2025-26 NBA SZN Preview: Atlantic Division

The 2025-26 NBA season is upon us!

That means it’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season, division by division, by asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

LET’S GET IT.

5. Brooklyn Nets — 20.5

The Nets were a beginning of last season Young Surprise Team to the point they had to blow it up. Now they have a rather confusing assortment of young players.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Like last year, nobody would see it coming.

• The Nets had a 10-13 record after the first 23 games last year, leaving teams stunned on a consistent basis. They had to trade away Dennis Schroder to bring on the tank.

• Michael Porter Jr. is here now in place of Cam Johnson. To that we say: the only thing better than one Cam Thomas is a second, taller Cam Thomas.

• Nic Claxton has seen many iterations of this Nets team and always shows up ready to roll.

• The rookies, take your pick! Egor Demin, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf. We honestly don’t know much about these unknowns, but perhaps we will soon.

• UNLEASH DREW TIMME.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez in his first season had this team playing with direction and determination. They always played hard. That’s all you can ask and it accounts for a lot.

What’s the Case for the Under?

This team just doesn’t make a lot of sense.

• Once again, any team with so many young and unproven guys handling the ball and attempting to set up an NBA offense is a recipe for disaster.

• Cam Thomas and MPJ might take chuck ball to an all new level.

• One of the players here we liked the most to help round out this roster, Haywood Highsmith, is out for 8 weeks with a knee injury.

Oddly enough, teams should be more ready for the wow factor of how hard Jordi Fernandez gets this team to play.

Nets Final Prediction: It’s a low number but it’s not low enough! Under 20.5 wins.

4. Toronto Raptors — 38.5

The Raptors had a post All-Star resurgence last season and now we get to see what they look like with Brandon Ingram in The 6 for the first time.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The vibes! One thing that is very evident is that this team really likes each other. Vibes and chemistry have forever been an underrated part of the game.

• Scottie Barnes and the purple bandits with speed. This team should run an gun with Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett going downhill every chance they get.

• Brandon Ingram’s iso scoring could be the missing ingredient.

• We believe in head coach Darko Rajakovic. He has a passion for the game that a lot of other coaches wouldn’t dare display.

• This team could be Thunder and Pacers LITE, focusing on forcing turnovers and scoring in transition. Those easy buckets can go a long way. Don’t sleep on Jamal Shead and Ochai Agbaji.

• Never forget that there was a beginning-of-the-season stretch where Jakob Poeltl had a Wilt Chamberlain switch. Poeltl clocked in back-to-back 30-point double-doubles (!!). One month in, he already had three games of 18+ rebounds and six 20-point double-doubles.

Toronto closed last season with the best defense in the league. The schedule was soft, but still: that doesn’t happen without having something cooking.

What’s the Case for the Under?

From Dec. 5 to Jan. 11 last season, the Raptors won one game. ONE. A record of 1-16 over that five-week stretch with a couple of absolute ransackings to close out 2024.

• The 3-point shooting is in question. Bottom-10 in 3-point percentage last year and bottom-3 in 3-point attempts.

• Until proven otherwise, we’ll always wonder if Barrett and Quickley are empty stats guys.

• There isn’t much size here. Poeltl is the only listed 7-footer, a rarity in today’s game.

The thing about the Raptors top defense at the end of last season that everyone missed was just how cupcake the schedule was: Wizards three times, Jazz twice, Sixers, Spurs, Nets and Hornets.

Raptors Final prediction: We really like to roll with the vibes. Over 38.5 wins.

3. Boston Celtics — 41.5

For the first time since the 2016-17 season, the Celtics will not have Jayson Tatum playing on Opening Night.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Mazzulla ball! Head coach Joe Mazzulla will have this team firing 3s and apologizing to nobody for it.

• Jaylen Brown gets his big chance to be the alpha with no Tatum. Don’t forget it was Brown who was the Finals MVP and can be the team’s No. 1 option.

• Anfernee Simons was doing his best Dame impression in preseason.

• Derrick White has continued to improve each year with the Celtics. The same can be said for Payton Pritchard. Does everyone realize that White and Pritchard were both top-5 in made 3s last season?

• We have always been fans of Neemias Queta (a very capable power dunker) and he’ll get a lot more burn this season.

• Hello, Baylor Scheierman! There was that game last year against the Nets where he scored 20 points in 15 minutes.

Too many teams don’t know who they are, but the Celtics know their exact identity every night.

What’s the Case for the Under?

No Tatum, no Holiday, no Porzingis and no Al Horford. No Luke Kornet even!

• That’s kind of a lot of the previous winning ingredients.

• Too much Jaylen Brown can sometimes be a bad thing, especially considering he goes through stretches where he has trouble… dribbling.

• A lot of one-dimensional players on the roster. If Brown or White miss any time, this team from a 2-way player perspective will be cooked.

We even saw with the last group that in the end their style of play left them apologizing to themselves because they lost all semblance of late-game offense. Chuck ball just ain’t gonna cut it for a full 48 minutes a lot of nights.

Celtics Final Prediction: There is just too much talent missing from the previous formula. Under 41.5 wins.

2. Philadelphia 76ers — 43.5

The Process hit rock bottom last season, but the thing about rock bottom is that the only way to go is up!

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Sixers almost seem due for some good fortune at this point.

• One of the biggest ifs in sports right now: IF Joel Embiid can stay healthy. Can he play even 50 games? Can he get back to his MVP wrecking-ball ways?

• Tyrese Maxey. The ultimate vibes guy. The biggest smile in the room. The blur up and down the court.

• It would be difficult for Paul George to have a more maligned season than last, right?

• Rookie VJ Edgecombe is the talk of the town and preseason. All things considered, he looks like the exact type of dynamic guard this team needs.

• Don’t forget how red red hot Quentin Grimes was to end last season. And when Jared McCain returns, his 3-point shooting will breathe extra life into this team.

Nick Nurse is going to be out here coaching for his life.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Under in two straight and last year was so bad, it’s hard to shake.

• It is unfortunately entirely possible that Embiid’s knees don’t have anything left in the tank.

• Jared McCain is already hurt. Paul George is already out as well… It’s starting early!

• Even if they are good, they will probably try to rest and stay as healthy as possible if the postseason is a possibility.

