2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Pacific Division

The 2022-23 NBA season is upon us!

It’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season — division by division — asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

5. Sacramento Kings — 34 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

If anything else, the Kings are due. And they definitely want to win.

This is a bolstered roster compared to years past and with a legit potential game-changing rookie.

• A common theme amongst Young Surprise Teams is a strong finish from the season before. That was definitely De’Aaron Fox last season. Fox found his way after the All-Star Break, averaging a shade under 30 points per game.

• Did you see Keegan Murray at Summer League!? Dude looked smooth as can be and should be a perfect floor-spacing compliment for the Fox and the Ox. He plays like an experienced vet and he’s confident as hell.

• Domantas Sabonis had a torrid start in the Sac and at the beginning of the 2020-21 season. Let’s not forget he’s a previous All-Star. (And Skills Challenge Champ!)

• A ferocious defender and explosive player despite being undersized, Davion Mitchell is somebody to keep an eye on in Year 2.

• There are professional veterans on this team: Harrison Barnes and… Kent Bazemore. (Chop wood, carry water.) [Update: Kent Bazemore was waived.]

• Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk will provide shooting. Maybe not of the most consistent variety but they are capable of catching fire.

Mike Brown is certainly no Puke Walton.

The prophecy was foretold at Summer League.

What’s the case for the Under?

For starters, this is the KANGZ that we’re talking about.

• Trading away Halliburton is bad juju of the worst variety.

• Sabonis has been trending in the wrong direction in terms of durability. He missed 20 games last season and it seemed like more.

• This roster doesn’t have a whole lot of size. That could be a problem.

Defensively, no matter how good Davion Mitchell is, it is hard to see a road map where this defense is anything but bottom-10, just like they have been for nine out of the last 10 years.

Final Prediction: Like the Magic, hammering this Over and taking the Kings to make the play-in. Over 34 wins.

4. Los Angeles Lakers — 45 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

A healthy LeBron and AD is still one of the most powerful 1-2 punches in the league.

• In Year 20, LeBron is still in unbelievable shape, showing no signs that he can’t replicate his 30 points per game effort from last season.

• AD’s shot has looked better in the preseason, a better rhythm to it. He made all eight of his free throws in one game. Hell, he even appears to be moving better on the court.

• Even Westbrook’s shot has legit looked better…

• New head coach Darvin Ham will hold players accountable. He’s a players coach and has their respect.

• The Lakers actually have some youth this season. This is a young man’s game after all.

• There should be more shooting and defense here than last season. Pat Bev is the exact type of hard-nosed enforcer that the Lakers need.

• Austin Reeves is ready. Lonnie Walker has had some big games in the NBA.

• Some big men that aren’t Dwight ought to be a breath of fresh air in Thomas Bryant and Damian Jones.

• Matt Ryan was drilling 3s against the Warriors in the preseason.

• Dennis Schroder is back for unfinished business!

What’s the case for the Under?

Will there be enough shooting and defense?

• Can LeBron and AD actually stay healthy for a full season?

• Can they close out games? Everybody will always stay gunning for the Lakers.

• The fit with Westbrook… we know it is so unideal.

• The preseason was a precarious look, getting trounced once again.

Final Prediction: After going through last year, and with Westbrook still on the roster… thought this was going to for sure be an Under, but fuck it. Laaaaakers. LAKERS! Over 45 wins.

3. Phoenix Suns — 52 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Suns won 64 games last season which allows for an 11-win drop off.

Nine of the Suns top 11 players based on Win Shares from last season return, including each of the top 5.

• Chris Paul doesn’t want to go out like this. A highly motivated Chris Paul has a track record of success (in the regular season).

• Devin Booker is still one of the game’s premier bucket getters. Three years ago, cookouts with Book were fun and cute, but then CP3 showed up and no team in the NBA has won more games since.

• Mikal Bridges is THE resident Iron Man in the NBA. He’s never missed a game in his four-year career. (He somehow never missed a game in college either.) Bridges is also one of the most versatile defenders in the game.

• Hey, at least the Suns did not lose Deandre Ayton for nothing. Remember how he dominated in the playoffs just two years ago?

• Cam Johnson just had his best season yet, trending upward.

• Dario Saric is back. Jock Landale was ballin’ in the preseason.

The Suns showed resilience in the face of adversity last season.

What’s the case for the Under?

The vibes are no bueno. And that’s being polite.

This Suns team feels a lot like the Jazz team of last year: a broken team from a catastrophic playoff failure, dealing with internal strife and on the precipice of a complete collapse.

• In the first preseason game, the Suns lost to a team that’s not even in the NBA. Not only that, but the Adelaide 36ers are supposed to be the seventh-best team in their league.

• CP is 37 years old and has 17 years of point-guard miles on the tread. He looked cooked in the last few games of that Mavs series.

• The bench is more than concerning. Not only is Jae Crowder’s toughness going to be missed, but he forces Cam Johnson into the starting lineup, leaving the bench without that jolt.

• Cam Payne is not the same guy he was two years ago. Shamet is the Shamster.

Final prediction: Can’t trust an Over with these vibes. Under 52 wins.

2. Golden State Warriors — 52 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Winning Cures Everything.

The Warriors sure know this better than most.

• By his standards, Steph had a down season last year. He is easily capable of playing much better, especially if he has to.

• A full season of Klay Thompson? Yeah buddy! Captain Klay is going to keep getting better with more reps.

• Draymond will be as motivated as ever to prove his worth.

• Jordan Poole continues to improve from a poor man’s Steph Curry to looking like a possible clone of the real thing.

• Kevon Looney is back and Loon Goon was a vital and somehow still underrated part of the Warriors Finals run last season.

• Wiggins confidence is higher than it’s ever been. He’s in the perfect situation to succeed here.

• Healthy at long last, 7-footer James Wiseman can provide a size and verticality element that the Warriors have never really had.

• Having the talented young guys (Wiseman, Kuminga, Moody and PBJ) gives this team a rare blend of a clear bridge to the future.

Don’t sleep on DiVincenzo and even JaMychal Green.

Strength in Numbers?

What’s the case for the Under?

The Warriors are used to Draymond’s distractions, but not like this. This one is different.

• If they trade him, there goes the heart and soul and backbone of this team. His missing presence would be felt significantly. You can’t exactly run the Steph and Dray two-man game without Draymond.

• The defending champs are always the most hunted and bring out the best in their opponents.

• No GP2 or OPJ creates a void and forces trusting the young unproven guys.

The Warriors might just not take the regular season that seriously, knowing the real winning is needed in the late spring and early summer.

Final prediction: Rollin’ with the Champs on their quest for back-to-back. Over 52 wins.

1. Los Angeles Clippers — 52.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Clippers are deep DEEP.

They have legit 14 players who could be included in any rotation.

• Kawhi and PG are back. They still have business to take care of.

  • Kawhi looks like the same ole robot, ready to turn into a terminator at any moment.

  • PG Revenge Tour Round III? The healthy version.

• Ty Lue is one of the best X’s and O’s coaches in the game, and he has a full arsenal of players at his disposal.

• John Wall has been itching to play ball for years now. The dude should be rested.

• Norman Powell as a sixth man gunner.

• There is continuity and familiarity here now. Zubac is the longest-tenured Clipper, and Reggie Jackson, Terance Mann and even Batum have been here with Kawhi and PG through it all since the Bubble.

