New Orleans Pelicans Over 45.5
The New Orleans Pelicans had a defensive rating of 111.9 last year, ranking them the sixth best defense in the league. Adding Dejounte Murray in the offseason stacks their group of on ball defenders, while also adding another bucket getter. The Pelicans have had injury problems in the past, so adding another all-star caliber player should help them coast over 45 wins—even with injuries. New Orleans could be making another move this season, they desperately need a center.
Cleveland Cavaliers Over 47.5
Cleveland has been one of the more consistent teams for the past couple years. With Donnovan Mitchell, even with him missing 27 games, the Cavaliers still tallied 48 wins last year. I find myself looking for a jump from Evan Mobley each year, the Cavaliers could use a second option. I would love it if Mobley could become that, or even Darius Garland could bounce back after an underwhelming year. This team’s defense will be great with Jarrett Allen and Mobley anchoring the defense and Mitchell anchoring the offense.
Chicago Bulls Over 27.5
The betting line with this team is mostly based on one question: What in the world are they going to do? Are they going to trade Zach Lavine? Are they going to tank for a chance to draft Cooper Flagg? Are they trying to compete for a playoff spot as the front office tells fans every year? If Zach Lavine is on this team until the trade deadline (usually just short of two thirds of the way of the season), I see the over hitting. Lavine will likely be on the team until the deadline. This team can be dangerous to an opponent who is overlooking them. Lavine is a powerful offensive weapon. Rookie Matas Buzelis is looking great through his summer league and preseason play. They’ll see more development from players such as Josh Giddey, Patrick Williams, and Coby White. Also, most importantly, the return of point guard Lonzo Ball will be key. Ball has missed the last two years due to a nagging knee injury. I don’t see the Bulls as contenders, but I predict them to be around 30 wins.
Washington Wizards Under 21.5 wins
I have no faith in this team. Currently their best player is Kyle Kuzma, who will likely be traded to a contender for little to nothing in return. The Wizards selected Alexander Sarr with the second overall pick in this year’s NBA draft, who has been underwhelming in preseason and summer league. Jordan Poole is probably their second-best player, and he is one of the most inefficient players in the league. If the dog from the movie Air-Bud was on this team, he would be one of the top players on the team. I see no bright side for this team, unless some almighty being joins the roster, I don’t see them over 21 wins.
Houston Rockets Over 43.5
The Rockets dealt with injuries last year with their best player, Alperen Sengun. Even with him missing, the team went on a winning streak almost making the play in. Jalen Green finally broke out in Sengun’s disappearance. Green’s struggles with efficiency went out the window to end the year. I loved the way this team was looking to end the year and love how some of the young guys look in the preseason. The third overall pick in this year’s draft, Reed Sheppard, a savvy sharp shooting guard, has looked great. Cam Whitmore has looked phenomenal while attacking the rim. This team has a lot of everything such as depth, youth, veterans, defense, and offense. This team can hurt you from many different angles, but this could be the year they make the playoffs.
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