If it goes south south early, will they completely abandon ship and clear house?

Sixers Final Prediction: Just like the Clips, we are 100 percent ready to get hurt. Over 43.5 wins.

1. New York Knicks — 53.5

For the first time since 2000, the Knicks made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

What’s the Case for the Over?

A new voice in the locker room in Mike Brown who might actually try to keep his guys fresh.

• Jalen Brunson, the King of New York, who further cemented himself as a walking living legend, earning his stripes as Captain Clutch and being rightfully named the NBA’s 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year.

• Karl-Anthony Towns had his own variety of insane games last season in his first year in NY. People might not realize that KAT had five games of 40+ points and 22 games of scoring at least 30 points. Bodega KAT!

• The defense should be tough and sound. Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are the precise type of wing defenders needed to succeed in today’s NBA and the Knicks have all three.

• Deuce McBride deserves credit for being a bellwether player here. When McBride scored at least 10 points, the Knicks went 22-8 last year.

• The bench has some new faces in Jordan Clarkson and Yabusele. The Knicks needed additional shooting and rebounding off the pine and brought in exactly that.

There is no place like a rockin’ MSG.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Teams in the first year after Thibs have a long history of underwhelming.

• This team might already be worn down from the past few years of Thibs and that long, boisterous run to the East Finals.

• For as good as he was in a lot of games last year, KAT would also go through plenty of stretches where you wondered: “Where is KAT? Why doesn’t he want it tonight?”

• If Jalen Brunson were to miss any additional time the Knicks crunch time would be cooked.

There is always the possibility of the Giannis rumor mill that could hang over this team and mess with the vibes.

Knicks Final Prediction: This number is a tad too high for us. Under 53.5 wins.

____________________________________

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OPENING NIGHT RD II is HERE.

Season Preview Division by Division

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2025-26 NBA SZN Preview: Central Division

The 2025-26 NBA season is upon us!

That means it’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season, division by division, by asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

LET’S GET IT.

5. Chicago Bulls — 32.5

The Bulls had a really fun stretch at the end of last season looking like a post All-Star Break Young Surprise Team. But was it real or a mirage?

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Bulls have been over this number five years in a row.

• Free from the chains of Zach LaVine, Coby White exploded as the team’s No. 1 scoring option. A full season of no LaVine gives White the greenest of lights.

• Giddey ran the offense here with relative ease, comfortable after being given the keys. Giddey tallied five triple-doubles over the last five weeks of the season and averaged 20.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.7 assists in his last 13 games played.

• Matas Buzelis emerged as a lanky and lethal Lithuanian — a.k.a. Lil Buzi Vert. There is a lot of untapped potential that could give this team a lot more pizzazz than they currently show on paper.

• Vooch is somehow still here for reasons unknown. But Vooch will be a professional as always.

• No agendas, just sound team ball. We know they don’t believe in tanking!

Head coach Billy Donovan is one to always respect the Over in the regular season.

What’s the Case for the Under?

This number seems awfully low for a team that won 39 games last year…

• Coby White is currently dealing with a calf injury and is expected to miss at least two more weeks.

• The only thing better than one consistently inconsistent Pat Williams is having a second one in Isaac Okoro.

• The end of last season could have been a mirage. You never really know for sure with ball in March and April.

The Bulls seem destined to once again land in an East Play-In game with the Heat.

Bulls Final Prediction: In the East, this number is just too low! Over 32.5 wins.

4. Indiana Pacers — 37.5

After their scintillating run all the way to The Finals, life without Tyrese Haliburton begins for the Pacers.

What’s the Case for the Over?

IT’S THE PESKY PACERS. This is what they do.

• The system is in place and you’re crazy if you don’t think this organization is out to prove they can continue.

• Pascal Siakam is a very good two-way basketball player who can handle an increased roll.

• Benedict Mathurin is salivating at the opportunity to be more consistently involved.

• Perhaps Andrew Nembhard’s postseason success (and in particular his shooting) can carry over to this regular season.

• Speaking of, Aaron Nesmith has to have a newfound confidence after his rise in the playoffs.

Rick Carlisle has long been known to maximize the talent of his teams.

What’s the Case for the Under?

No Haliburton and no Myles Turner, two of the biggest players to the Pacers identity the last few seasons.

• TJ McConnell is currently injured as well.

• The big man situation is uneasy.

• Too much Mathurin could be bad for stopping the ball in this normally free-flowing offense.

The Eastern Conference will be out for revenge after what the Pacers did to everyone last spring.

Pacers Final Prediction: Thought for sure this was an Over, but with the number dropping and how many other Overs we like, this has to be Under 37.5 wins.

3. Milwaukee Bucks — 43.5

The Bucks are giving it another go, hoping they can be competitive enough to keep Giannis in Milwaukee for the duration of his contract and career.

What’s the Case for the Over?

His name is Giannis Antetokounmpo.

• Giannis is still in Milwaukee and he continues to excel with insane MVP-level numbers every year. So long as he steps onto the court, the Bucks have a solid chance to win.

• The surprising offseason splash of acquiring Myles Turner gives Giannis his Brook Lopez replacement. Those two had a good thing going for seven years, but Lopez had actually fallen off pretty hard last year.

• Some new veteran guard depth is here to help: Cole Anthony and Gary Harris are in from Orlando. Two players that contributed to winning ball with the Magic.

• Kuzma can’t be as bad as he was last year once he got to Milwaukee. (Right? Right.)

• The last time was saw Gary Trent Jr. (besides dropping that ball between his legs) he had a serious flamethrower going in Game 5, hitting all those 3’s in the 4th quarter and OT.

Despite all the rumors of Giannis to the Knicks, an in-season deal would be very difficult to pull off given the complexity of the massive salary involved.

What’s the Case for the Under?

If it goes south early and Giannis asks to be traded…

• That’s obviously the worst case scenario, but with the recent reports that Giannis could have his eyes set on the Knicks, you can’t help but wonder what happens if the Bucks come out flat again.

• If Giannis misses any time due to any injury, this team will be toast. He’s played at least 61 games in every season, but you just never know.

• The ball handling and shot creation is still a question behind Giannis. A lot of Kevin Porter Jr. could be on the table.