• Has there ever been a vast collection of wings on one roster like this before? The 12th man is Amir Coffey, the Brewmaster! The foldier soldier!

What’s the case for the Under?

There might just be too many guys.

Juggling the minutes and keeping everyone happy could be challenging.

• Neither Kawhi or PG have ever played more than 57 games in a Clippers uniform. It’s hard to get in a good rhythm when guys are load managing and constantly in and out of the lineup.

• The Clips are deep, but they did lose Isiah Hartenstein, one of their best bench guys last season and a key cog in one of their best 3-man lineups, the LIT lineup with Luke Kennard, Isaiah Hartenstein and Terence Mann.

Final Prediction: The depth here is just too strong. Over 52.5 wins.

____________________________________

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2022-23 Division Season Previews

WEDNESDAY NIGHT is OPENING NIGHT RD. II.

A glorious 12-game slate awaits!

We love this game!

2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Atlantic Division

The 2022-23 NBA season is upon us!

It’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season — division by division — asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

5. New York Knicks — 38.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Jalen Brunson’s arrival is going to transform the offense. The Knicks offense already had an extra gear and a good sense of direction in the preseason. The spacing and ball movement were far and away better than last season’s malaise.

The Knicks will be so much more competent with a legit point guard running the show.

• As a result, life is going to be so much easier for a highly-motivated Julius Randle this season with Brunson around.

• RJ Barrett aggressiveness shined in the second half of last season. If he continues to have an attacking mindset and can shoot like he did two years ago, look out.

• D-Rose is back. He still has that quick first step and will guide the second unit, bringing stability and steadiness while adding a spark and controlling the tempo of the game.

• Cam Reddish, rocking his new number 0 and a t-shirt, actually got playing time in preseason, and so did Obi Toppin. Dear Thibs, please play Quickley, Toppin and Reddish real minutes. Deuce McBride and Quentin Grimes also deserve a chance.

• Hartenstein was one of the Clippers best bench players last season.

The defense here in the preseason also played like the New York Knickerbockers defense that Thibs wants them to play. The Knicks D forced 22 and 19 turnovers in the first two games (against the Pistons and Pacers, but still). Don’t forget that after the All-Star Break last season, the Knicks had the #1 defense in the league.

The Knicks transition game, a direct result of the defense playing stronger, could be more of a factor this season. They were 24th in fast break points last season and dead last two years ago. More points in transition can only help this offense.

What’s the case for the Under?

To be blunt: This is the Knicks.

• For all the preseason praise awarded, the Knicks did not play any “good” teams. (Pistons, Pacers, Pacers again and then the Wizards).

• Year 1 Thibs is/was great, but he always wears out his welcome. Year 2 Thibs last year was too real, running his guys into the ground same as always. Will he actually play the young guys here who clearly deserve real minutes?

• This Knicks team is LEFTY’S GALORE. Seriously, has a team ever had so many left-handed players? Brunson, Randle, Barrett, Hartenstein.

Final Prediction: The Knicks feel like a .500 team. Over 38.5 wins.

4. Toronto Raptors — 46.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Raptors won 48 games last year and essentially return the entire roster, plus they added Otto Porter Jr., a positive contributor for the Warriors championship run last season.

• This Raptors team is basking in continuity and we are forever a strong believer in the notion that continuity is a vastly underrated aspect of the game.

• The longest-tenured Raptors, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet are coming off terrific seasons.

  • Siakam was a third team All-NBA selection, besting the numbers from his breakout 2019-20 season.

  • VanVleet set the franchise record for most 3-pointers in a season, the third-most 3s behind only Steph and Buddy Hield.

• Scottie Barnes, the reigning Rookie of the Year,

• The Raptors defense with their extreme length and athleticism is suffocating. Toronto has the personnel to switch everything.

• Nick Nurse is innovative, unleashing all hell on the league with his no-center-but-humongous-everywhere-else lineups that attacked relentlessly with length, speed and aggressive ball-pressure to get up and GO in transition.

• Gary Trent Jr. is still very capable of turning into The Man Possessed a.k.a. Gary Bubble Trent Jr.

Over the last month of the season, no team in the NBA won more games than the Toronto Raptors, a record of 14-4 over the last 18 games that included two 5-game winning streaks.

Toronto has hit the Over in four out of the last five seasons and 11 out of the last 12 (!!) years.

What’s the case for the Under?

The Raptors had some not-so-great 3-point shooting performances in the preseason, a category in which they were bottom-10 last season.

• The Raptors still lack a true center and should continue to struggle in matchups against the league’s elite big men.

• There is still some work to be done in the offensive half-court sets.

• The Pelicans of the East, it’s difficult to make the case for the Under for this team. (Probably means that both will hit the Under.)

Final Prediction: This one feels like a Pure Lock. Over 46.5 wins.

3. Brooklyn Nets — 50.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Kevin Durant must be so excited to just play basketball and hoop after everything that went down this summer. He’s still one of the best players to ever play the game. One of the purest scorers of all time.

• Maybe this is the year that the Brooklyn “Dunder Mifflin on papers” finally put fantasy into reality on the court.

• Kyrie and Ben Simmons have as much to prove as anybody. No vaccine mandate for Kyrie. Simmons flanked by some of the best shooters in the game: KD, Kyrie, Seth Curry and Joe Harris. Two of the literal best 3-point shooters in the game, above 45 percent (!!)

• Royce O’Neal will help with the perimeter defense and lineup flexibility.

• No more Blake and Aldridge to slow things down. T.J. Warren is here, he might play again one day.

• Cam Thomas! Ed Sumner! The original WHO HE!?

Things have gone so south for the Nets that it feels like they are due for some good vibes.

What’s the case for the Under?

Kyrie is bound to find a way to fuck this up.

• This team could disband by Christmas and nobody would be surprised.

• Ben Simmons in the fourth quarter of a close game? Forced to shoot free throws? On the court the same time as Nic Claxton?! Two of the worst free throw shooters in the playoffs of all time.

• KD usually misses time. Hasn’t played more than 55 games since he was in a Warriors uniform.

• Steve Nash is on the hot seat from the jump.

• Since KD and Kyrie arrived in Brooklyn, the vibes have been bad. They just have.

• Can they beat the good teams in the league?

Will they have the chemistry and camaraderie necessary to win 51 games?

Final prediction: There are just too many questions here. Under feels like the safe bet. Under 50.5 wins.

2. Philadelphia 76ers — 51 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Joel Embiid is coming for that MVP.

After back-to-back runner-up finishes, Embiid is out to get what he feels is rightfully his. He scored the most points per game in the entire NBA last year at 30.6 points and is fresh off his most durable season yet. He will benefit from having James Harden around for a full season of their stout two-man game. An Embiid-Harden pick-and-roll with Maxey slashing is a potent play the Sixers will run early and often.

• Speaking of Harden, he does look like he’s in the best shape to start a season in quite some time. And Maxey looks like the same bright spark that he always is.

• P.J. Tucker and D’Anthony Melton will help this defense, especially on the perimeter.

• Danuel House is here too — the ex-Rockets are back together!

• Thybulle, not a playoffs guy, but a regular-season defensive wizard.

• Korkmaz was ballin’ in the preseason. Niang can still snipe the 3-ball.

• Montrezl Harrell is a regular season innings eater. He’s played his best ball under Doc, same as Tobias Harris. Trez is back with Harden, too. They have pick-and-roll chemistry.

