Quote:
Originally Posted by Duvalier
Good stuff Chuck. I remember you coming up big with your NBA O/U's a season or two back...going something like 5-0. Love seeing over on the Blazers...I think they make the playoffs this year as a 7th or 8th seed with a much improved bench. I like what Olshey is doing out there.
|
Portland is a little banged up and will be less than full strength for the beginning of the season which is probably why the total is low but a few of the west teams clearly are down and the blazers have a pretty good core of players (Aldridge, Batum, Lillard, Lopez) and vets looking for one more contract (Mo Williams, Wes Mathews, Dorell Wright) and a couple of potential emerging role players (Robinson, Leonard, injured rookie McCollum, Crabbe) and should be a .500 team or a touch better if the small ball works.
Love to see a Aldridge, Batum, Lillard, McCollum, and Mathews/Williams/Crabbe small ball unit for a few minutes a game.
Houston is going to be good but they have to figure out to play Asik and Howard together and figure out the guard rotation. I figure they blow a couple games early in the season and finish strong.
Golden State's total depends a great deal on the health of Curry's ankle Bogut and the likelihood of them staying healthy all year is not strong. AI is a great pickup as he can give them what Jack gave them and he is a plus defender which helps. But I think the loss of Landry will hurt the bench and they aren't sneaking up on anyone anymore.
I don't see why Memphis won't win 55 games. Picked up shooting in Miller, some more size in Koufos, and get a full season of Prince and Ed Davis. None of these are earth shattering moves but add to an already established, solid playoff contender in a weakened West.
I'm not exactly sure what the plan in Denver is. Don't like the moves they made. They are looking like a terrible defensive team.
I believe Atlanta is going to be OK. Made some low key moves but IMO will be better without Josh Smith.
I'd lean under on Miami simply because they might cruise if home court advantage is wrapped up and lose a few games late. Wade and Allen aren't getting younger and I'm sure Miami will be looking to rest legs for the playoffs.
No opinion on Clippers
Lean over with Bulls. They are going to be really good though health is always a concern.
No opinion on SA or Indy
probably lean under on Brooklyn
No opinion on Knicks, Dallas, MN, Cleveland
Lean under on Detroit though I do kind of like them
New Orleans and Washington are about right.
The Lakers are a mess
I have no feel for Toronto though I do think addition by subtraction is in play with Bargnani leaving. Valanciunas is going surprise a lot of people
Sacramento could win 40 or 20.
Milwaukee has a bizarre group of players.
Think Boston would probably win 30 but can't stomach ever rooting for them regardless of how stripped down the roster is.
Utah has a decent starting group till Burke got hurt but the bench is abysmal
Orlando is not a good team but is putting together decent enough pieces. Love Tobias Harris, Milwaukee really screwed themselves trading him for a few months of JJ Reddick and a blowout in the 1st round of the playoffs. Lori loves Vucevic!
Phoenix is a terrible team. 22 wins is not impossible though
The 76'ers probably did the right thing blowing it up, trading a good but not great Holiday for a potentially top defensive player in Noel and another potential high draft pick in a loaded draft to go along with theirs. Being horrendous allows Carter-Williams and the other rookies and 1st and 2nd year players the freedom to get experience with no expectations. Royce White is a lottery ticket that may hit though his fear of flying makes things a bit difficult. But they will probably play hard and in the NBA that will win you a few games during the long season. But I don't see how they can win 18.