![[SPORTS] NBA SEASON PREVIEW/PREDICTIONS: TEAMS 18 THROUGH 13](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_8189-1.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Oct 14, 2018 | SPORTS
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!
![[SPORTS] COLLEGE FOOTBALL RECAP: LSU HANDS GEORGIA FIRST LOSS](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_8177-1.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Oct 14, 2018 | SPORTS
LSU’s Upset Of Georgia One Of Many On Wild Saturday
If the ball tipped the other way for the teams in the wrong side of potential upset victories, Week 7 of the College Football season had potential to completely flip the college football world upside down.
We’ll settle for the thrills and excitement that a wild and upset-filled day that saw four top 10 teams suffer losses.
Of the top 10 teams that won Saturday, three were locked in games decided by six points or less. The season is winding down with so much still in play.
Which top 10 teams took the fall in Week 7 and what does that mean for the rest of the season in college football as the whole?
Let’s get started!
LSU Knocks Georgia From Unbeatens
Ed Orgeron’s team was upset and hurt following their first loss of the season last Saturday in Gainesville.
They channeled that emotion into yet another impressive performance vs a team that played in the National title game last season.
The LSU Tigers dominated the Georgia Bulldogs 36-16 at Tiger Stadium to hand No. 2 Georgia its first loss of the 2018 season.
No. 13 LSU redeemed themselves from a ugly loss last Saturday vs Florida by punishing Georgia’s offense from start to finish.
Sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm (16-for-34, 209 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) and the Georgia Bulldogs would be stifled into four turnovers vs LSU, being shutout in the first half in the lopsided loss.
Jake Camarda received a workout with six punts for Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs as Joe Burrow and the Tigers out-gained Georgia 475 to 322.
For LSU, it’s the third win vs a top 10 win of the season to this point. While their loss at Florida dampened their playoff hopes, LSU has an opportunity to boost their odds at the CFP with a home visit by the Alabama Crimson Tide on November 3rd.
Purdy, Montgomery Key Iowa State Upset of WVU
Iowa State has a knack for pulling off stunning upsets, but Saturday’s at home vs No. 6 West Virginia made a stunner into a laugher.
Iowa State would win in convincing fashion vs West Virginia as they took a 30-14 final at Jack Trice Stadium.
Close to pulling off the upset vs Oklahoma a few weeks prior, Matt Campbell’s Cyclones would get the job done vs a West Virginia team that entered 5-0.
Will Grier (100 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) built a strong case for the Heisman Trophy award in the Mountaineers first five games but would be brought crashing down to earth vs Iowa State.
Iowa would ride the hot hand of freshman quarterback Brock Purdy (254 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) and explosiveness of running back David Montgomery (189 rushing yards, 1 TD) to a decisive victory.
Iowa State (3-3) a week after upsetting the Oklahoma State Cowboys, it’s this type of effort that is most rewarding for head coach Matt Campbell.
Iowa State is not where they want to be as a program, but the strides made under Campbell will go a long way towards shifting into becoming a winning program in the near future.
Notre Dame Survives Pittsburgh’s Challenge At Home
It wasn’t pretty, but Brian Kelley and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will take wins anyway they can.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish avoided a scare at home with a narrow 19-14 win over Pittsburgh.
A 35-yard touchdown pass by Isaiah Book to Miles Boykin with under six minutes to play in the game gave Notre Dame the lead after trailing for much of the game.
Struggling some on the day, when Notre Dame needed a play on defense they got one from Khalid Kareem, who sacked quarterback Kenny Pickett on Pittsburg’s first play of their final possession for a big loss of 14.
Pittsburgh would turn the ball over on downs after a failed 4th and 29 attempt.
This was not a pretty game by any means for Notre Dame, who played with fate with two turnovers as well as an inability to finish possessions with touchdowns instead of field goals.
It was statistically Ian Book’s worst game of the season despite finishing the game with a 82 percent completion percentage. Notre Dame couldn’t run the football (80 rushing yards on 38 carries), something unusual for the team.
The defense couldn’t force a turnover and allowed the Pittsburgh Panthers to establish a rhythm on the ground.
Considering Saturday’s upsets and their final five games to end the season features no ranked teams, Notre Dame is in control of their own destiny for the CFP.
Oregon Picks Up Key Pac-12 Victory Over Washington
Feeling like a team that’s floated under the radar, Oregon is hoping we can hear them now.
The Oregon Ducks defeated the Washington Huskies 30-27 in overtime on Saturday at Autzen Stadium to claim a huge Pac-12 victory.