• Regular-season Doc >>>>>> Playoffs Doc.

So much more so than last season, Philly is going to be able to play different types of lineups.

What’s the case for the Under?

Embiid had his healthiest season last year, but can he replicate it? He still falls down too much.

• Will Harden continue on his decline?

• P.J. Tucker is 37 years old and plays a bruising style of ball.

• Are we sure the defense with Harden and Maxey on the court at the same time is going to hold up? Can they share the court in late-game crunch-time situations?

• Will Harden be sure to give the ball to Embiid at the end of games? He didn’t always do that last season.

Doc is still in charge of the lineups…

Final Prediction: Philly seems destined to roll. Over 51 wins.

1. Boston Celtics — 53.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Celtics could be the Suns of last season.

The team coming off a Finals loss dealing with internal drama that rallies around playing their best ball.

• With their top guys on the court together, the C’s looked good in the preseason. Real good.

• The J-Team duo has really started to play their best basketball at the same time and together. Tatum and Brown get better every season. This year should be no different.

  • After the All-Star Break, Tatum averaged 30-7-5 and shot 41.5 percent from 3 on 9.2 attempts per game! He looked smoother and more in control than ever. The game looked so easy for him.

  • After Jan. 1, Brown had 11 games of six or more assists. He only had one such game in the first 2.5 months of the season. After Brown started distributing more, that’s when the C’s commenced their winning ways.

• Malcolm Brogdon brings a steady presence to the bench, somebody that can run the offense and hold his own on D. Perhaps Smart’s arrival to Beantown will push Marcus Smart to be an even better version of himself.

• Sam Houser was a 3-point sniper in the preseason.

• The C’s didn’t play that bad when Time Lord missed time at the end of last season and into the playoffs. They are at least familiar with life without him.

The Celtics started last season 18-21 and still won 51 games.

This team feels like it has something to prove.

What’s the case for the Under?

The injuries are a precarious start.

• Time Lord is out for months. We know that the Celtics, and especially this defense, cannot reach their highest potential without Robert Williams.

• Gallinari didn’t even make it out of EuroBasket.

• Ime Udoka is a good coach and really kept this team in line. Some (Simmons and Russillo) have even called him the team’s true leader. Kind of an important piece that will be missing.

• Al Hordord is getting up there in age. He’s 36 and this is Year 16 for him. The frontcourt is lacking. See: Blake Griffin.

• The Celtics might be too reliant on Grant Williams. He did hit seven 3s in the Game 7 of his life vs. Milwaukee, but he was not heard from again.

The drama can be distracting. We know this group didn’t handle the Kyrie distractions very well.

Final Prediction: This number is just too ridiculously high in a gauntlet East. Under 53.5 wins.

____________________________________

We. Are. Back!

2022-23 Division Season Previews

WEDNESDAY NIGHT is OPENING NIGHT RD. II.

A glorious 12-game slate awaits!

We love this game!

2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Central Division

The 2022-23 NBA season is upon us!

It’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season — division by division — asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

5. Indiana Pacers — 23.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

With Malcolm Brogdon out of the kitchen, Tyrese Haliburton has all the room to cook.

Haliburton averaged just shy of 10 assists per game in a Pacers uniform last season. He had two games of 15+ assists and zero turnovers. Hali is a true League Pass marvel and passing wizard.

• A backcourt trio of Haliburton, Chris Duarte and No. 6 overall pick Ben Mathurin will be running and gunning and and then running and gunning some more. As Pesky as ever.

• Myles Turner doesn’t have to worry about sharing his position with Sabonis any more, flip-flopping between the 4 and the 5. Turner is in a contract year, so he will be out there playing for his next paycheck.

• T.J. McConnell only played 27 games last season, and it will be nice for the Pacers to have a professional backup point guard around.

• Isaiah Jackson had a strong end to last season, averaging 11 and 6 with two blocks a night after the All-Star break.

• The Pacers have taken two flyers on previous lottery talent castaways in Jalen Smith and Aaron Nesmith. One or both of them could pop with less pressure and more opportunity.

• James Johnson is currently on the Pacers roster. Johnson is a 13-year vet that automatically adds toughness to this group just by his presence.

Rick Carlisle has generally never been known to tank. And the Pacers owner, Herb Simon, is 87 years old.

What’s the case for the Under?

Kevin Pritchard has lasted quite a while so far, but there is the possibility that he eventually can’t resist the enticing Lakers first-round picks in 2027 and 2029. Hield and Turner would be shipped to La La Land for Russell Westbrook, and Westbrook’s $47-million contract could be bought out, immediately initiating the full-blown tank.

• Turner is always hurt, playing 47 and 42 games the last two seasons. He’s also been on the trading block for five straight years.

• Does Rick Carlisle seem like the best fit for this super young group? (No, no he does not.)

• There is a reason why the Suns and Celtics were so quick to give up on their previous lottery selections of Smith and Nesmith.

This team is lacking proven wing defenders. Kind of important in today’s NBA.

Final Prediction: This team should be a lot more fun than they are good. Under 23.5 wins.

4. Detroit Pistons — 29.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Pistons closed last season with a fury, saving their best ball for after the All-Star Break.

Cade Cunningham led the way, averaging 21-7-6 as the Pistons put together two 3-game winning streaks while rocking a top-15 defense.

• Before he injured his ankle at Summer League, Jaden Ivey was electric in the open court with a level of quickness that has a history of excelling in this league. He replicated that in the preseason.

• Saddiq Bey is Detroit’s rock-solid Iron Man. Bey has missed just two games in his first two years in the league, playing all 82 last season. On offense, he is going to get more looks with Jerami Grant 2,385 miles away in Portland.

• Trading for Bojan Bogdanovic signals that Detroit believes in what they currently have. Bogdanovic is a professional floor-spacing vet, automatically raising the Pistons floor and ceiling.

• They are Knicks castaways, yes, but Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks played a big part on the 2020-21 Knicks Young Surprise Team of two years ago. Both were top 7 on the team in Win Shares that season.

• Relegated to even more of a role off the bench, perhaps that is the perfect spot for Killian Hayes to shine his brightest. (Wait, is he still starting!?)

• Isaiah Livers shot 42 percent from 3 last season. It was a small sample size of 19 games, but Livers can clearly stroke.

Free from the chains of Sacramento, Marvin Bagley definitely played the best basketball of his injury-riddled career in the second half of last season for Detroit. Update: Bagley got injured once again in preseason. Thankfully, it was not as bad as it looked.

Detroit currently has a strong foundation, so there is less of an incentive to tank.

What’s the case for the Under?

Jerami Grant was a key contributor for the Pistons late-season success a year ago. Grant is now in RIP City with Dame.

• Ivey already got banged up this summer, and Marvin Bagley probably got injured reading this sentence. (Damn, that was penned before he got hurt in preseason and now we feel bad.)

• Killian Hayes has been such a bust that even KOC started to give up hope.

• Isaiah Stewart’s most notable NBA moment was him bloodied and crazed, on a rampage trying to fight everybody in his path.

• Is there enough shooting here? The Pistons were 29th last season in 3-point percentage.

• Is Duren going to get minutes with Beef Stew, Bagley and Noel all ahead of him?

Will there be enough clarity with the rotations? Having 14 guys who will want minutes is about 4-5 too many guys.