Last time we checked, Doc is still the head coach…

Bucks Final Prediction: We still believe too much in the Greek Freak. Over 43.5 wins.

2. Detroit Pistons — 46.5

Fresh off a turnaround season for the ages and breaking free from the chains of losing, the Stones look to continue what they’ve started.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Last year’s Young Surprise Team That Was Promised, the Pistons became the first team in NBA history to triple their win total from the previous season.

• Cade Cunningham made the leap. A giant one that not only catapulted him to being an All-Star and 3rd Team All-NBA but also transformed this team seemingly overnight.

• Surrounding Cade with shooters was the recipe for success. Although Malik Beasley isn’t here (or THJ), Duncan Robinson has arrived to Mo-Town with his career 39.7 percent from 3.

• Jalen Duren is an imposing force on the interior. He can be prone to foul trouble but improved in that regard as last season progressed. Duren averaged a double-double and racked up 41 total, ninth-most in the NBA this season.

• Prior to breaking his leg on New Year’s Day, Jaden Ivey was having a very good third season. People forget he was shooting 40 percent from 3 and hit several clutch buckets to win games for the Stones. (Also important to remember Detroit went on their run without Ivey.)

• Ausar Thompson is healthy to start this season. Ausar still doesn’t have the 3-ball, but he can do just about everything else.

Remember that battle royale of a first round series with the Knicks? This team announced that DETROIT BASKETBALL IS BACK.

What’s the Case for the Under?

It’s hard to repeat as a Young Surprise Team when teams are now ready for you. History says that regression is likely.

• Does everyone realize that Malik Beasley a.k.a Malik Threesley made 319 of them thangs, shimmying his way to the second-most made 3s in the NBA last season, only one 3-pointer behind Anthony Edwards for No. 1?? Beasley was also an Iron Man, playing all 82 games this season. And now he’s just gone.

• Jaden Ivey will miss the next month after undergoing right knee surgery. Not exactly what you wanna hear right before the season is about to start.

• Will the Pistons have the same hunger as last regular season after getting a taste of the playoffs?

Simply put: the Pistons haven’t hit this number since 2007-08.

Pistons Final Prediction: We are so excited for this team, but we have to trust the numbers. Under 46.5 wins.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers — 56.5

The Cavs are running it back with a team that steamrolled last regular season but flamed out of the playoffs.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Cavs won 64 games last season, rolling up the Eastern Conference and SMOKING IT.

• The regular season isn’t the problem for the Cavs, it’s the playoffs. They appear to have a winning formula to stockpile wins in the JV East.

• Donovan Mitchell runs the show on offense (especially with Garland out) and he probably hasn’t been given enough credit for being the best scorer on multiple regular season juggernauts now.

• The Twin Towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low, forever protecting the paint and rim running in transition. Mobley is fresh off being the Defensive Player of the Year and the Cavs last year unlocked so much more of his passing.

• Lonzo Ball is in Cleveland now with DeAndre Hunter taking Okoro’s full-time spot. Lonzo can help facilitate while Garland misses some time.

• In his first year calling the shots, Kenny Atkinson changed the Cavs play style and preparation and the results were profound.

If there is a team motivated to put last season’s exit behind them, it’s the Cavs.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Perhaps the Cavs will take the regular season with more of a grain of salt to be more prepared for the playoffs.

• Darius Garland missing the beginning of the season is already an ominous start. The same can be said for Max Strus.

• The Cavs are LOCKED into this roster as a 2nd apron team. They literally can’t make any moves.

• How many games will Lonzo actually play? How much will Ty Jerome be missed?

It’s a high number that teams historically have a difficult time getting back to. They were also an excellent team in the clutch which doesn’t always translate.

Cavs Final Prediction: The Cavs have the regular season formula for success that we trust. Over 56.5 wins.

____________________________________

We. Are. Back!

OPENING NIGHT RD II is HERE.

Season Preview Division by Division

We love this game!

2025-26 NBA SZN Preview: Pacific Division

The 2025-26 NBA season is upon us!

That means it’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season, division by division, by asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

LET’S GET IT.

5. Phoenix Suns — 30.5

The vibes and results last year were atrocious, but the Suns sent out KD, Bradley Beal and Coach Bud and brought in Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Jordan Ott.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The foul stench of KD, Beal and Coach Bud is long gone!

• Free from the chains of KD sinking the ship, this is Devin Booker’s team again and Devin Booker’s team alone. It will be cookouts with Book as he’ll be the main ball-handler, facilitator and scorer in the desert.

• Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks will have a Houston-sized chip on their shoulder to compete at the highest level every night, set out to prove the Rockets should have kept them over a 37-year-old KD. Green scored 21.0 points a game last year and Brooks shot 39.7 percent from 3.

• Second-year man Ryan Dunn did have some eyebrow-raising games and moments last season, most notably a power dunk on Giannis.

• Rookie Khamna Maluach’s potential was on full display in the preseason finale against the Lakers, showcasing his size, soft touch around the rim and length on defense.

• The guard play here should be an interesting experiment. First-time head coach Jordan Ott should have no pressure here compared to the last few coaches. And it sounds like he wants to feature an offense focused around pace and a bunch of 3s.

It’s a low number and this team has a lot of guys out to prove something.

What’s the Case for the Under?

This franchise has been on a rapid descent since the moment that new owner Mat Ishbia showed up and burned this place to the ground.

• After Booker, who will be the main ball handler after Jalen Green? We know Jalen Green can be rocky in that department, especially depending on the night.

• The big-man situation is rather unproven. The Charlotte bigs of Mark Williams and Nick Richards aren’t exactly known for being reliable.

• Phoenix might look to cash in on some of their assets to build a more rounded team going forward.

There just isn’t a lot of depth here and the West is loaded as you might know or have seen pointed out on this here blog.

Suns Final Prediction: Based on the vibes alone, give us the Over 30.5 wins.

4. Sacramento Kings — 35.5

Light the Beam feels like an eternity ago as the Kings tore down their successes of two seasons ago to ultimately become the Chicago Bulls.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Nobody would see it coming.

• Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as an offensive trio should be capable of scoring the basketball. That’s a pretty good compliment.

• What if Olympic / International star Dennis Schroder pretends the regular season is the Olympics?

• Keegan Murray got paid the big bucks. His 3-point shooting will be welcomed when he returns from injury.

