Doubt it, the East might not be talented but they have ways to drag you out with bodies and relentless physicality. Seen with an undermanned, decent, smart but not great Pacers team. I would never make the mistake to underrate them again, would have cost me a small fortune if I did the every game bets.
I think we are going to struggle a bit in the regular season. I'm going to say 52-30. I also think we will win it all.
48- 34. KD misses 15 plus games between load management and injuries. Fred’s absence will be fell more as the season progresses.
This is a hard year to predict. With FVV down, either Amen or Reed getting hurt for a long span would be tough. That said, KD, Amen, and Sengun look like an excellent trio, each providing value in different ways. I'll guess 52 wins, but low 40s wouldn't surprise me if injuries hit the backcourt or stars at the wrong time. Having the best record in the NBA followed by becoming champs wouldn't surprise me either.
I actually expect our win total to be somewhat similar to last year. I’m guessing 50 - 55 wins. But I think this group will really shine in the playoffs.
The Rockets still have 5 young players and are a weird team. I could see a possibility that the Rockets have a tough time matching the speed of other teams. I could also see a possibility that Alpi and Amen make leaps and other teams just can't handle the size and physicality of the Rockets. In the postseason, I think there will be a lot of luck on how the 2-5 teams do in the West (i.e., I expect 6-7 game series in which health and a few calls by the refs may decide a crucial game).
Last year Rocket's 52 wins was a 2nd seed. #3,#4,#5 tied with 50 wins. Wolves had 49 wins as a 6th seed. Thunder (west) and Cavs (east) gobbled up bunch of the wins. I don't think we'll crater without Fred but team will miss him. Addition of KD should also offset some loss of Fred and Dillon. 48-52 wins