The Pistons have hit the Under on their preseason win total in four out of the last five seasons.

Final Prediction: Thought the Over was the move initially but have since switched it up. (That means Detroit will probably be this year’s Young Surprise Team.) Under 29.5 wins.

3. Chicago Bulls — 42.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Despite all of the many injuries the Bulls endured last season, this team was in 1st place in the Eastern Conference on Feb. 24.

• The mid-range God and King of the Fourth still resides in Chicago. What if DeRozan does repeat last season?

• Zach LaVine has turned into a legit 3-point marksmen, one who can also fly up and down the court with the best of them.

• Vooch is certainly capable of playing much better than he did a season ago, only 31 percent from 3 and he uncharacteristically missed all of those bunnies.

• Ayo Dosunmu could keep getting better, something he did last season as a second team All-Rookie selection. A second-round pick in the draft, Ayo came out of nowhere and contributed right away.

• Pat Williams could finally stay healthy for an entire season and unlock the potential that he’s flashed at times.

• Caruso missed 41 games last season and the Bulls record with him was 24-17, a 48-win pace.

• Andre Drummond is a totally serviceable backup big (in the regular season). And apparently Big Drumm is stroking 3s now!?

• Jevonte Green is instant energy. Looks like he’s worked on his shot over the summer

Billy D always seems to get the most out of his teams.

What’s the case for the Under?

Another knee surgery for Lonzo Ball is already an ominous sign for this Bulls season. We know the Bulls cannot reach their highest potential without Lonzo.

• If DeMar was unable to pull off his unreal late-game heroics from last season, the Bulls automatically win way less games.

• Vooch could be over-the-hill at this point. He’s 31 and sometimes when bigs decline in the NBA, there is no coming back.

• The Bulls struggled mightily against the best teams in the league last year, and there are more really good teams this season. From the All-Star Break until the end of the season, the Bulls went 8-15 with the #25 offense and #25 defense, and Chicago’s net rating of -7.1 was third-worst in the NBA, ahead of only the tanking Thunder and Blazers.

• Other teams made significant improvements and upgrades over the summer, but the Bulls only added Drummond and Dragic.

Final Prediction: Really hope the Bulls are fun again, but just can’t take their Over in the loaded East. Under 42.5 wins.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers — 47.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Cavs won 44 games last year despite being the most injury-riddled team in the league.

• Darius Garland had to be the Cavs main facilitator and scorer on a nightly basis and now Donovan Mitchell is around to add 20+ points per game and a dynamic element to the offense that they didn’t have.

• The Block Brothers will continue to offer 48 minutes of rim-protecting terror and run-running pizzazz.

• Evan Mobley could just be getting started. He has a knack for always being where he’s needed on the court.

• Cleveland has a full training camp and preseason with Caris LeVert.

• Ricky Rubio will be back at some point.

• Isaac Okoro was taking and making 3s in the preseason!

Cavalanches are momentum shifters of the highest caliber.

What’s the case for the Under?

Young Surprise Teams have a history of hitting the Under the next season. It’s difficult for lightning to strike twice.

• Adding Don Mitch to the mix could take some time to iron out. He’s been used to being the guy for his entire career. But this isn’t his team.

• Evan Mobley missed a chunk of preseason dealing with an ankle injury.

• With LeVert in the starting lineup, is there enough perimeter wing defense?

• A lot of pressure on Okoro’s 3-point shot.

• Rubio might not be the same guy. He was having a career year before his torn ACL last year.

• If they move on from Kevin Love’s expiring contract, it could affect the locker room and togetherness.

Prior to last season, the Cavs had hit the Under in five straight seasons, a JB Bickerstaff specialty.

Final Prediction: This is one of the most exciting teams in the league, but the number just feels too high. Under 47.5 wins.

1. Milwaukee Bucks — 52.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

His name is Giannis Antetounkumpo, and he is known to pulverize the regular season to smithereens.

• The Bucks were no beacon of health last year. They did not have Splash Mountain for the majority of the season. Milwaukee’s defense is totally different with him around.

• The Bucks record with their Big 3 last season was a sparkling 37-11. Middleton will be back soon enough.

• Jrue Holiday, the thief in the night, is still one of the game’s most underrated players.

• Bobby Portis, t-shirt All-Star — the crazy-eyed People’s Champ!

• Don’t sleep on Jordan Nwora. He can shoot the lights out.

• The Bucks have a rookie that’s garnered some hype, too. MarJon Beauchamp.

• Mamu put his name out there at Summer League.

• The Bucks will get jinglin’ Joe back at some point.

• Jevon Carter might get some real PT. (Still wish he had played over George Hill in the playoffs.)

• Jae Crowder would fit nicely here. Not sure what all the Bucks would have to give up, though.

The Bucks might realize how nice it would have been to have Game 7 at home vs. the Celtics.

What’s the case for the Under?

The Bucks and Coach Bud have grown to take the regular season with a grain of salt, knowing it is best to tinker and experiment with the long game in mind. They are focused on another long postseason run and Championship. Not necessarily regular-season wins.

• Middleton is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season, so that’s not the best start.

• Grayson Allen was exposed in the playoffs. Teams might key in on him early.

• George Hill is still here. He’s been extremely washed. Serge Ibaka, too.

• The bench and depth have some unproven-ness for a Championship contender.

• Brook Lopez is getting up there in age, 34 going on 35.

If Giannis were to ever miss time due to an injury, like any team missing their superstar, the Bucks would be royally screwed.

Final Prediction: Feels like another season that Giannis will destroy. Over 52.5 wins.

____________________________________

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2022-23 Division Season Previews

TUESDAY NIGHT is officially OPENING NIGHT!

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics - 7:30pm

Lakers at Warriors - 10:00pm - (TNT)

We love this game!

2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Southwest Division

The 2022-23 NBA season is upon us!

It’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season — division by division — asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

5. San Antonio Spurs — 23.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

It always has to be said: Where there is a Pop, there is a way.

Over the last 24 seasons, the Spurs have hit the Over on their preseason win total 18 times, including three out of the last four. San Antonio has overachieved each of the last two seasons, making the play-in tournament twice.

• The Spurs previous lone All-Star in Dejounte Murray is gone, yes, but the other four Spurs starters from the play-in game are still here: Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Josh Primo and Jakob Poeltl.

• Johnson could be primed to make the leap in Year 4 with a lot more usage and opportunity.

• Devin Vassell (an underrated power dunker!) made strides last season. Remember when he drained seven 3-pointers in the play-in vs. the Pelicans?!

• This team does have some vets with something to prove: Josh Richardson (on his fifth team in five years) and also the forever-injured-but-he-actually-played-last-season Zach Collins.

• Tre Jones and Josh Primo flashed some promising potential at the end of last season.

• Poeltl gets dunked on all the time, but he has also finished top 10 in total blocks three seasons in a row.

KOC has described No. 9 overall pick Jeremy Sochan as “an athletic two-way player capable of defending all five positions.” Dude looks like Dennis Rodman out there. Love that.

What’s the case for the Under?

The Spurs lost their best player in Dejounte Murray and they only got future draft capital in return. Murray was the leader of the team and the best player by a wide margin.

• Derrick White and Thad Young were both dealt at the trade deadline and both played a part in the Spurs getting to 34 wins last season.