• Where were you on the random Monday night last November when Keon Ellis turned into prime Ray Allen? Ellis drilled NINE 3’s. (Problem: the Kings lost that game to the Hawks.)

• Russell Westbrook’s last stand… in the Sac?

This team did turn a bit of a corner after Doug Christie was brought in as the interim coach. Now he has has a full training camp to prepare his own way as the new head coach.

What’s the Case for the Under?

This roster doesn’t make sense and the defense is going to be garbage.

• Keegan Murray to miss at least 4-5 weeks after thumb surgery is an ominous start. His 3-point shooting will be missed immensely.

• How will this defense get stops? Seems like an important question!

• Adding in Russell Westbrook to this mix of players… very Kangz.

The backup 4 situation here is as dire as it gets. We’re talking Doug McDermott and Dario Saric in the big 25.

Kings Final Prediction: There just isn’t a number that could have been low enough to stop us. Under 35.5 wins.

3. Los Angeles Lakers — 46.5

LeBron won’t be available on Opening Night for the first time in his career, but Luka Doncic gets his chance to light LA on fire.

What’s the Case for the Over?

LukaMagic.

• Boy Wonder takes the LA stage with everything to prove.

• If anybody could figure out a minor back issue and return ready to roll, it’s LeBron. We only have 22 years of evidence of this.

• From undrafted to averaging 20 points per game for the Lakers, Austin Reaves’ glow up has had direction the last four years: Up.

• Maybe Grandpa Ayton just needed to get to LA. (With Luka!)

• A healthy Vando can patch together this otherwise underwhelming at best defense.

It’s the Lakers. They are going to do everything in their power to try to win.

What’s the Case for the Under?

LeBron is 40 and already dealing with a sciatica issue. Not the start you’d hope for.

• Defense. What is their defensive identity? Vando is going to have a major responsibility to help clean up here.

• How much does Marcus Smart have left in the tank? It’s been a pretty rapid decline thanks to injuries.

• They still lack a proven big man.

Opponents always try to show out under the bright lights.

Lakers Final Prediction: It’s the Lake Show, so you already know we’re Over 45.5 wins.

2. Golden State Warriors — 46.5

The first full season of Steph, Dray and Jimmy.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Where it previously looked like the Warriors were left for dead, Jimmy Butler’s arrival rejuvenated this team, infusing them with heart and soul.

• Nobody was happier to see Jimmy Butler’s arrival to the Bay than Steph who’s overall burden was alleviated greatly. Steph can still drop 50, which he did twice last year, both after Butler showed up.

• Jimmy Beans from the jump. With Draymond to hold down the defense and muscle.

• Al Horford is here to be a professional big man, his specialty.

• People forget the Warriors started out last season red hot when they still had De’Anthony Melton.

• Eventually Jonathan Kuminga will be traded and that should net out some positive vibes here at the very least.

The Dubs closed out last season 23-8 with a top-10 offense and the No. 1 defense in the NBA over that span. And this time they will try to avoid the Play-In altogether, which likely means getting Over this number of wins.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Aging stars that aren’t getting any younger. (Shoutout the Buckets pod for the Death Lineup to The Close to Death Lineup banger.)

• Size and rebounding are usually an issue. While Al Horford is here now, he’s still 39 years old.

• Even if it looks okay right now, the Curious Case of Jonathan Kuminga still hovers over this team.

• This is about the time when the Buddy Hield Experience takes a turn for the worst.

It always felt like the Light Years Ahead comment would bring forth basketball karma and we already saw the abyss of 2019-20.

Warriors Final Prediction: This team is a tad too old for our liking. Under 46.5 wins.

1. Los Angeles Clippers — 48.5

It was an offseason in which they were in the headlines for the wrong reasons and the Clips gotta be excited to just play basketball on the court.

What’s the Case for the Over?

A healthy Kawhi + regular season Harden.

• Bout nuff said right there. Kawhi can still be a robot and Harden is a regular season wins system all unto himself. Even now.

• The Harden-Zubac pick-and-roll is one of those chef’s kiss type of plays we don’t mind seeing spammed all game.

• John Collins made it out of Utah and playing meaningful ball with professional vets has got to have him excited for the season.

• Oh yeah, Bradley Beal is here. Expectations are low, but perhaps that’s exactly what he needs. The same goes for Chris Paul’s return to LAC.

• Kris Dunn was a defensive menace last season. It was awesome to see him revive his NBA career.

Ty Lue is still widely regarded as one of the best X’s and O’s coaches in the league. And this defense was always prepared and on point with Jeff Van Gundy’s arrival.

What’s the Case for the Under?

This is a high number for an old team.

• Counting on Kawhi Leonard has not proven to be a trustworthy notion.

• Norm Powell was a huge contributor to this team’s success last season and Norm Powell is now kicking it in South Beach.

• The last time we saw this team in the playoffs, they pooped their pants in Game 7. Not a great look. Not something easily forgotten.

Every time it seems like everybody gets their hopes up for the Clippers, they end up being a letdown.

Clippers Final Prediction: We are ready to get hurt! Over 50.5 wins.

____________________________________

We. Are. Back!

OPENING NIGHT is TUESDAY.

Season Preview Division by Division

We love this game!

2025-26 NBA SZN Preview: Southwest Division

The 2025-26 NBA season is upon us!

That means it’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season, division by division, by asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

LET’S GET IT.

5. New Orleans Pelicans — 30.5

The Pellies were an injured mess last season and look to bounce back with a new front office who is already wilding out.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Just two years ago, the Pelicans won 49 games and made the playoffs.

• That team was led by Zion, still here and now skinny! The Zion of two years ago played 70 games which seems like a miracle now. UNLEASH POINT-CENTER ZION.

• And unleash him with TREY MURPHY. You’ll be hard pressed to find bigger Trey Murphy stans than this here blog.

• Jordan Poole is down in NOLA. Say what you will about Poole, but he can help a team offensively and is capable of shooting the lights out. And if Willie Green can get him to buy into his role.

• Defensive specialist Herb Jones along with Jose Alvarado off the bench can provide positives on that side of the ball.

• Dejounte Murray will return eventually. Murray never even got to play with Zion and Brandon Ingram together.

