The Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA title and the Toronto Raptors can look forward to a disappointing 12th-place finish in the Eastern Conference _ at least in a simulation of the 2006-07 season.
Electronic Arts simulated the season, using its NBA Live 07 video game.
The game has the Mavericks capturing their first NBA title by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki is MVP of the final.
Kevin Garnett is the regular season MVP while Canadian point guard Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns leads the league in assists with an average of 10 per game.
Despite Toronto's poor finish, Raptors all-star Chris Bosh has a decent virtual season, finishing second in the league in blocks with 2.5 per game and third in rebounding (11 a night).
In the simulation, the Mavericks reach the final by defeating San Antonio in a seven-game Western Conference final series.
The Cavs oust the defending champion Miami Heat in seven games to capture the Eastern Conference crown.
Last season, the EA simulation correctly predicted Miami would advance to the NBA final _ although the game picked the Heat to lose to San Antonio _ and picked Kobe Bryant to capture the regular-season scoring title.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
