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Tuesday, October 22, 2019

NBA Over/Under Win Predictions

*Last season’s record: 18-12


East


Atlanta Hawks O/U 34.5

OVER: A year older Trae Young, John Collins, Kevin Huerter and promising rookie De’Andre Hunter should increase Lloyd Pierce’s and the Hawks’ win total by the necessary six games.

Boston Celtics O/U 49.5

OVER: After a disappointing 2018-19 season, look for Revenge of Brad Stevens.

Brooklyn Nets O/U 44.5

OVER: Look for an “at peace” Kyrie Irving to lead the deeper-than-you-think Brooklynites to a top four Eastern Conference finish.

Charlotte Hornets O/U 23.5

UNDER: Letting Kemba Walker walk in the offseason signals a major tankathon in 2019-20.

Chicago Bulls O/U 32.5

OVER: Expect major improvement from Zach LaVine, Laurie Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr., and company.

Cleveland Cavaliers O/U 24.5

UNDER: I love John Beilein, but this roster has the look of a barely 20-win team.

Detroit Pistons O/U 38.5

UNDER: This is a tough one - Dwane Casey can coach – but the bottom of the East is improved since last season, while the Pistons look too familiar.

Indiana Pacers O/U 47.5

UNDER: Nate McMillan will do a great job as usual, but without the services of Victor Oladipo for the beginning of the season at least, the Pacers will struggle to match last season’s win total.

Miami Heat O/U 43.5

OVER: The arrival of Jimmy Butler gives the Heat an instant boost that should be worth five games.

Milwaukee Bucks O/U 57.5

OVER: Yes, the Bucks lost Malcolm Brogdon in free agency, but they still have Mike Budenholzer, an improved (yes, improved) Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with some other key additions.

New York Knicks O/U 27.5

OVER: This is a big year for head coach David Fizdale and the bet here is that he delivers to the tune of 30 wins with a young, somewhat talented, mismatched roster.

Orlando Magic O/U 41.5

OVER: A young Magic team won 42 games last season and conventional wisdom says they should at least improve slightly with experience.

Philadelphia 76ers O/U 54.5

OVER: The Sixers won 51 games last year and now look to be co-favorites in a conference that lost Kawhi Leonard. A more focused Joel Embiid and an improved Ben Simmons will lead this team to the 55-win plateau.

Toronto Raptors O/U 46.5

UNDER: The raptors minus Kawhi will still be solid, but 47 wins is a tough ask for former role players and a young, rising star in Pascal Siakam.

Washington Wizards O/U 26.5

UNDER: Bradley Beal is on an island in DC and although they looked scrappy in preseason, it’s hard to imagine the Wizards approaching 30 wins. 


WEST


Dallas Mavericks O/U 40.5

OVER: The combination of Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and Rick Carlisle should fight for a playoff spot and in the West that takes more than 40 wins.

Denver Nuggets O/U 53.5

UNDER: The Nuggets won 54 games last season and they should be just as formidable this season. But, in an even tougher Western Conference they may come up just short of last season’s win total.

Golden State O/U 47.5

OVER: Last season it took 48 wins to make the playoffs in the West. I think Steph Curry, Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell will keep the Warriors in that mix.

Houston Rockets O/U 53.5

OVER: The Rockets have this regular season thing figured out and James Harden and Russell Westbrook absolutely love the regular season.

Los Angeles Clippers O/U 53.5

OVER: The Clippers, who won 48 games last season without Kawhi or Paul George, are built for the long haul. Expect them to be at or near the top of the West all season.

Los Angeles Lakers O/U 49.5

OVER: Though injuries are a concern and the roster outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis is thin at best, expect the Lakers to be on the top half of the Western Conference playoff race, so that equals 50-plus wins.

Memphis Grizzlies O/U 26.5

UNDER: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant are two guys you wanna check out on NBA League Pass, but don’t get that confused with Ws.

Minnesota Timberwolves O/U 35.5

OVER: The Wolves have talent and head coach Ryan Saunders looked good last season, so don’t be surprised if Minnesota makes a run at a playoff spot.

New Orleans Pelicans O/U 39.5

OVER: Even without Zion Williamson for the first two months of the season, the Pels have the talent to make at least a cursory run at the playoffs, led by Jrue Holiday, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram.

Oklahoma City Thunder O/U 32.5

UNDER: OKC is in a clear rebuild phase and don’t let Chris Paul’s presence on the roster fool you.

Phoenix Suns O/U 29.5

UNDER: New head coach Monty Williams brings some stability and professionalism to the team, but the Suns are still a few years away from competing in the West.

Portland Trailblazers O/U 46.5

OVER: Dame Lillard and CJ McCollum will continue to battle and collect wins and watch out for the emergence of Zach Collins.

Sacramento Kings O/U 38.5

OVER: This is a close call, but Sacramento should build on their surprisingly successful 2018-19 season, with the emergence of De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III. The biggest question is if Luke Walton can coach them.

San Antonio Spurs O/U 45.5

OVER: Another close one, but expect Gregg Popovich to coach with a chip on his shoulder thanks to the FIBA experience and the Spurs have a nice mix of youth and veterans.

Utah Jazz O/U 53.5

OVER: The Jazz won 50 games last year with Donovan Mitchell as their only true offensive option. Add Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic to a team led by Quin Snyder and you have a squad that could win the West regular season.


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