There is the glaring fact that this team HAS NO FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK, so they are fully incentivized to win.

What’s the Case for the Under?

The Pelicans have a vast history of going Under, 6 out of the last 7 seasons.

• Injuries have been an issue and until proven otherwise, it’s hard to count on players who consistently get hurt and end up being unavailable.

• Defensively, it’s difficult to see a road map to where this roster can consistently keep up with the stacked West.

• The big man situation is rather dire. We like Yves Missi and Kevon Looney, but they lack a certain firepower needed in today’s NBA to keep up with the top talented big men.

This team won just 21 games last season. And trading away next year’s first round draft pick for essentially no reason isn’t exactly the best start.

Pelicans Final Prediction: The number seems too low for the talent plus the no first round draft pick. Over 30.5 wins.

4. Memphis Grizzlies — 40.5

With Desmond Bane traded to Orlando and former head coach Taylor Jenkins long gone, the Grizz have a new look this season.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Grizzlies won 48 games last season and this group always plays tough, especially at home.

• When healthy, Ja is still one of the game’s most electrifying high-flying players with a propensity to take over and propel this team to victory.

• And when Ja is with JJJ, the Grizz have the inside-outside offensive-defense one-two punch to hang with the best of them.

• Bane is gone but KCP’s 3-point shot already looks miles ahead of whatever the hell happened last year down in the house of mouse.

• Get ready to learn more of John Konchar and Santi Aldama, unheralded scrappy players who do all the little things.

• Rookie Cedric Coward was written in the stars to land in Memphis for Verno, now let’s see if he can ball like they say.

Say what you will about Zach Kleiman firing Taylor Jenkins and trading away Bane, but he seems to always find talented players that fit well together.

What’s the Case for the Under?

The injuries piling up early are a precarious start.

• Ja has been considered week-to-week with an ankle, uncertain for the opener.

• Zach Edey will be out until at least Thanksgiving from ankle surgery this summer.

• Brandon Clarke had a September arthroscopic knee procedure. Scotty Pippen Jr. is undergoing a toe procedure and will be out until at least January. Ty Jerome is out a month with a calf injury.

We don’t mind new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, but we think Taylor Jenkins didn’t get enough credit for having this team prepared to maximize their chances to win over the last 5+ years.

Grizzlies Final Prediction: Between the injuries and no more Taylor Jenkins, we are Under 40.5 wins.

3. Dallas Mavericks — 41.5

The Mavs (Nico Harrison) traded away their franchise superstar last season only to be rewarded with another one — what do the Basketball Gods have in store now?

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Mavs use their size to their grand advantage.

• There is an absolute plethora of bigs here with AD, Gafford and Lively. AD will be happy as hell to play his beloved 4 position.

• COOPER MF FLAGG. He looked as good as advertised in the preseason. Perhaps even better!

• Can the Mavs get P.J. Washington going? When P.J. Washington played and scored at least 10 points, the Mavs were 10 games above .500 at 26-16 last season.

• We know D-Lo and even Klay are offensively inclined to still catch fire at a moment’s notice.

• Don’t sleep on Naji Marshall, fresh off of his best season yet given the opportunity and minutes to prove himself.

There is just good vibes going after the worst trade in NBA history was followed up by landing the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery with a 1.8 percent chance.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Availability and spacing/shooting.

• There is a reason he’s earned nicknames like Availability Davis and the infamous Street Clothes. AD has played more than 56 games just once since the Bubble.

• Too much D-Lo until Kyrie returns. D-Lo can have his moments but there is a reason why he’s bounced around so much from team to team.

• Outside of D-Lo and Klay, who will consistently knock down 3s here? It’s a question we don’t know the answer to.

With so many bigs and size, smaller and faster teams might have their way with running and gunning.

Mavs Final prediction: We are rocking with the size down in Big D. Over 41.5 wins.

2. San Antonio Spurs — 44.5

The Spurs won 34 games last year even though Wemby didn’t play after All-Star, but can they stay healthy and compete in the loaded West?

What’s the Case for the Over?

His name is Victor Wembanyama.

• He goes by Wemby — a 7-foot-5 imposing alien with powers to rip the fabric of the game. His 3-point range and defensive reach is insane. His presence on the court alone is a perpetual cloud of fear hanging over the opposition.

• He’ll have more help, too. Eventually D’Aaron Fox will be back, currently out with a summer hammy. Get ready for the Fox-and-Wemby pick-and-roll to be spammed into oblivion.

• Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, will get more run early on and he’ll be pushed by the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, Dylan Harper.

• Don’t forget about Jeremy Sochan who can focus more on doing what he does best, defense and rebounding. And Keldon Johnson off the bench to light some fire on the court. Devin Vassell is still here as well.

• There are some new backup bigs here, too. Kelly Olynyk and Luke Kornet. We love Simmons dubbing them the Mayonnaise Men!

Head coach Mitch Johnson knows he’s the head honcho from the jump this time and with El Jefe himself as his mentor. Pop has instilled a culture that will continue to live on in the most meaningful and honorable way.

What’s the Case for the Under?

It’s a high number and the Spurs have hit the Under in three in a row and four of the last seven seasons.

• Fox out at the beginning isn’t ideal and if Wemby misses an extended period of time again…

• Could the guard play be too crowded and redundant?

• The verdict isn’t completely out on Mitch Johnson as a head coach yet. He has some mighty big shoes to fill.

Is this team really poised to be 10 entire wins better than last year?

Spurs Final Prediction: In the Wild Wild West, we just think the number is too high. Under 44.5 wins.

1. Houston Rockets — 53.5

Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are gone (and Fred VanVleet is out), but KD makes his next stop in H-Town.

What’s the Case for the Over?

• The Jalen Green touches now go to Kevin Durant. That sounds pretty good considering KD is still one of the best scorers in the NBA.

• Alperen Sengun had himself a summer at EuroBasket from what we hear. Sengun has continued on the path of being a Jokic-lite offensive hub who has also stepped up his defensive game as well.

• Amen Thompson UNLEASHED. There will be a massive opportunity for Amen to showcase his supreme athleticism that jumps off the screen.

• Defense is a great barometer for consistent regular season success and the defense here should again be one of the better units in the league.

• Still just 22 years old, don’t be surprised if Jabari Smith Jr. has a breakout season under KD’s wing.