• The Spurs did not have a great showing at Summer League, winning just one game. Lottery-pick rookie Sochan didn’t play due to testing positive for Covid while the No. 20 pick Malaki Branham, and the No. 25 pick in the draft, Blake Wesley, both had underwhelming performances. Preseason was not much better. The Spurs went 1-4 with the lone win against the Jazz.

• After Doug McDermott and Keldon Johnson, where is the 3-point shooting?

• Opposing players lick their chops when they see Poeltl under the basket. Those Poeltl power-dunk posters are momentum shifters.

It sure seems like the Spurs WANT to tank for a shot at Victor Wembanyama. It’s been 26 years since Pop and the Spurs tanked for Timmy.

Final Prediction: History loves to repeat itself. Under 23.5 wins.

4. Houston Rockets — 23.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

You can’t watch the Rockets schedule release video and not think that this team is brimming with Young Surprise Team potential.

• In last year’s #2 overall pick, Jalen Green, and this year’s #3 overall pick in, Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets have an inside-out scoring and defensive punch to throw on a nightly basis. JG4 looked dialed in during the preseason.

• Kevin Porter Jr. and Green have an on-court and off-court chemistry together that doesn’t show up on paper, filled with their contagiously bright smiles. The backcourt duo continued to grow and improve playing alongside each other as last season progressed.

• Eric Gordon is the perfect vet to guide a Young Surprise Team along. Gordon is the longest-tenured Rocket by a mile, a professional teammate and stand-up dude.

• Christian Wood and his occasional bad vibes antics are no longer around. Instead, Boban is here! Boban and Sengun!!

• TyTy Washington looked good at Summer League and so did Tari Eason. Washington is a speedster with a nice touch and floater. Eason is a lengthy defender that plays with fire.

There is some familiarity here with Jae-Sean Tate, KJ Martin and Co. playing together for several seasons now.

What’s the case for the Under?

The Rockets are another team that is no stranger to the tank.

Over the last two seasons, the Rockets have won 37 games COMBINED.

• To put it mildly, Houston had a bit of a turnover problem last season: 16.5 turnovers per game was the worst number in the league. It’s difficult to have a good offense (and to win ball games) when you are constantly gifting the other team with free possessions.

• This is actually a crowded roster with a bunch of guys.

• For as much fun as Sengun and Boban will be, there is a lack of established bigs here. That spells trouble defensively if Houston can’t protect the rim.

There is also an overall lack of two-way players. That can make finding the right lineups a tricky endeavor, something that head coach Stephen Silas has already struggled with.

Final Prediction: There’s too much Young Surprise Team potential here. Over 23.5 wins.

3. New Orleans Pelicans — 44.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Pellies started last season 3-16 and turned things all the way around to not only make the play-in but also the playoffs. Now they add Zion, one of the most efficient scorers in the game, an unstoppable force in the paint. And he looks like he’s in the best shape of his life.

• Brandon Ingram looks like a hooper that lives in the gym and doesn’t care about anything else.

• This team radiates joy and togetherness. They have a nice mix of defensive-oriented guys in Herb Jones and Jose “Grand Theft” Alvarado to add with their supreme offensive talent. They will be able to play so many different styles.

• CJ McCollum is a professional vet and teammate and his crunch-time experience and savviness is a necessary ingredient for this young team.

• Jonas Valanciunas has transitioned his game to be a modern floor-spacing big, which should open lanes for Zion to steamroll.

• Trey Murphy III’s knock-down perimeter shooting. Murph is a long-range assassin. Devonte’ Graham can pull that off, too.

• The rookie, Dyson Daniels, is another defensive-minded player. And player that caught our eye this preseason: Seabron.

The Pelicans are DEEP, and Willie Green has proven so far to be a players coach, one who can rally the troops and get the most out of them.

What’s the case for the Under?

The element of surprise will be gone.

• There are a lot of guys on this roster who will want to play real minutes. Also a lot of guys who will want the ball in their hands.

• Zion’s health is forever a concern. Zion’s free throws are another question.

• Honestly, this is toughest team to make a case for the Under…

Final Prediction: This one feels too easy and like a Pure Lock. Over 44.5 wins.

2. Dallas Mavericks — 48.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

It never feels good to bet against Luka. Going against the Don feels like stepping into the octagon vs. a professional UFC fighter. (Just ask the Suns.)

• The Mavs did lose Brunson, but he wasn’t a really high-usage player until the playoffs. Spencer Dinwiddie can supplant his role and THJ is coming back from his broken foot.

• Christian Wood is in Dallas now, and he’s had some nice preseason performances. The structure of this team could be just what C-Wood needed.

• Reggie Bullock had a strong end to last season and a nice playoff run. Maxi Kleber was draining all those 3s against the Suns. DFS most certainly was, too.

• A second-round pick in the draft, Jaden Hardy also had a terrific preseason.

• Jason Kidd might just be a defensive mastermind after all.

• The Mavs still have Theo Pinson, bench-mob extraordinaire.

What’s the case for the Under?

If Luka misses any time, the Mavs will be hard pressed to fill that void. That’s where losing Brunson would especially sting.

• The West has reloaded with talent while the Mavs lost their second-best player.

• Christian Wood is smiling now, but how long will the good vibes last with him?

• Can the defense here really be that good again?

No more Boban :/

Final Prediction: We don’t bet against Luka around here. Over 48.5 wins.

1. Memphis Grizzlies — 49 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The Grizzlies have vastly over-exceeded expectations every season with Ja Morant and Taylor Jenkins on board.

They won 56 games last season.

• Ja’s superstar ascension has been rapid. Just like with Luka, betting against him doesn’t feel good. At all. We know that the fearless leader of the Grizz stays hungry. And without Ja last season, the Grizzlies still rolled to a record of 20-5.

• Desmond Bane shot above 43 percent from 3 for a second straight year, solidifying himself as one of the best 3-point shooters in the entire game. Shooting a high volume of 6.9 attempts per game, Bane is always a threat to rise and fire.

• It sounds like Jaren Jackson Jr. will be back sooner rather than later. JJJ’s defense is imperative. The fit between him and Steven Adams more than worked itself out.

• Dillon Brooks is in a contract year. Laenor Velaryon’s lookalike, Brandon Clarke got his extension.

• Tyus Jones is an extremely formidable backup point guard and game manager. In Ja’s absence, Jones ran the offense with ease last season. The immense value of having a really good backup point guard should not go under the radar.

• The Grizz always find guys in the draft: David Roddy and Kenny Lofton Jr. (the Thicc Bros!), Kennedy Chandler and Jake LaRavia.

• John Konchar and Santi Aldama will be regular names soon enough.

Getting old boy Jae Crowder back would be a boon.

What’s the case for the Under?

JJJ out to begin the season is not the start you want. He meant a lot to what this team did last year, playing in 78 games and finishing fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

• Ja’s reckless style of play always puts him at risk for a major injury.

• The Grizz went 20-5 last year without Ja, yes, but their depth has been depleted with the departures of De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson, experienced vets off the bench that fit in any lineup.

• In the preseason, the Grizzlies looked rather disjointed.

Final Prediction: Even though it feels like the Grizz won’t be as good this season, they don’t have to be. Over 49 wins.

____________________________________

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2022-23 Division Season Previews

TUESDAY NIGHT is officially OPENING NIGHT!

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics - 7:30pm

Lakers at Warriors - 10:00pm - (TNT)

We love this game!