No. 17 Oregon knee that making a move up the standings would require taking care of business vs a talented Huskies team who’s one loss to this point to Auburn did not keep them from being ranked 7th in the country.
In a back-and-forth affair, Oregon running back C.J. Verdell — who finished with 111 rushing yards and 2 TDs — would score the game-winning 6-yard touchdown run vs Washington in overtime to win the game.
Washington kept jumping out in front of Oregon, and Oregon remained poised under junior Justin Herbert (202 passing yards, 2 TDs) to answer Washington’s punches.
It’s a game that the Huskies will look back on thinking they missed an opportunity for victory on the road after miscues and errors led to the game going to overtime.
The Oregon Ducks meanwhile hope that a win over their Pac-12 foes open some eyes for a team that just may be much better than their 5-1 mark indicates.
What are your thoughts on Saturday’s wild college football action? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] CRAWFORD KNOCKS OUT BENAVIDEZ JR. IN 12TH ROUND](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_8176.jpg?resize=800%2C529&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Oct 14, 2018 | SPORTS
Crawford Makes It Look Easy In Boxing Lesson Of Benavidez Jr.
Terence Crawford grew a great dislike and animosity for his Mexican-American opponent in the lead-up to their bout that at times led to intense moments.
On Saturday night, he made sure to silence Jose Benavidez Jr. in amazing fashion.
Terence Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs) defeated Jose Benavidez Jr. (27-1, 18 KOs) on Saturday night at the CHI Health Center by 12th-Round knockout to retain his WBO welterweight title belt.
While later than many would’ve expected, the sizable favorite Terence Crawford had the last word in his heated battle with Jose Benavidez Jr. as he made his first title defense at 147 pounds.
Terence Crawford went on to land 186 of his 579 punches (32%), landing 131 of his 302 power punches (43%). Jose Benavidez Jr. would land 92 of his 501 punches (18%), landing 64 of 211 power punches (30%).
In the buildup, the two fighters exchanged trash talk with one another with most of the talk coming from Jose Benavidez Jr., who on Thursday at the final pre-fight press conference said he ‘didn’t see anything special’ about Terence Crawford as a fighter.
The heated buildup would come to a nearly disastrous weigh-in incident when Terence Crawford reacted to being shoved by Jose Benavidez Jr. by throwing a right hand shot at Benavidez Jr., who eluded the strike.
On Saturday night in Terence Crawford’s backyard, the two undefeated fighters settled their differences with one another in the ring.
Terence Crawford came into the fight as the shorter fighter at five-foot-eight with Benavidez standing at six-feet tall, which played a role early on in a slow start for the Omaha, Nebraska native.
Crawford’s size disadvantage coupled with a confident in-ring approach by Jose Benavidez Jr. allowed the 27-year-old challenger to keep world champion at bay.
Benavidez Jr. had his moments in the fight while countering vs Terence Crawford as he landed solid left-hand counters while establishing a solid jab.
Though winning the earlier rounds where he had trouble dominating the challenger, it wouldn’t be until the second half of the fight where Crawford would turn it on vs Benavidez Jr.
The showboating Benavidez Jr. tried playing mental warfare by taunting Crawford following seemingly each combination by Crawford.
Though game, his lack of activity and propensity to shell up to a Crawford attack hurt him on Saturday night in his first world championship fight in his career.
The body work by the champion wore down the Arizona native as Benavidez Jr. would grow increasingly frustrated, leading him into leaning on the ropes and dropping his hands trying to bait his opponent.
Crawford, flamboyant and sticking his tongue at Benavidez Jr. as he toyed with him, would punctuate a brilliant second half of the fight by thrilling 11,000+ in Omaha, Nebraska.
With one minute to go in the 12th round, Crawford would use a thunderous right uppercut on the inside to floor Jose Benavidez Jr., who had trouble getting back to his feet.
Crawford, with time winding down in the fight, would put Benavidez Jr. away as Celestino Ruiz would jump in to stop the fight.
Thought by many to be the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, Terence Crawford reminded everyone why that lofty label has been attached to his name.
While things got dicey at times for Crawford, who doesn’t mind getting a punch in the face now and then to deliver a hailstorm of punishment, it was as dominant of a performance as most would’ve expected.
He last fought in June when he dispatched Jeff Horn by 9th-Round TKO and won Horn’s WBO welterweight is his debut at 147 pounds.
After passing his latest challenge with flying colors, Crawford gave his thoughts on his thrilling knockout victory.