Head coach Ime Udoka has a very strong track record at this point of overachieving in the regular season.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Unreliable shooting and ball-handling.

• Without FVV, a lot is going to fall on Amen Thomspon and Reed Sheppard. Both are talented, but can they show up and show out for a full 82 games in the spotlight?

• KD isn’t exactly known for staying healthy and playing all season…

• And for that matter, his teams don’t have a good track record of staying on an upward trajectory. (Or even staying together at all.)

How often do these big trades for older stars at the hands of consolidating talent and the future actually work out?

Rockets Final Prediction: The number seems a tad too high for a team with one too many questions. Under 53.5 wins.

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OPENING NIGHT is TUESDAY.

Season Preview Division by Division

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2025-26 NBA SZN Preview: Southeast Division

The 2025-26 NBA season is upon us!

That means it’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season, division by division, by asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

LET’S GET IT.

5. Washington Wizards — 20.5

Is it another year of tanker’s delight in the capitol or is there something actually cooking in D.C.?

What’s the Case for the Over?

It’s a low number in the Eastern Conference!

• There is veteran-laden mentorship present for the youngin’s from the jump in CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton. Adults in the room to show them the way.

• Ever since Alex Sarr went toe-to-to with Jokic on a random Saturday night last March, we’ve thought of him differently. If you saw that game (first of all, you’re a sicko, just like us!) you know what Sarr is capable of.

• It’s important to remember that the Wiz threw their rookies of last season into the fire:

  • Games started: Sarr 67, Bub 57, Kyshawn 38. That’s experience!

• No. 6 overall pick Tre Johnson from Texas is the buzz of camp. A hard-working lights out shooter could be exactly what they need.

• There’s another Johnson we like here (PAUSE). That would be AJ Johnson who’s lanky as hell but also extremely athletic and tons of fun. And don’t forget that Cam Whitmore is fresh in from Houston. AJ Johnson and Cam Whitmore could be a lethal fearless duo off the bench.

There is a lot of raw potential here and the expectations are low. The Wiz could be playing with house money. (Also, shoutout Joe House!)

What’s the Case for the Under?

It’s the Wizards. They’ve gone under in three straight.

• Behind Sarr, the Wiz are lacking size. By god, that’s Marvin Bagley’s music. We still love Bagley, but he’s always injured. Like literally always.

• Could there be too many young guys? Yes, that could be a problem.

• Last season featured not one but TWO 16-game losing streaks. (That’s two more games than the Thunder lost all of last year. In a row. TWICE.)

Simply put: if you have a bottom-barrel offense and defense, which this team projects, it’s difficult to win games in the NBA. The Wiz also have a top-8 protected pick, so they really need to be one of the league’s worst five teams to guarantee keeping it.

Wiz Final prediction: You’re telling us it’s the East and the Wiz can’t win 21 games? Over 20.5 wins.

4. Charlotte Hornets — 27.5

The Hornets are one of many teams looking to put an injured season from hell behind them, finding some semblance of momentum and progress.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Hornets Big 3 of LaMelo, Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel.

• Last season the Hornets were 16-31 with LaMelo and 3-32 without. LaMelo, when he’s actually out on the court, can guide an offense and certainly chuck it. The 3s go in, too, as LeMelo had five made 3s in 18 games last season. (That’s in over a third of his games played!)

• It’s almost impossible to have worse injury luck than the Hornets a year ago. Just having Brandon Miller out there at all will be a breath of the freshest air. Brandon Miller could end up being the best player on this team.

• Rookie Kon Knueppel from Duke is the type of do everything, smart player this team needed to round them out.

• Friend of the blog Miles Bridges put together a crazy run in early March as the team’s newfound (and only) No. 1 scoring option. Bridges had four 30-point games in two weeks, he can still score it.

• The return of Tre Mann who set a Hornets franchise-record for most points scored off the bench in the first five games of the season before a back injury kept him out for the remainder of the year.

This team already had so much more direction and purpose under new head coach Charles Lee last season. Eventually Josh Green and Grant Williams will return and bring more stability, too.

What’s the Case for the Under?

The thing about injury prone teams is that they tend to remain… injury prone.

• If LaMelo misses time, they’ll probably be cooked. Again.

• The Hornets have no size. MF Mason Plumlee at starting center in the Big 25?!

• Defensively there are a ton of questions. Bridges at the 4 with Plumlee and whoever else at center is a THIN back line.

The Hornets have hit the Under in three straight, winning just 27, 21 and 19 games the last three seasons.

Hornets Final Prediction: You already know that we are once again sounding the Young Surprise Team alarm! Over 27.5 wins.

3. Miami Heat — 37.5

This will be the first full season for the Heat without Jimmy Butler since 2018-19 — before The Bubble.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Eric Spoelstra is still one of the best coaches in the league and now there is no Jimmy drama hanging over this team.

• Bam Adebayo adds to his game every season and he’s reliable, playing 70+ games each of the last three seasons.

• Norman Powell is here to fill your scoring needs. Something the Heat more than needed.

• Kal’el Ware is a reason for optimism after a great rookie campaign once he started getting real minutes. Even then, Ware played more than 30 minutes just 16 times. But he has the tools and potential to be a homeless man’s Wemby, prowling the paint and capable of stepping out and hitting the 3.

• Davion Mitchell looked the part of Heat Culture once he made it to Miami, finding a home after Sacramento and Toronto.

• Nikola Jovic, somehow already in his third season, had some games where you could see his ceiling, and if anybody can unlock his potential, it’s Spo.

• Jaime Jaiquez was once a draft night steal but had a severe sophomore slump. Perhaps he can bounce back and perhaps rookie Kasparas Jakucionis can be the draft night steal many think him to be.

Heat Culture seems to always revive itself when we least expect it.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Offensive shot creation and shooting, especially without Herro to start the season.

• Not having Tyler Herro from the jump is a most ominous start. Offseason ankle surgery has his return set sometime around late-December early-January.

• Stylistically, it won’t be pretty. Not ever.

• Whatever the hell happened to Terry Rozier once he arrived to South Beach.

The last time we saw the Miami Heat, it was the most lopsided playoff series in NBA history with an elimination game 55-point margin of defeat being the worst in Heat playoff franchise history.