2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Southeast Division

The 2022-23 NBA season is upon us!

It’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season — division by division — asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

5. Orlando Magic — 26.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

His name is Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick and talk of the town at Summer League in Vegas.

Banchero has the goods to contribute from Day One. His size, strength, court vision, passing, unselfishness and soft touch should boost the Magic offense, exactly what they needed last season.

• Franz Wagner was one of the best rookies in the league a year ago and is fresh off more impressive play at EuroBasket. Chances are good that Wagner will see the ball less with Banchero around, but life overall should be easier for him. Banchero should open up a lot.

• Still just 23 years old, Wendell Carter Jr. showed progression with his interior scoring, shooting 61.5 percent on 2s last season. WCJ also put up the best defensive numbers of his career. Speaking of defense, after the All-Star Break, Orlando had a top-7 defense in the league. 

• Markelle Fultz is dealing with a toe injury, but he will be back a lot sooner than he was last season when he didn’t debut until the last day in February. The Magic were decidedly better in the 18 games that Fultz played after recovering from his torn ACL. Hell, Johnathan Isaac might even play basketball this season for the first time since the Bubble (!!).

• Jalen Suggs can’t possibly have a worse shooting season than last year when he ranked last in field goal percentage out of 206 players who attempted 200-plus jumpers. Suggs had what looked like a bad knee injury in the preseason, but recent reports suggest he’ll be available for the Magic season opener.

• Cole Anthony off the bench could be a nightly spark. He’s probably better suited to be a sixth man gunner. With Fultz currently out, Anthony is going to start. We know he’s not afraid to take the big shots late in games.

• Every Young Surprise Team needs a 10-year vet, and Magic mainstay Terrence Ross is still here. The Human Torch can still get lit.

• One more: Last year Zach Lowe called Chuma Okeke “a multidimensional thief -- the guy who can crack the safe and drive the getaway car.”

The Magic just struck lottery gold in landing the No. 1 overall pick, so unless they believe in lightning striking twice, another tank job probably appears less appealing.

What’s the case for the Under?

The Magic front office and head coach Jahmal Mosley have shown that they are not afraid of focusing on player development at the cost of winning.

Orlando embraced the tank at the end of last season and it could not have worked out better.

• It’s more than fair to wonder if this team will have enough 3-point shooting. The Magic were 28th in 3-point percentage a season ago. As a result, the spacing can also be put into question.

• Every young team has its growing pains. Paolo could get overwhelmed by trying to do too much too soon.

• Gary Harris is already hurt, a late-August torn meniscus. And as aforementioned, Fultz is already injured as well and Suggs is banged up.

• Mo Bamba, now that he is paid to the tune of $10 milly a year, might not play with the same level of fire as last season when he was in a contract year.

If the Magic offense really struggles to score points, it’s going to be difficult to win too many ball games.

Final Prediction: Hammering this Over and all in on the Magic to be this year’s Young Surprise Team and make the play-in. Over 26.5 wins.

4. Charlotte Hornets — 34 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Maybe this is finally the year that Gordon Hayward stays on the court.

When Hayward is healthy, the Hornets have been a good team with a good offense.

• New coach (but also old coach) Steve Clifford will try his damndest to eek out every possible win. The word “tank” has not previously been in his vocabulary.

• The Hornets were the most unselfish team in the league a season ago, No. 1 in assists per game with pristine ball movement initiated by LaMelo Ball. LaMelo has also proven to be a legit 3-point shooter, 37 percent on 7 attempts per game through two seasons.

• Terry Rozier is capable of stepping up and handling more of a workload. The same can be said for Kelly Oubre. In fact, both Rozier and Oubre were top 20 in fourth-quarter scoring last season.

• Mark Williams could be the big man that the Hornets have needed for years now. Clifford should be forced into actually playing the rookie seeing as though Mason Plumlee is the only true center in front of him.

• Jalen McDaniels and Cody Martin might not be the McDaniels bro or Martin bro that you watched in last year’s playoffs, but they have had their moments.

Thanks to the Jordan brand link, Charlotte has long been rumored to be a Russell Westbrook suitor. Say what you will about Westbrook, but we know that he will play his heart out if he ends up in Charlotte.

What’s the case for the Under?

Over the last five years, Hayward has played more than 52 games just once. In his two years in Charlotte, he has played 44 and 49 games — and he’s never been available down the stretch.

• Steve Clifford and LaMelo seem like the most unusual and unideal pair for a head coach and young star. And LaMelo’s already hurt with a sprained ankle suffered in preseason.

• Twenty points a game is a lot and that’s what Miles Bridges scored last year.

• Steve Clifford’s teams always prioritize defense, but is he going to have the right personnel to pull that off? (If you squint, you can already see Clifford red in the face.)

• The young guys — James Bouknight, JT Thor and Kai Jones — rarely saw the light of day under James Borrego, and that is precisely Clifford’s MO as well.

If the Hornets do get Westbrook, that’s probably only going to hinder LaMelo’s development and progression. Not to mention how washed he was last season.

Final prediction: This team is trending downward in a stacked conference. Under 34 wins.

3. Washington Wizards — 35.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Bradley Beal is still in D.C. and now he’s the highest-paid player in the game.

Before last season when he dealt with a wrist injury that required surgery, Beal was a top-flight scorer putting up 30 points per game for two straight seasons. Blue Panda can ball.

• The inside-outside combo of Beal and Kristaps Porzingis is intriguing offensively. Porzingis averaged 22 points and 8.8 rebounds in a Wiz uniform, right on par with his Knicks days.

• Kyle Kuzma showed progression last season, a newfound board man. Lineups with Kuzma, Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija have serious length on the perimeter and switchable flexibility.

• Monte Morris and Will Barton were positive role players in Denver for years.

• Corey Kispert can shoot the rock. His average of 35 percent from 3 doesn’t tell the whole story. There were some games where he lit it up.

• Johnny Davis can’t be as bad as he was in Summer League. (Right?)

Something about the Wizards second unit actually has a good feel to it. Delon Wright is a capable backup point guard.

This group surprisingly seems like it could have a chance to mesh well, if only because everybody has something to prove. Motivation is an underrated aspect of the game. (See: 2020-21 Oklahoma City Thunder.)

What’s the case for the Under?

After Beal, the longest-tenured Wizard is… Rui Hachiumura. The continuity here is just dreadful.

• Enormous contracts of the ridiculous variety do not have the best history of working out well. (In particular for these very Wiz.)

• The Wizards have a strong tendency to have a bad defense, posting a bottom-10 mark for four straight years. It’s difficult to see this year being any different.

• There is some length on the wing, sure, but who is going to protect the rim?

It goes without saying, but let’s say it anyway. The East is absolutely LOADED: Celtics, Bucks, Sixers, Nets, Heat, Cavs, Hawks, Raptors, Bulls.

Final Prediction: This one feels like it will be especially close for the mediocre Wiz. Leaning to the Under. Under 35.5 wins.

2. Atlanta Hawks — 45.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The fit with new Hawks All-Star guard Dejounte Murray acquired this offseason looked near seamless in the preseason.

• Ice Trae (bombs away!) was phenomenal against the Bucks in the Abu Dhabi games. Pairing an elite perimeter defender next to Trae is exactly what the doctor ordered.

• John Collins, the longest-tenured Hawk, is still in ATL. He’s an under-the-radar shooter at 38 percent from 3 for his career.