“We just took our time in there,” Crawford said during his post-fight interview. “Everything that went on this week … he tried to get in my head. (He) wanted me have a fire fight with him. We knew if we got in a rhythm we could do what we want and that’s what we did.”
Its 2-for-2 for Terence Crawford in the welterweight division, as he continues his ascension up the 147-pound weight class in hopes of becoming the unified champion of the division.
“I want em all. I been saying it all along,” Crawford said. “It ain’t my job to get the fights done. It’s my job to fight the fights that everybody want to see and I been calling for all of them ever since I moved up to the division. So that’s up to Bob (Arum) and Top Rank.”
What are your thoughts on Terence Crawford’s victory tonight? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] ASTROS PUT IT TOGETHER LATE TO DOWN RED SOX](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_8175-1-1.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Oct 14, 2018 | SPORTS
Houston Takes Game 1 In Frigid Fenway
The Houston Astros traveling to play a Game 1 in an American League playoff series was a change of pace.
But not the results that followed.
The Houston Astros defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-2 on Saturday night at Fenway Park in Game 1 of the ALCS to take a 1-0 series lead.
Behind timely hitting with two outs, strong pitching and a late barrage of runs, the defending champion Astros are ahead to begin the ALCS.
It’s the first playoff series dating back to last season where the Astros have had to start a American League postseason series on the road.
For all of their credit as being a dominant powerhouse of a team, the Astros 3-6 road record in the postseason last year was a point of interest coming into this series for a team that finished an MLB-best 57-24 on the road.
Those whispers that they could struggle to open this series were quieted by the Astros as a team, who took playing at a frigid Fenway Park in stride.
Justin Verlander (2-0) picked up his 13th career postseason win to move into fourth place in all-time postseason wins by a pitcher.
The right-hander would allow two runs on two hits and four walks while striking out six over six innings of work.
The Astros struck first in Game 1 thanks to a bases loaded two-run single with two outs in the second inning by George Springer to give Houston a 2-0 lead.
Houston took advantage of a struggling Chris Sale, who walked two and hit one batter to set up the bases loaded situation to Springer despite retiring the first two batters in the inning.
It was a critical inning for the Red Sox left-hander, who needed 34 pitches in total on a chilly night at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox’ ace would be forced to exit the game after 86 pitches in four innings of work as he allowed two runs on one hit with four walks while striking out five.
Sale’s counterpart on the night Justin Verlander would get off to a strong start vs the Boston Red Sox, but would endure trouble in the fifth inning.
Verlander would load the bases in the fifth inning and would walk in a run to put Boston on the board. A wild pitch while pitching to Andrew Benintendi with two outs allowed Jackie Bradley Jr. to score from third base to tie the game at 2-2.
Following a questionable strikeout call on a fastball low and away to Andrew Benintendi to end the inning, Red Sox skipper Alex Cora would be ejected from the game for arguing the called strike that got Verlander out of the inning.
The Houston Astros would answer the Red Sox rally by rallying in the sixth inning. Carlos Correa would hit a two-out RBI single off reliever Joe Kelly to give the Astros a 3-2 lead.
Boston’s bats would fail to breakthrough vs Houston’s bullpen as Ryan Pressly, Lance McCullers Jr. and Collin McHugh would combine to give up one hit over three scoreless innings.
In the ninth inning the Astros would get two home runs to put distance between them and the host Red Sox. Josh Reddick would hit a home run for Houston which would be followed by a three-run home run to opposite field by Yuli Gurriel to make it a 7-2 game.
The Houston Astros were locked in a low-scoring game throughout despite getting into Boston’s bullpen by the fifth inning.
That didn’t bother A.J. Hinch’s team, however, as they got a strong performance out of their pitchers and put together a game-breaking four-run ninth to seal the win.
Houston went only 3-for-10 with RISP, leaving nine men on base, but the key hit in the sixth inning by Carlos Correa would be a momentum shifter in Houston’s favor.
Now up 1-0 in the series, they’ll look to take a commanding lead vs a Red Sox team scrambling for answers.
Alex Cora’s ejection on Saturday night seemed to be warranted given the situation as well as the team they were facing. With David Price set to take the bump on Sunday night, Boston will need a little more than fire from their manager to tie this series at 1-1.
Boston mustered only three hits on the night while third baseman Eduardo Nunez inability to make a play on a ball at third base as well as a throwing error in the sixth inning were costly mistakes.
Also closely were a staggering 10 walks surrendered by the Boston Red Sox, who used a total of six pitchers on Saturday night.
