I didn't expect the Lakers or Portland (At all!), but I predicted all along that the Hornets would be big this year. After seeing David West play incredibly strong last season and the likely continuance in Chris Paul's upward trend, I thought the Hornets would be a force. In my personal opinion, if the Hornets finish at the top of the West, #1 or #2, I think Chris Paul should be the MVP. However, the media is so enamored with Kevin Garnett that I doubt that will happen.
No, actually, I don't. You must have missed the "established rotation" part. Let's see: First home win over the Spurs and the Lakers (and you forgot Utah in Utah)... that was when Rafer was splitting time with Mike James playing a key role. Phoenix in Phoenix -- aka, the Steve Francis game. At home against Detroit -- 41 minutes for Chuck Hayes. Golden State (when did they become a contender?) -- no T-Mac, which is a totally different style. James and Francis are out of the rotation... Chuck Hayes is dangerously close to that. The last month, they have had T-Mac in and out of the lineup and looked like two completely different teams. They've recently made three rookies a key part of their rotation and they still haven't fully answered the 'Who's running the team?' question between Rafer and T-Mac. None of this is bad, but I hardly look at the recent rotation as one knocking off contenders yet nor would I put them in that class if they succeed, as expected, in a weaker February schedule. I prefer the "Stay humble, stay hungry" route rather than the "We will dominate from here on out!" path after escaping with wins over the Pacers and Bucks. But the bottom line -- I certainly wouldn't pick them to go 19-1 at home (a place where they have struggled) the rest of the way or say they should win every home game from here on out, like you did. The very best home teams in the league (Utah and Dallas) are 20-3.
Theres no way a 50 win season will give us the 8th seed. The rest of the teams in the west are playing great as of right now. But heres the thing after the all-star break all those teams about to be playing each other and as we know someone as to lose.
Hey you never know Clutch. The Giants just won the super bowl so that let you know anything can happen in the world of sports.
I agree you never know what will happen, but was it a fair statement to say the Giants "should" win in Tampa Bay, in Dallas, in Green Bay and in the Super Bowl against an 18-0 team? Just because they pulled off the miracle doesn't mean it was a reasonable expectation.
This is where we diverge in our thoughts, I think the nebulous rotation they are using now works great. Sure they have about 7 guys that always play a key role (the established part) but any of 3 other guys could be a major contributor in any particular game. Again we differ, I believe that question gets answered in each particular game based upon matchups - and whom is playing well. Lord have mercy, I also believe in the humble and hungry approach. I just think the team is aware of the hole they have put themselves in and am counting on that awareness to give them greater focus. I agree it is highly unlikely that they will go 20-0 at home (which is what I put in my prediction - which is for fun), but I think they CAN do it.....and they should be favored to win each and every game at home. I would not bet on it though. They have lost 9 already at some point they are going to start winning a lot at home, and with the new chemisty and confidence, I think that time is now. What is amazing to me is that this thread - a positive we are going to win thread gets one star (Before I give it 5)? As one of the kings of pessimism/realism around here, I can't believe people would not welcome some positive thinking. DD
Do you think that gets the team into the playoffs? If I was going to just predict a number of wins and losses without going over the schedule, I think 51 wins is probably where we will end up. Based on the schedule we should do better..but... We will lose some we should win, and win a couple that we should lose.... 51 wins may only get you a 6 or 7 seed this year though. I just WANT them to win all the games they are favored, but we all know that rarely happens. WOW. DD
i was going to guess around there, 48 to be exact. as you said, unless there is a trade that changes the rotation, or the team just "clicks" i don't see this team winning 50 games this year.
I'd be shocked if 53 wins wasn't enough for a playoff spot in the West. What it likely won't be enough for this year however is home court in Round 1. Last year we secured home court with 52 wins.
I think we'll end up with 49 wins, and it will be enough to get into the playoffs. Cassell...would be awesome.
If it were as easy as picking wins and losses the Rockets would have won the NBA championship last year.
It really depends on the changes Rockets can make, or how much Yao and TMAC can change. The chances of Landry becoming Boozer, Battier hitting 60% of his 3s, adding a star through the trade, ... etc. should also be included, but they are very slim. I predict 47 wins based on current Yao and TMAC's play and popular pessimism.
