I don't view this as an optimistic prediction, at all.Nets - I think this is the year they make a real run, (but just as easily trade the whole team) saying that, I don't think Durant is a winner, I know Simmons isn't,.Kyrie is a winner but they'll put their faith in Durant and it will be wrong again.
Bucks - ultimately the best team in the division
76ers - Hard to imagine they won't be good in regular season, though I still don't trust Embiid will not get hurt again bad, I hope not though.
Cavs - I'll be optimistic, so much potential on this team, especially with everyone getting better...top 5 Defense and top 12 offense...
Bulls - they are much better than they showed last year imo...
Celtics - can't forget about them
Raptors - they are going to be better this year with Barnes getting better
Hawks - also improving
Heat - I see them regressing this year and still think Herro is overrated.
Pistons - might crack in here. Cade will be a top 25 player in the next year or two.
Big deal. No other EC team has 4 potential all stars on their roster, supplemented by three veteran "6MOY caliber" players coming off the bench. So don't project this as a 4 seed and label it "optimistic." Optimistic is the Cavs winning it all THIS SEASON. Realistic is ~55 wins and a 1 or 2 seed in the East. The post season might be more of a challenge, due to lack of experience.Take away here is that the East is deep.
I like how you added the victory totals! It makes this easier.1. MIL - 54
2. PHI - 53
3. BOS - 50
4. MIA - 49
5. BKN - 48
6. CLE - 48
7. TOR - 45
8. ATL - 44
9. Chicago 42
10. NYK - 40
11. CHA - 38
1. MIL - 54
2. CLE - 53
3. BOS - 52
4. PHIL - 49
5. BKN - 48
6. ATL - 48
7. Tor - 45
8. MIA - 44
9. Chicago 43
10. CHA - 42
11. NYK - 38
Take away here is that the East is deep.
teams are so evenly matched that injuries, even more than normal, are probably going to determine a lot.But also wide open. There isn't a team that I would say is head and shoulders above anyone else.
There are at least 5 teams (Celtics, Nets, Bucks, Cavs, Philly) that could make the Finals and none would surprise me.
It's a similar story in the West.
Going to be a huge factor imo on the outcome of the standings and Eastern Conference Champion this year!I have the Cavs as the 4th seed if the Nets implode and the 5th if they finally put it together. The Cavs could get as high as 3 if the Celtics struggle due to injuries to Williams and Brogdon.
I really expect the Heat to struggle this season. Lowry shouldn't be starting anymore and they don't have a legitimate PF on the roster.
teams are so evenly matched that injuries, even more than normal, are probably going to determine a lot.
Cavs go 81-1-1.
16-0 in the Playoffs.
Game. Blouses.
================
50-32. 4th Seed. Second round exit in six games.