Game 2 is a must-win for Boston, and they’ll need to do it vs hard throwing righty Gerrit Cole who is coming off a historic 12-K performance in the ALDS vs the Cleveland Indians.
What are your thoughts on the Houston Astros Game 1 victory? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] WOODRUFF’S HOME RUN SPARKS BREWERS TO GAME 1 VICTORY](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_8165-1-1.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Oct 13, 2018 | SPORTS
Relief Pitcher’s Stunning Homer Helps Turn Tide To Begin NLCS
Brandon Woodruff is no stranger to rounding the bases for a home run in the Major Leagues.
Not even he could’ve envisioned he’d be doing it in the postseason vs one of the best pitchers of this generation.
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 on Friday night at Miller Park in Game 1 of the NLCS to take a 1-0 series lead.
The Milwaukee Brewers call on right-hander Brandon Woodruff to pitch, but if you give him a bat, he’s shown in a small sample size he can swing it.
The Brewers’ reliever would stun the baseball world with a home run off Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the NLCS which dramatically shifted the momentum of the game.
Milwaukee would take over the game following the improbable home run by, Woodruff, who bats lefty.
Woodruff became just the third reliever in MLB history to hit a home run in the postseason, and his home run to tie Game 1 was huge.
Josh Hader (1-0) would pick up the win out of the bullpen for the Milwaukee Brewers as he continued his dominant postseason.
Clayton Kershaw’s postseason career has been full of disappointing moments, but he may have been dealt the most unexpected one when he gave up the game-changing home run to a Brandon Woodruff in the third inning.
Woodruff, who entered the at-bat 4-for-18 lifetime with a HR, took the Dodgers ace deep from the left side as the homer tied the game at 1-1.
That homer would energize a roaring Miller Park, which turned into the beginning of a momentum shift in the game as the Brewers tacked on another run to make it a 2-1 game.
The Brewers would keep it rolling in the fourth inning vs a struggling Kershaw as Domingo Santana, pinch-hitting, would hit a two-run RBI single off the left-hander to chase him from the game.
Ryan Braun would add to that lead with Kershaw now out of the game as a he ripped a two-out RBI single to score Domingo Santana from second base to make it a 5-1 game.
Counsell would go to his to reliever Josh Hader to begin the fifth inning as Hader would dominate the Dodgers, striking out two in the inning.
Yasmani Grandal would have a forgettable night behind the plate as he would finish the game with two errors and two passed balls. The Dodgers would collect four total errors on the night.
Manny Machado, who homered in the second inning off left-hander Gio Gonzalez to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead, represented Los Angeles’ only hit in the game until a sixth inning single by left fielder Chris Taylor.
Los Angeles would mount a rally in the eighth inning, scoring three runs with two outs in the inning against reliever Joakim Soria. Jeremy Jeffress would relieve Soria with two outs and pick up a huge strikeout against pinch-hitter Yasiel Puig to end the inning.
The Dodgers would get a RBI triple by Chris Taylor with two outs in the ninth inning off Corey Knebel. The late rally would be halted, however, as Knebel recovered to strikeout Justin Turner to end the game.
Milwaukee would go on to out-hit the Dodgers high-powered offense 11 to 8 as Lorenzo Cain led the way with three hits for the Brew Crew.
Craig Counsell’s Brewers had a lengthy four days off after sweeping the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS, but the team doesn’t appear to have cooled off in any way.
The only negative to take away from the game in Milwaukee’s side is the fact that their bullpen showed signs of cracking in letting a six-run lead turn into a one-run game in the ninth inning.
That’s uncharacteristic of this bullpen, which surrendered four runs over the final two innings.
Dave Roberts’ and the Dodgers knew that it would be a challenge having to start a best-of-seven series on the road. It’s going to be especially difficult for Los Angeles to now send this series back to Los Angeles tied at 1-1 vs a team that has now won 12 consecutive games dating back to the regular-season.
Though close to staging an improbable comeback win in Game 1, its a 0-1 series deficit for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Milwaukee’s ability to rally against Kershaw, even if it was under the most unusual of ways, sets the tone for this NLCS and puts the pressure on Los Angeles on the road.
Clayton Kershaw (0-1) fell to 8-8 lifetime in the postseason as he made his 21st career playoff start on Friday night at Miller Park. He surrendered four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over three innings.
The southpaw thrower’s latest postseason setback isn’t as shocking as it is mind-numbing for Dodgers nation as he followed his best career playoff start vs the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of the NLDS with a stinker in Game 1 of the NLCS.