Heat Final Prediction: This is the kind of season made for Spo and Heat Culture. Over 37.5 wins.

2. Atlanta Hawks — 47.5

The Hawks have retooled, taking a swing and bringing in a trio of offseason acquisitions to make a run in the East.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Welcome to ATL Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard.

• The Hawks brought in more size, shooting and defense to give Trae Young more weapons at his disposal. That’s saying something considering he led the league in assists last season. It’s also a contract year for Ice Trae to prove his worth.

• Jalen Johnson was humming along as a power dunking highlight reel before a torn labrum abruptly ended last season in January. Through the first 30 games of a season, Johnson was the first Atlanta Hawk in franchise history to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

• The Hawks needed some size and spacing and filled both shoes by getting Kristaps Prozingis this summer. Kennard was also brought in to provide additional long-range sniping, a career 43.8 percent 3-point shooter.

• The Great Barrier Thief! Dyson Daniels led the league in steals and was the NBA’s Most Improved Player. Daniels was just rewarded with a 4-year, $100M extension.

• Last year’s No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher started to really come alive at the end of the season with some big-time games. Risacher dropped a career-high 38 points in the final week (albeit against the Nets)

Onyeka Okongwu is finally fully free from the chains from Clint Capela.

What’s the Case for the Under?

Prior to last year, the Hawks had hit the Under in three straight and 5 of the last 7.

• If Trae misses any time they’ll be without their offensive maestro.

• Porzingis is anything but reliable on the availability front.

• Not a whole lot of depth here, especially in the frontcourt. Could be too much Asa Newell, Moe Gueye and Charles Bassey.

Like the Clippers, every time that the collective buys into the Atlanta Hawks, they seem to be a letdown.

Hawks Final Prediction: Thought we were going to be over on this exciting team, but we are sadly not. Under 47.5 wins.

1. Orlando Magic — 50.5

The Zombie Magic hung on by a thread last year and made a major win-now move this summer.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Magic addressed their biggest weakness in the offseason, bringing in 3-point shooting to add to their winning defensive-oriented formula.

• His name is Paolo Banchero. Does anybody else remember the Magic at the beginning of last season? The Magic flew out of the gates with Paolo dropping a 50-burger. Banchero is the real deal. An All-Star hungry for more.

• Hello Desmond Bane! The aforementioned 3-point marksman will look to save this offense that has a long history of being stuck in the thickest mud.

• Franz Wagner has had his shooting struggles but now he can focus more on doing everything else.

• Jalen Suggs can’t possibly be more injured than he was last season. Suggs can be the glue to this operation humming along at its finest.

• Tyus Jones is a professional backup point guard who can set up the offense.

That first-round series with Boston was a ROCK FIGHT. The Magic in no way rolled over and gave up. They went down swinging every game, battling as best they could.

What’s the Case for the Under?

It’s a high number for a team that hasn’t won that many games since 2010-11 with Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy.

• Even with Bane, the Magic still have to prove they can run a capable offense together.

• The frontcourt is rather lackluster without a lot of pop or muscle. It kinda feels like the Magic are one more reliable big man away.

• The Magic will still rely a lot on Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva. Da Silva deserves more credit for playing 74 games and starting 38 last year. But can the youngin’s contribute enough for 51 wins?

It’s worth saying again: The Magic haven’t won 50 games in 15 years!

Magic Final Prediction: The number seemed too high at first but it’s soo high for a reason. Play the MF song! Over 50.5 wins.

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OPENING NIGHT is TUESDAY.

Season Preview Division by Division

We love this game!

2025-25 NBA SZN Preview: Northwest Division

The 2025-26 NBA season is upon us!

That means it’s time for our annual tradition of previewing the season, division by division, by asking two very important questions for each team:

• What’s the case for the Over?

• What’s the case for the Under?

LET’S GET IT.

5. Utah Jazz — 18.5

The Jazz won 17 games last year, the fewest in franchise history, and they were rewarded with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft — a cautionary tanking tale.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Nobody would see it coming. That is precisely how some Young Surprise Teams come to fruition, we must remind you.

• There’s a strong frontcourt duo here in Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, providing a scoring and defensive backbone between the two.

• After the All-Star break, Kyle Filipowski was let loose with free reign and Flip showed out with the opportunity.

• Isaiah Collier turned into a rookie assist machine last season. Did you know he actually broke John Stockon’s Jazz rookie record for most assists?

• No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey is an unknown with a sizable chip on his shoulder, out to prove everyone wrong from the draft.

• Keyonte George had some monster games again last year, still very capable of catching fire from 3. Keyonte had 10 games of making 5+ 3-pointers, upping the ante from eight such games his rookie season.

The Jazz do have some new vets here to show the youngins the way: Kevin Love, Jusuf Nurkic and Kyle Anderson are in Utah (for now).

What’s the Case for the Under?

The Jazz are fresh off the fewest wins in Utah Jazz franchise history and then they traded away some of their best players…

• There’s always the notion that Danny Ainge wants to tank it out once again (despite whatever Utah’s brass says), continuing to sleep like an absolute baby all season long, constantly smiling like the Grinch.

• NBA offenses geared around young guards are simply at a disadvantage from the jump.

• The Jazz have not been able to win games on the road. Seriously. The last win for Utah on the road last year was on January 5th. They didn’t win a road game over the last three months of the season.

The Western Conference is an absolute gauntlet and the Jazz will be looked at as a punching bag.

Jazz Final Prediction: There should be plenty of fun Jazz games in Utah, but the youth and inability to win on the road has us taking Under 18.5 wins.

4. Portland Trail Blazers — 34.5

The Blazers were an under-the-radar Pacific Northwest Young Surprise Team last season. (That’s right, the Blazers won 14 games more than their preseason Over/Under win total, so they very much qualified.)

That success resulted in extensions for GM Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Blazers keep that momentum rolling into this season behind a unified group and strong defense.

• Deni Avdija’s post All-Star break numbers were certifiably insane: 23.3 points, 9.7 rebs, 5.2 ast and 41.7% from 3. Now imagine if Advija pulled that off for an entire season…

• Jrue Holiday’s arrival to RIP City brings in veteran leadership and stout defense on the wing.

