Northwest: Final Total Wins Projection
Here is my final total wins forecast for the season 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.
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 NorthWest division.
DENVER NUGGETSExtensive Range: 31 - 40
Definite Range: 32 - 36
It is hard to trust a team who has a 3-7 record in their home. Denver has the seventh worst defensive rating and the 11th worst offensive rating. But that 40 wins ceiling is still achievable because individually, the Nuggets are showing up. Wilson Chandler is having his best start in his career with his 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVESExtensive Range: 36 - 45
Definite Range: 37 - 41
Nobody predicted a 5-14 start for the Timberwolves but maybe the more shocking numbers are their 8th worst defensive rating and their 11th best offensive rating. I am counting on their offensive rating to hold on and for coach Thib to make a deal to solidify their defense and push them back into playoff contention.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDERSExtensive Range: 36 - 45
Definite Range: 38 - 42
Russell Westbrook has been a one-man show with his 31.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists and 33.6% 3FG. With him on the court, their offensive rating is +4.8 and their defensive rating is +1.5. Being a one-man show, it is hard to trust them so I went in the middle.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERSExtensive Range: 38 - 47
Definite Range: 39 - 43
Portland continue to rely heavily on their backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum who combines for 50.4 points, 5.1 three-pointers, 9.2 assists and 8.8 rebounds per game. The bad thing is, they have the worst defensive rating so I can see them go below the 50% threshold.
UTAH JAZZExtensive Range: 39 - 48
Definite Range: 43 - 47
Jazz continue to suffer from injuries which led to their 11-9 mark right now. Even with that, they still have the fourth best net rating in the league with 6.3. Defensively, they have the third best and they are forcing the least number of points per game. With that defense, getting over the 50% median is almost a sure thing.