Not to dwell on his struggles, Los Angeles will have to rebound on Saturday left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu on the mound as Wade Miley will look to help turn back the Dodgers to give Milwaukee a 2-0 series lead.
What are your thoughts on Milwaukee’s Game 1 victory over the Dodgers? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NBA SEASON PREVIEW/PREDICTIONS: TEAMS 24 THROUGH 19](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_8163.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Oct 13, 2018 | Lifestyle, SPORTS
Is A Team Out East or West On The Verge of A Breakthrough?
We’re only four 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 30 through 25 and today we will pick up with teams 24 through 19. One of these five teams in my mind has the opportunity to be a sleeper in the Eastern Conference.
Good enough to beat Boston, Philadelphia or Toronto? We won’t go that far, but it’s quite possible that the 2018-19 season is a return to familiar territory for a franchise going through a down period.
Without further or do, let’s get started!!!
24. Brooklyn Nets
Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 28-54
Win projection for 2018-19: 33.5 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Finishing 5 wins above win projection, Finishing in top 10 in assists, seeing development from young core
Prediction: Nets will finish fourth in Atlantic Division
It’s one stacked division when you think about having to compete with the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors. That alone will result in a number of losses for the Nets, but not enough to finish below the Knicks in the standings. Nets are in the middle of a long rebuild and things don’t appear to be getting sunny anytime soon.
23. Cleveland Cavaliers
Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 50-32
Win projection for 2018-19: 25.6 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Finish 10 wins better than projected win total, finish in top 20 in scoring defense, get consistent production from guard positions
Prediction: Kevin Love averages 23 PPG and double-digit rebounds.
Now that LeBron James is no longer in the fold, Cleveland is set to take a major tumble down the standings. What that also means however is that Kevin Love, who has had to sacrifice his game in his role with LeBron James, can finally play in his role as a No. 1 scoring option.
Love averaged 26 PPG in two of his six seasons in Minnesota, he’ll return back to form with a higher usage rate.
22. Detroit Pistons
Blake Griffin is looking to leave a impact in his first full season as a Detroit Piston. Photo by Getty Images
Record last season: 39-43
Win projection for 2018-19: 41.7 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Make Playoffs, Finish in top 10 in FG percentage defense, Lead NBA in dunks off lob passes
Prediction: Detroit finishes with winning record on the road.
The last time Detroit finished a season with a winning record on the road was during the 2007-08 regular-season. That team had Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rashad Wallace, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince still on it. This Pistons team is not on that level, but the Eastern Conference is substantially weaker with LeBron James’ depart.
Here’s one of my surprise teams for this upcoming season. DETROIT … BASKETBALL!!!
21. Dallas Mavericks
Photo by Getty Images
Record last season: 24-58
Win projection for 2018-19: 42.1 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Finish 5 wins above win projection, Make Playoffs, Finish among top 5 in assists, balance out minutes with starters and bench
Prediction: Dennis Smith Jr. leads Mavericks in assists
Everyone seems to be expecting Smith Jr. to take a backseat to rookie Luka Doncic when it comes to running the offense. That wouldn’t be surprising, but Smith Jr. is more than a scorer. He’s a willing passer that per 36 minutes last year averaged 6.2 APG.
Smith Jr.’s minutes will increase from last season’s 29.7 during his rookie campaign. I fully believe Dallas has the potential under Rick Carlisle to be one of the NBA’s best passing teams.
20. Chicago Bulls
Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 27-55
Win projection for 2018-19: 19.7 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Finish 10 wins over win project, see statistical improvement across the board from young core, improve as a fast break offense
Prediction: Bulls are a inconsistent team
It’s a team with question marks, one being leadership. Where does that come from? The Bulls are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and there will be growing pains there. Still, a healthy Jabari Parker to go along with Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn sounds promising for the Bulls.
19. Phoenix Suns
Photo by Getty Images
Record last season: 21-61
Win projection for 2018-19: 27.6 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Finish season with win projection, finish in top 20 in points allowed, finish in top 20 in 3-point field goal defense
Prediction: DeAndre Ayton wins Rookie of the Year
Phoenix won’t be good this season, no matter how much Devin Booker wants to make the playoffs. That may change sooner rather than later, however, with the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft in DeAndre Ayton as I expect Ayton to showcase why he was the best decision for the Suns franchise.
I expect Ayton will average around 16 PPG and close to or around 9 RPG with a block as he takes home the annual honor this season.
What are your thoughts on any of these six teams going into the 2018-19 season? Leave your comments below!
