2016-2017 Total Wins Projection: Central Division
Did you saw the first game of your favorite team? Did they do well? Don't worry or don't get too happy, the season is just beginning. Today, I challenged myself again as I give my total wins prediction for each team.
I will give you two win ranges:
Extensive Range: It will be a 10 games range. Example, 29-38 wins.
Definite Range: It will be a 5 games range that is inside the Extensive Range. Example, 31-35 wins.
But, those ranges will be revealed before the end of December.
Today, I will give you my initial ranges; Extensive Range - 14 games range. Definite Range - 7 games range. The main ranges will be inside the initial ranges.
I am putting my blog on the line here. I need to score 15 points in my projection. The extensive range is worth 1/2 point while the definite range will be a full point.
Today, we will tackle the Central division.
CHICAGO BULLS
Extensive Range: 39 - 52
Definite Range: 41 - 47
I was pretty impressed with what Bulls showed in their first game against the Boston Celtics. The most shocking part was their 11/25 from beyond the arc. Is their really a way that Wade will suddenly hit more than 1/3 of his three-point shots after failing to do that in first 14 years in the league?
He actually has a good shooting form so the possibility is there. And it was a great decision by the coaching staff to turn the team into a rebounding machine. I saw a way for them to reach the 50 win level but their base is actually much lower than that 39 because the injury risk is pretty high too.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Extensive Range: 54 - 67
Definite Range: 56 - 62
The ceiling of the Cavaliers is pretty dependent on how the East will perform this season. If one team will really challenge them for the top spot, they will push their way to the 60-something territory. I do expect the team to give as much rest to their starters to keep them fresh for the playoffs.
And that is the main reason why I come up with the 56-62. Their bench is not as good as last season, especially if no one from their bench claim the back-up PG position. And can Chris Andersen really hold the fort if he needs to play important minutes?
DETROIT PISTONS
Extensive Range: 38 - 51
Definite Range: 40 - 46
I think, one of the most scary statement that I heard in the offseason came from Drummond. He expressed his love for rebounding and his goal of maintaining his top rebounding spot. With a very deep roster around him, the ceiling is pretty high for the Pistons.
But, I have a problem with their defense. I don't think they are in sync enough to do well against well-oiled teams. KCP is a little bit overrated too and if he don't erase that over in that this season, they may fall to that 38 wins. I like what they have but I don't feel putting the DR in the upper-end of ER.
INDIANA PACERS
Extensive Range: 32 - 45
Definite Range: 34 - 40
Losing to the Brooklyn Nets is a pretty bad sign, right? Myles Turner was a monster in their first game which basically means that he will be able to handle the center position. The chemistry was actually pretty good. The problem lies on the defensive end and I think that will dragged them out of the playoffs.
The only way for them to outdo the Definite Range is for Young, Ellis and Teague providing more effort and energy on the defensive end. If they will not do that, their opponent will continue to exploit them.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Extensive Range: 27 - 40
Definite Range: 30 - 36
Losing Khris Middleton was a big blow and I don't see a way that they can overcome that. Matthew Dellavedova is now their top gunner from the outside and they do not even have any average shooter to help them out. But 40 wins can still be a reality if their bench play to their potential and Giannis succeed with his visit to the PG position.
