Predicting NBA Playoffs Using Machine Learning

Abstract

This project attempts to predict the NBA playoff bracket using ma- chine learning methods. It will consider one self-constructed model and one machine learning model built from various machine learning algo- rithms. The project will also determine the most efficient model for pre- dicting NBA results and which way to select data gives an accurate and consistent prediction. Finally, the project will investigate the effect of home and away variables on the teams’ performance and the model’s ac- curacy.