, Britt Robson selected Jrue Holiday of the Sixers.

He took a big step forward last year in his second season, averaging 14 points, 6.5 assists and four rebounds and playing solid defense for Philadelphia. According to 82games.com, he had a more positive impact on the Sixers than anyone else in the rotation in a season in which they improved by 14 wins. Plus, he's only 21 and has great size for a point guard.

The Sixers believe their depth and youth will help them be able to push past opponents in the shortened 66-game regular season and Holiday will certainly be a key factor in that.

Sound off

What are your predictions for the Sixers this season?