What Are The Expectations For These Fringe Contenders?
We’re only one day away from NBA tip-off but before then I will be previewing and offering predictions for all 30 NBA teams for this upcoming 2018-19 season.
We last left off on teams 18 through 13 and today we will pick up with teams 12 through 7. The list today includes two teams who failed to make the playoffs last season but are expected to make it this season, one Eastern Conference contender, and three Western Conference playoff teams from a season ago.
LeBron James’ move to the West shifts the balance of power in a conference that from the third seed to the eighth seed were separated by only 2 games last season. That’s a reality that the West outside of Golden State and Houston is anyone’s guess in terms of finishes in the standing.
What is the outlook for LeBron’s Lakers, Popovich’s new-look Spurs, and the surging Indiana Pacers?
Without further or do, let’s get started!!!
12. Denver Nuggets
Photo by Getty Images
Record last season: 46-36
Win projection for 2018-19: 43.9 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Finish 5 wins better than win projection, Make Playoffs, Finish in top 20 in FG percentage allowed, Finish in top 20 in 3-point FG percentage allowed
Prediction: Nikola Jokic Makes First All-Star Team
The Denver Nuggets big man floats under the radar for his below the rim style of play, but he’s among the best at his position. Jokic will have an easier time making the Western Conference frontcourt with DeMarcus Cousins injured. The frontcourt in all likelihood will be made up of Karl-Anthony Towns, Draymond Green, Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic this season.
11. Indiana Pacers
Photo via wishtv.com
Record last season: 48-34
Win projection for 2018-19: 49 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Make Eastern Conference Finals, Win Central
Prediction: Victor Oladipo repeats his 2017-18 season
The Indiana Pacers stunned the NBA when they finished 48-34 last season after the departure of Paul George in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. A huge reason why was because of the breakout season by Victor Oladipo, who won the Most Improved Player award last season.
If there’s pessimism as to whether Victor Oladipo can replicate what he did last season — averaging 23.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.4 SPG — that’s reasonable.
One reason why he will though is because Indiana’s offense doesn’t rely on Oladipo to play out of character. Most of his shot attempts last season were in the flow of coach Nate McMillan’s offense, which bodes well for this upcoming season.
10. Portland Trail Blazers
Photo by Associated Press
Record last season: 49-33
Win projection for 2018-19: 44.1 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Make Western Conference Finals, Win Northwest Division, Make Playoffs, Finish Top 5 in FG percentage defense, Finish Top 10 in assists
Prediction: Damian Lilliard finishes in Top 5 in PPG
Last season was the first time that Damian Lilliard, one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, finished in the top 5 among scoring leaders. He averaged 26.9 PPG, heating up in the second half like usual with 28.6 PPG after the All-Star break.
There is still a burden for him to carry the scoring load on most nights even next to an outstanding marksmen like C.J. McCollum. With that being the case, expect Lilliard to continue his high usage rate as a scorer.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Photo by Darren Abate/Associated Press
Record last season: 47-35
Win projection for 2018-19: 49.9 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season:
Prediction: The Spurs Finish No Better Than 6th In Western Conference
The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the most dominant sports franchises in the last 20 years, but times are a changing in the Alamo. This Spurs team will likely take a step back with the influx of rising Western Conference teams that now includes the Los Angeles Lakers.
While a playoff spot is a lock for Gregg Popovich’s club, don’t expect to see this very new-look Spurs roster that no longer has Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker or Kawhi Leonard gell like Popovich’s past teams.
8. Utah Jazz
Photo by Kristin Murphy/Deseret News
Record last season: 48-34
Win projection for 2018-19: 46.3 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Make Western Conference Finals, Win Northwest Division, Make Playoffs, Lead NBA in points allowed and FG percentage defense, Finish top 5 in FG percentage offense
Prediction: Utah Jazz Finish 3rd In Western Conference
The Utah Jazz play a brand of basketball on a nightly basis that’s tough on teams to combat. A styming style of defense in halfcourt sets combined with a very slow and methodical halfcourt offense can get teams out of their comfort zone.
While they will have nights where they can’t score offensively, there aren’t many teams that will be having great shooting nights vs this team. Finishing a spot higher than they did last year, Utah will have a strong regular-season.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
James hopes to build with a young cast in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 35-47
Win projection for 2018-19: 50.9 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Make Western Conference Finals, Make Playoffs, Finish top 5 in points, Finish top 20 in points allowed
Prediction: LeBron James Wins NBA MVP
It’s been a while since LeBron James has won the NBA MVP award. You’d have to go back to the 2012-13 NBA season for the last time James won the NBA’s most prestigious individual award.
Now in Los Angeles and likely playing with a chip on his shoulder from not winning the award last season, James will dominate. Under the bright lights of Hollywood, James will flirt with averaging a triple-double this season as he brings home his fifth NBA MVP award.
What are your thoughts on the teams listed here heading into the 2018-19 season? Leave your comments below!
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