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2022 - 2023 Eastern Conference Predictions

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Cavs go 81-1-1.

16-0 in the Playoffs.

Game. Blouses.

================

50-32. 4th Seed. Second round exit in six games.
 
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.
 
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.
I don't view this as an optimistic prediction, at all.
 
Take away here is that the East is deep.
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.

My opinion, anyway.
 
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
I like how you added the victory totals! It makes this easier.
My guess:
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.

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.
 
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.
teams are so evenly matched that injuries, even more than normal, are probably going to determine a lot.
 
I see this years Cavaliers team being a lot like last years Memphis team (minus the douchey "bravado"). I think their regular season sees them play above their experience. Where I can see the seasons differing is the veteran presence on this team far outpaces there's (in the lockerroom and on the court), and I think that can take this team slightly farther than that Memphis team went.
 
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.
 
I see the Cavs placing more emphasis on early regular season wins that your standard veteran competitors- Milk, Boston, NJ, Philly.

Because of this, and esp if they stay healthy, I see them 53plus wins and a top 4 seed in the east. 2nd round playoff exit with a series that goes 6-7 games.
 
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.
Going to be a huge factor imo on the outcome of the standings and Eastern Conference Champion this year!
 
home court advantage being what it is in the NBA, definitely could mean the difference between 1st/2nd round exit and ECF. Hopefully not getting ahead of ourselves. I do expect a bit of a lull to happen at some point in this season. We aren't as under the radar anymore, and not as weird of a matchup (3 towers). It's going to take a minute I think to get going. Hopefully we don't lull too long.
 
Cavs go 81-1-1.

16-0 in the Playoffs.

Game. Blouses.

================

50-32. 4th Seed. Second round exit in six games.

No matter how crazy the prediction, Game Blouses is always the right answer.
 

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