• De’Andre Hunter might be ready to make a leap in Year 4. The last time was saw him in real NBA action, he dropped 35 points on the Miami Heat in the playoffs.

• Clint Capela is healthy to start the season. It took him a while to get going last year as he recovered from an Achilles injury. Onyeka Okongwu is waiting in the wings as a rim-running threat for lobs from Trae.

• A solid and wily vet, Bogdan Bogdanovic is a real go-getter.

• Jalen Johnson is supposed to see more playing time this season. He had some moments in the preseason. Rookie AJ Griffin is a fellow Dukie.

• Justin Holiday and brother Aaron (the Holiday bros!) are reunited with Nate Mac from their days in Indy.

Staggering Trae and Dejounte can give the Hawks 48 minutes of elite-engine offense.

What’s the case for the Under?

Will Dejounte Murray be cool with Trae taking so many shots per game?

• Will an in-season trade take some time for the new pieces to coexist?

• Has Nate McMillan already become the later Pacers version of himself?

• Kevin Huerter and Gallo are no longer here. Red Velvet and the Rooster were a huge reason why the Hawks took down Philly in the playoffs in 2021.

• De’Andre Hunter might just be who he is at this point: an injury-prone player who is inconsistent on offense.

• It seems like this team is going to have to trust in unproven players that Nate Mac has been reluctant to play in the past.

• This defense as a whole is still lacking and is there enough reliable 3-point shooting?

The future assets are depleted here for additional moves after trading three future first-round picks to the Spurs for Murray, a hefty price for a win-now move.

Final Prediction: Too many questions in a loaded East for that many wins. Under 46.5 wins.

1. Miami Heat — 49 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

#HEATCULTURE is as real as it gets.

• Spo is one of the best coaches in the league.

• Jimmy Butler’s sheer will and determination will carry the Heat to wins.

• Kyle Lowry missed a lot of time last season due to personal reasons. Jimmy and Bam missed time, too. Yet the Heat still won 53 games last season despite Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry combining to miss 70 games.

• Tyler Herro, fresh off winning Sixth Man of the Year, appears to be brimming with confidence, ready for the moment.

• Bam vowed to work on his offensive game after the playoffs. He’s an automatic Defensive Player of the Year candidate and as versatile on that end as anybody.

• This is the first time that Victor Oladipo has been in training camp and the preseason in four years.

• Duncan Robinson is ready to put last year’s subpar season behind him. His shot was back in the preseason.

• New ballers always emerge here. Did you see Jamal Cain and Jamaree Bouyea in the preseason? (WHO HE!?) First-round pick Nikola Jovic looks like a big with a nice shot.

Never count out Pat Riley from finding a way to make another win-now move. A trade for old boy Jae Crowder would bolster the defense and overall fortitude.

What’s the case for the Under?

P.J. Tucker is gone and he meant a lot to this team, especially from a lineup flexibility and defensive standpoint.

• The availability concerns here are real: Jimmy, Bam and Lowry always miss time. Even Herro was hurt in the Eastern Conference Finals.

• Lowry is 36 years old now with a lot of point guard miles under his belt. This is Year 17 for him.

• If Herro is indeed moved to the starting lineup, the second unit will miss his scoring spark.

• The shooting and spacing are not exactly supreme, another area where Tucker will be missed.

• No more Vice jerseys is a huge thumbs down. (But the new city edition ones still look cool.)

Last season’s turmoil between Jimmy and Spo and Haslem could resurface.

Final Prediction: Other teams in the East got decidedly better, but the Heat did not. Under 49 wins.

_____________________________________

We. Are. Back!

2022-23 Division Season Previews

TUESDAY NIGHT is officially OPENING NIGHT!

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics - 7:30pm

Lakers at Warriors - 10:00pm - (TNT)

We love this game!

2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Northwest Division

The 2022-23 NBA season is upon us!

It’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season — division by division — asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

5. Oklahoma City Thunder — 23.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

We have said it many times before and we’ll keep shouting it from the mountaintops: SGA is so good that you can’t tank with him out there!

The Thunder were 16-19 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the lineup two seasons ago, on pace for 37 wins (!!) over an 82-game season. And his scoring explosion after the All-Star Break last season was truly incredible, averaging 33 points over a 7-game span.

• SGA + Josh Giddey + Lu Dort = a formidable foundation with a nice blend of elite scoring, passing and defense. Giddey’s hair and passing are both immaculate. The Dorture Chamber will still lock you the hell up.

• There is absolutely zero pressure on this team.

• A veteran still resides in OKC. That would be Mike Muscala a.k.a. MOOSE. He has nine years of NBA experience under his belt.

• There is some continuity here, too. Darius Bazley and Dort have been with SGA in OKC since day one.

• Tre Mann had some games where he really popped off last season, scoring 30 points at MSG and ripping 35 on the Celtics’ top-flight defense.

There are soo many young guys on this team that chances seem good that at least one is bound to really hit.

OKC won 24 games last year, so they just have to replicate that to cash the Over.

What’s the case for the Under?

Sam Presti is certainly no stranger to the tank, shutting down guys with no remorse in each of the last two seasons. Presti probably dreams every night about Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson.

• Losing prized No. 2 overall draft pick Chet Holmgen to a summer injury suffered at the Pro-Am is an ominous beginning to the season. SGA also already had a Grade 2 MCL sprain and has missed training camp and all of the preseason, but it does sound like he will probably play in the season opener.

• Even with Chet, the frontcourt was going to be thin. Now it’s skinnier than Poku.

• Three-point shooting here is going to be a problem. OKC was dead last in 3-point percentage last year and did not make any upgrades in that department.

• There are probably too many guys on this roster and too many young guys. And having two guys with the exact same name (Jalen Williams from Santa Clara and Jaylin Williams from Arkansas) just seems like a bad idea.

How long can SGA toil away in OKC? Nobody would blame him for asking out.

Final Prediction: The threat of the tank is once again quite severe, but this could be a redux of last season. Over 23.5 wins.

4. Utah Jazz — 24 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Absolutely nobody would see it coming.

This Jazz team is a random assortment of players that were recouped in numerous trades. Sometimes that’s how Young Surprise Teams come together.

• For now, Mike Conley is still in Utah, a vet with 15 years of point-guard experience. Conley was an All-Star just two seasons ago in 2020-21. It was as an injury reserve, but he gets the star on his Basketball-Reference page the same as everybody else.

• Jordan Clarkson is also still here at the moment. By the time that last sentence was read, Clarkson shot three quick 3s. The same goes for Malik Beasley, really.

• Before his season-ending meniscus injury just 11 games into last season, Collin Sexton was playing some really good basketball. Sexton plays with fire and he’s not afraid to go up against anybody.

• A La La Land castaway, THT has everything to prove. Speaking of ex-Lakers, Stanley Johnson is a no-nonsense player, he’ll be eager to accept his role. (Update: Stanley Johnson was waived.)

• Jarred Vanderbilt established himself as one of the games best rebounders last season. Every team could use a good rebounder.

• What if Lauri Markkanen just needed to get to Utah? What if Walker Kessler is really good? A 7-1 shot-blocking monster. Did he really average 4.6 blocks per game in college? Or did everyone make that up? (Well, he did have a preseason game with four blocks against the Spurs.)

