Five Playoff Teams From A Season Ago Crack The List
We’re only two days 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 24 through 19 and today we will pick up with teams 18 through 13. Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo have high expectations for themselves, but what about their teams?
The New Orleans Pelicans ran into a buzzsaw in the NBA postseason that is the Golden State Warriors, but overall it was a successful season as the franchise reached the second round for just the second time since the 2007-08 season.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to take the next step in the Eastern Conference under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. What are the outlooks for both of these teams?
Without further or do, let’s get started!!!
18. Charlotte Hornets
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Record last season: 36-46
Win projection for 2018-19: 30.6 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Finish 10 wins above win projection
Prediction: Kemba Walker will not make All-Star team
Looking at the Eastern Conference, if Kemba Walker is not in the discussion among the top point guards out East, it might mean another guard has risen to overtake him. In comes the 6-foot-10 ‘sophomore’ phenom Ben Simmons, who is likely to be selected as an All-Star this season.
With Kyrie Irving, John Wall and Ben Simmons making up the backcourt, Walker likely will miss the team unless there’s an injury to any of the three players.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
There’s been plenty of drama surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Photo via inforum.com
Record last season: 47-35
Win projection for 2018-19: 43.4 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Finishing five wins above win projection, Make Playoffs, finish in top 15 in points allowed
Prediction: Jimmy Butler will be traded before the end of October
The Jimmy Butler Saga has reached a fever pitch in Minnesota and it doesn’t appear that the tension Butler has created will make him long for the team. Finding the right trade package is in the works right now as Butler is set to be a free agent next summer.
16. Miami Heat
Photo by J.C. Ruiz
Record last season: 44-38
Win projection for 2018-19: 41.6 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Win Southeast Division, Make Playoffs, Advance to second round, Finish in top 5 in points
Prediction: Dwyane Wade has memorable final season
Year 16 will be the final season for NBA icon and Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, who said he will ride off into the sunset after the conclusion of the season. Right back where he belongs with short stints in Chicago and Cleveland, Wade will go out in grand fashion.
If there’s a player since Kobe Bryant deserving of a farewell tour through the NBA, it’s him. Expect Wade to show flashes of ‘Flash’ and come up huge in big moments for Miami as he for much of his playing career has.
15. Washington Wizards
Photo via sportsdaily.com
Record last season: 43-39
Win projection for 2018-19: 37.3 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Make Playoffs, Advance to second round, improvement as a 3-point shooting team
Prediction: The Wizards will miss the playoffs
There’s something about chemistry that can sometimes be overrated in sports. The Washington Wizards fit the description perfectly, but their dysfunctional locker room personalities combined with a coach who is not the right fit will lead to Washington missing the postseason this season. Expect heads to roll when that happens.
14. Milwaukee Bucks
Photo by Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Record last season: 44-38
Win projection for 2018-19: 41.6 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Win Central Division, Make Playoffs, Advance To Second Round, Finish in top 10 in points allowed, Finish in top 10 in scoring
Prediction: Giannis Antekounmpo leads his team in points, rebounds, steals, assists and blocks.
He accomplished this feat during the 2016-17 season and I believe that the all-world talent that is ‘The Greek Freak’ will do so again this season. Eric Bledsoe handling the ball on most of Milwaukee’s possessions just didn’t work for Milwaukee last season but it did help to establish Antetokounmpo down on the low block.
With Mike Budenholzer running the show, expect Antetokounmpo’s passing talents to be explored.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 48-34
Win projection for 2018-19: 46.4 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Win Southwest Division, Make Playoffs, Advance to Conference Finals, Finish In Top 3 In Scoring, Finish in Top 15 in points allowed
Prediction: Anthony Davis averages a new career-high in points
The only thing slowing down Anthony Davis is his body, which at times has cost him playing time. Davis is in his peak form right now as a player and with so much of the offense catered around his ability as a scorer he will top his career-high scoring mark of 28.1 PPG set last season.
What are your thoughts on the teams listed here heading into the 2018-19 season? Leave your comments below!