• Shaedon Sharpe had the Power Dunk of the season last year and once again showed he’s more than just a power dunker, improving to 18.5 points per game and shooting 55.7% on 2’s in his third season.

• Scoot Henderson turned another corner. He didn’t play as much and he shot less, but his efficiency got better and he didn’t turn the ball over as often.

• Cling Kong was coming around the mountain toward the end of the season, notching 5 double-doubles post-All-Star after just 3 the entire rest of the season. Speaking of young bigs: HELLO YANG HANSEN.

A new era of Blazers basketball is here and the trajectory is onward and upward.

What’s the Case for the Under?

It wasn’t too long ago at all that nobody believed in Chauncey Billups as a head coach…

• Scoot will miss the beginning of the season rehabbing a September hamstring injury. And Simons offensive firepower is no longer here, either, shipped off to Boston.

• Jerami Grant seems checked out.

• Can Advija really play like he did post-All-Star for a full season? We know the NBA in March and April can be flukey.

The West is loaded and the Blazers will still be looked at as a prime opportunity to get a win.

Blazers Final Prediction: This one feels down to the wire already, but we believe in them running back last year’s results. Over 34.5 wins.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves — 49.5

The T-Wolves are fresh off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances and are hungry for more.

What’s the Case for the Over?

Anthony Edwards + a strong defense is a recipe for success.

• Nobody else in the NBA made more 3s than Ant-Man last season and he pulled it off on insane volume. Legit 10 3-point attempts a game and 39.5 percent. Honestly, Ant might have fallen in love with the 3 a little too much. A more versatile and diverse game with some new post moves is expected this time.

• Before running into OKC who storm walled the entire team, Julius Randle changed his playoff narrative and was playing his best ball. There were rocky moments last year, sure, but Randle more than eventually found his way in the wilderness of Minnesota.

• Jalen McDaniels also took his game to a level we hadn’t seen from him before in the first and second round. McDaniels’ monster 25-point and 30-point games vs. the Lakers put the Wolves over the top.

• NAZ REID. As reliable as they come with 81 and 80 games played the last two seasons.

• More from the youngin’s, Terrence Shannon and Rob Dillingham, can alleviate some of the offensive burden that falls on Ant and 38-year-old point guard Mike Conley.

There is more continuity this time around for a team that made the big switch from KAT to Randle last season.

What’s the Case for the Under?

It goes for any team’s star player, but if Ant were to miss any time…

• Mike Conley has a lot of point guard miles under the belt and too much could fall on the shoulders of the youngin’s Dillingham and Shannon. Will Chris Finch even trust them more this time around?

• The frontcourt depth behind Gobert, Randle and Naz Reid is in question. Maybe Leonard Miller will finally arise for KOC?

• Gobert has been a defensive mainstay in the league for a decade, but there has been some recent and expected slippage.

The T-Wolves are clearly more of a playoff team than one that chases regular season success.

T-Wolves Final Prediction: In the West, we have them a game or two below this number. Under 49.5 wins.

2. Denver Nuggets — 54.5

The Nuggets have reloaded the roster surrounding The Joker.

What’s the Case for the Over?

His name is Nikola Jokic and he’s still the best basketball player in the world.

• Typing out Jokic’s stat line from last year doesn’t even feel real: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists is beyond absurd. And this could very well be the deepest team that Joker has ever had.

• If Jamal Murray and his Blue Arrow can stay healthy.. It’s a big if but one that could always technically be on the table.

• Cam Johnson is here in place of MPJ. We know Cam Johnson can be a winning player in that exact role from his days in Phoenix.

• The Nuggets have depth and reliable veterans off the bench this time around by way of Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas.

• Christian Braun has continued to improve each of his first three seasons in the league and just inked a brand new 5-year, $125M extension.

Let’s not forget that the Nuggets took the eventual champion Thunder to 7 games and nearly beat them with an interim coach and shallow supporting cast.

What’s the Case for the Under?

The Nuggets know the real road to glory will show itself in the postseason.

• The regular season might be where David (Dave!) Adelman gets to experiment and tinker with lineups and to make sure this team is healthy come April, May and hopefully June.

• He’s the most reliable superstar in the game, but if Jokic actually missed any time…

• This is an older team that fast teams might be able to run on. And how will the young, unproven guys develop here? Can they rely on Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson to be consistent where they have previously not been?

Denver has been above this line just twice with Jokic.

Nuggets Final Prediction: This team should be really good but the number is just too high. Under 54.5 wins.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder — 62.5

Last year’s champs look to run it back with the same core group and now with Championship experience under their belt.

What’s the Case for the Over?

The Thunder won 68 games last season and suffocated opponents from every direction.

• The reigning MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, currently the best iso scorer in the league, with an all-time great defense surrounding him is the grandest recipe for success.

• Jalen Williams is a prolific second scoring option and can just as easily take over games and be the best two-way player on the floor. J-Dub was third team All-NBA last year, giving the Thunder two of the best 15 players in the league.

• People probably forget that Chet Holmgren only played 32 games last year. OKC still won 68 games while missing their third best player for three months. A healthier Chet and Hartenstein (who missed 25 games as well) only gives them a better chance to pile up wins.

• The supporting cast and bench unit full of young guns should only improve. Aaron Wiggins could take a leap and showed more than capable of being a huge spark off the bench in the yoffs.

• OKC still has plenty of assets to trade if they want to tinker or upgrade at any point.

When you control the turnovers and easy buckets in transition, you hold the upper advantage in your palm on a nightly basis.

What’s the Case for the Under?

It’s a HIGH number and they will be the hunted.

• Jalen Williams had wrist surgery back in July after the Finals and it’s still unclear of his current status. Kind of an ominous start to the season…

• Speaking of surgery, Nikola Topic’s NBA debut will be delayed as he has undergone surgery as well. (Of the testicular variety which never sounds good to say the freaking least.)

• SGA played 76 games last year and although the Thunder went 5-1 without him, missing the MVP of the league for any period of time this year would be less than ideal.

Will the Thunder be as hungry during the regular season this time around knowing the long journey that awaits to get back to June?

Thunder Final Prediction: To be quite honest, we thought this line would be at least three wins higher. Over 62.5 wins.

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OPENING NIGHT is TUESDAY.

Season Preview Division by Division

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