Ochai Agbaji and N.A.W. and Jared Butler and Saben Lee. Somebody is taking off. (Update: Jared Butler and Saben Lee have been waived.)

What’s the case for the Under?

The Jazz don’t really want to win.

Danny Ainge is a tanker. And he seems likely to tank this one out like it has never been tanked before. If the Jazz did get off to a good start, Ainge might just trade away whoever is playing well to get top value. Commander Tank is in charge.

• First-year head coach alert. Will Hardy just became the new Mark Daigneault of the NBA.

• Is the starting center Kelly Olynyk or Walker Kessler? A helluva question to have on the table.

• The other centers on the roster are Udoka Azubuike and Cody Zeller. (Update: Cody Zeller has been waived.)

Sounds like a tank rolling on through.

Final Prediction: More than any other team besides maybe the Spurs, the Jazz have the biggest incentive to win the great Tank Wars of 2022-23. Under 24 wins.

3. Portland Trail Blazers — 39.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Dame is back. It’s his 10th season reppin’ R.I.P. City.

Dame DOLLA will be out to prove that his abysmal beginning of last season was all related to his abdomen injury that required surgery. Playing at the top of his game, we know Dame is as lethal as they come.

• Anfernee Simons did his best Dame impression last season to an extremely high degree. Chauncey Billups can stagger Dame and Simons to always have a dangerous shooter and electric scorer on the court, always ready to ignite.

• Jerami Grant is in Portland now, the perfect prototypical 3 and D player that the Blazers have needed for a decade. Speaking of 3 and D, hello GP2! Gary Payton II will bolster any lineup.

• Josh Hart plays with grit and determination that doesn’t show up on paper.

• Before last season’s shoulder injury in January that caused him to miss the rest of the season, Nassir Little was making strides, having his best season yet. Rookie Shaedon Sharpe showed off his raw athleticism in the preseason.

• Big Nurk is still in Portland, a Blazers staple for six years now.

Any team in the NBA hoping to compete can use some continuity and camaraderie. The Blazers have that backbone in Dame and Nurk, and they have a lot of team-oriented players as well.

What’s the case for the Under?

Defense here has been the biggest issue: 27th, 29th and 29th the last three years.

• Even with Grant and GP2 around, a backcourt featuring Dame and Simons on the court at the same time is wildly undersized. GP2 is also currently dealing with a core injury, set to miss a couple more weeks.

• The jury is still out on Billups as a head coach. He obviously didn’t have a fair chance last season, but we don’t know if he can maximize the talents of this group, something that Terry Stotts did for years. Some of the coverages and schemes Billups has rolled out so far are not encouraging.

• We know that if things go south and go south in a hurry, GM Joe Cronin is not afraid to pull the plug and unabashedly tank his ass off. The Blazers sat everyone last season, and went 2-21 after the All-Star Break with the #30 offense and #30 defense.

• After Nurk, the Blazers lack size and do not have another proven big. Trendon Watford had a great showing in Summer League, the Summer League MVP, but at 6-foot-9 and 240 lbs, he’s another undersized player for his position.

Final Prediction: It seems like there is too much uncertainty here. Under 39.5 wins.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves — 48.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

The T-Wolves won 46 games last season and they added one of the league’s best regular season players in Rudy Gobert.

• Anthony Edwards was so good last season that we couldn’t help but wonder: Is Ant-Man NEXT? A generational talent ready to take over as one of the game’s premier dudes for many years to come. Ant was that good and should continue his ascension.

• Meanwhile KAT started to put together the complete package. If you are going to have a Twin Towers two-bigs situation, it’s helpful to have one of the best big-man shooters of all time.

• D’Angelo Russell has a new pick-and-roll lob threat in Gobert. And with Ant-Man and KAT on the edge, that’s a lot of weapon’s at D-Lo’s disposal.

• The T-Wolves believe that Jaden McDaniels is so good that he was deemed untouchable this offseason. Never forget his incredible Game 6 against the Grizz, scoring a career-high 24 points on 5-of-6 3-point shooting.

• Kyle Anderson is an underrated offseason pickup. He will Slow-Mo his way to add positive contributions to any lineup. Bryn Forbes will add shooting and spacing to bench units as well.

• Jaylen Nowell is vastly underrated, and a player that everyone will know soon enough. Austin Rivers is in Minnesota now. There are worse No. 12’s to have on the roster.

• By all accounts, Chris Finch appears to be the real deal as an NBA head coach.

Let’s not completely write off what the T-Wolves did in that Grizzlies playoff series. Yes, they melted away, but they gained valuable experience and they built those leads.

What’s the case for the Under?

Trading away everything that they did to get Gobert, the Wolves will have a new overall identity this season. We’ll see if it is as good as the last one.

• We’ll also see if it takes time to gel.

• The double-big Twin Towers lineup with KAT and Gobert seems like such a risk when looking at the price they paid for it. That amounts to a lot of pressure on everybody to win now.

• The D-Lo trade rumors have been swirling for a while. He also got benched in crunch time in the playoffs. The biggest reason the Wolves traded for D-Lo (Wiggins and the first-round pick that turned out to be Jonathan Kuminga… gulp) was because he was KAT’s guy. Could be problematic.

The T-Wolves were a Young Surprise Team last year, so we must heed warning that in the next season, Young Surprise Teams usually hit the Under. (Since 2012-13, Young Surprise Teams are 13-3-1 to the Under the following year.)

Final Prediction: The playoffs are another story, but this team seems built to excel in the regular season. Over 48.5 wins.

1. Denver Nuggets — 50.5 wins

What’s the case for the Over?

Without Jamal Murray and MPJ last season, Jokic carried a rag-tag Nuggets team to an improbably 48 wins.

Now the Joker will have his real weapons back.

• The harmonious two-man game between Jokic and Murray will be singing once again. Those two have been playing together since 2016-17 and it shows.

• Michael Porter Jr. has looked like the same 6-foot-10 knockdown shooter that he was two years ago when he averaged 23.4 points per game along with shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 48.8 percent from 3 on eight 3-point attempts per game over the final month of the season after Murray tore his ACL.

• Aaron Gordon as the fourth option on offense? Yes please. Not to mention his defensive versatility.

• Bizzy Bones offensive productivity off the bench. Zeke Naji’s back in the mix and looked great in the preseason.

• Bruce Brown cutting to the hoop and wreaking havoc in a good way. KCP, a 3 and D specialist.

• Ish Smith, a still capable and still quick backup veteran point guard. Speaking of vets, Uncle Jeff’s power dunks are still around.

The Nuggets have hit the Over in every season that Michael (not Mike!) Malone and Jokic have been around.

Jokic is so durable because of the way he plays the game. He stays grounded because he’s a plodder — and that is meant as a compliment. The Joker has never played less than 73 games in a season.

What’s the case for the Under?

It almost feels like the Nuggets are due for regression. Everyone is high on the Nuggets.

• Perhaps it takes some time for the new pieces here to get acquainted. This is a team that has preached continuity and togetherness loudly for years, and they just traded two of the longest-tenured players in Will Barton and Monte Morris.

• MPJ will always be an injury risk with his back issues. Murray could be that now too after his torn ACL. He’s going to be eased into a normal workload.

• Teams with Deandre Jordan on the opening night roster have hit the Under in eight out of the last nine years.

Final Prediction: Jokic with his main dudes is plenty. Over 50.5 wins.

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