Win-Loss Predictions for Every NBA Eastern Conference Team
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Expect big things in the East this season; LeBron returns home; Carmelo remains in New York. I have the Eastern Conference standings predictions right here in what should be a very exciting 2014-15 season.
15. Philadelphia 76ers
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15. Philadelphia 76ers
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The Philadelphia 76ers had a dismal year last year. They are expecting to get Nerlens Noel back this season after he didn't get to play last season in his rookie debut. But they'll be without their No. 1 pick in Joel Embiid for most likely the entire season -- so Sixers fans, don't expect much.
Prediction: 21-61
14. Milwaukee Bucks
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14. Milwaukee Bucks
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The Bucks had a horrific season last season, and don't expect it to be any different this season. They have a new coach in Jason Kidd. They did have the second overall pick in which they took Jabari Parker, but they won't make that playoff leap -- at least not yet.
Prediction: 23-59
13. Orlando Magic
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13. Orlando Magic
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The Magic have a nice young nucleus led by Victor Oladipo, but they still have a lot to work on. They also have Tobias Harris, who has been a good pick up for Orlando. However, I'd be surprised if they surpass 25 wins this season. They simply don't have enough talent to contend.
Prediction 24-68
12. Boston Celtics
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12. Boston Celtics
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The Celtics are in rebuilding mode and still have a ways to go. Their centerpiece Rajon Rondo suffered another injury this past week as he broke his hand. He'll be out for six weeks. The Celtics have a few young pieces to build around like Sullinger, rookie Marcus Smart and Jeff Green, but I still think the Celtics are about a year or two away from a playoff appearance.
Prediction 30-52
11. Detroit Pistons
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11. Detroit Pistons
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The Pistons have a lot of talented pieces including Brandon Jennings, Andre Drummond, Josh Smith and Greg Monroe. I don't see the Pistons being consistent enough for a complete 82-game season. Smith and Jennings are both inconsistent. If they play to their potential, I could see them possibly getting the eighth seed, but not as of now,
Prediction: 35-47
10. Atlanta Hawks
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10. Atlanta Hawks
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Atlanta nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in playoff history as they took the top-seeded Pacers all the way to a Game 7 in the first round. The Hawks actually had a 3-1 lead in the series. The East isn't as difficult as the West, but I don't see the Hawks making the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if they snuck in as an eighth seed, with their two key players being Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap.
Prediction: 38-44
9. Indiana Pacers
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9. Indiana Pacers
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A year after being the No. 1 overall seed in the East, I can't see the Pacers making the playoffs. They may sneak in there; but with the loss of Paul George to the horrific leg injury he suffered during a Team USA scrimmage and losing Lance Stephenson to the Hornets, the Pacers will struggle this season. Don't expect to see Indiana in a third consecutive conference finals.
Prediction: 40-42
8. New York Knicks
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8. New York Knicks
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A year after a dismal season, the Knicks should sneak in the playoffs. Two years ago, New York had 50-plus wins, and last season they just fell apart. They were able to retain Carmelo Anthony and add Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert. So, the Knicks kept almost the same core in tact, just losing Felton and Chandler.
Prediction: 42-40
7, Charlotte Hornets
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7. Charlotte Hornets
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The Charlotte Hornets, formerly known as the Charlotte Bobcats, made the playoffs for the first time in a few years last year not until they got swept by the Miami Heat. This team should be very good this season, especially with the addition of Lance Stephenson and pieces already there in Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson. Charlotte should make the playoffs.
Prediction: 44-38
6. Miami Heat
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6. Miami Heat
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The Heat are coming off another Finals appearance as they fell to the Spurs. They, of course, lost LeBron James, so don't expect another Finals appearance, but this is still a solid team with Wade and Bosh still together, along with new additions Luol Deng, Danny Granger and Josh McRoberts.
Prediction: 46-36
5. Brooklyn Nets
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5. Brooklyn Nets
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The Nets had a very disappointing season last year as expectations were high; especially a lot higher than a sixth seed. Nets bring back the core of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez; also adding Euro stud Bojan Bogdanovic and adding a good backup PG in Jarrett Jack. Even with the loss of Pierce, Nets will be fine.
Prediction: 48-34
4. Toronto Raptors
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4. Toronto Raptors
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The Raptors had a very surprising season last year as they shocked everybody by winning the Atlantic Division. I expect the same this season with Kyle Lowry returning to a core of DeMar Derozan and Terrence Ross. This Raptors team is very, very scary. The scariest part is that they're so young.
Prediction: 50-32
3. Washington Wizards
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3. Washington Wizards
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The Wizards showed last season how much they have improved over the last few years, with the big piece being John Wall. This team is going to be very dangerous over the next few years. They lost Trevor Ariza, but added veteran Paul Pierce to go along with Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat and Nene. The Wizards are serious contenders in the East.
Prediction: 53-29
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
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2. Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Cavs may have the scariest big three anyone has had. LeBron returns home to Cleveland to join a team with Kyrie Irving and talented big man Kevin Love. It will take them time to gel together, and that's the only reason I don't have them as No. 1. When this team figures it out, watch out.
Prediction: 55-27
1. Chicago Bulls
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1. Chicago Bulls
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The Bulls have had a sad couple years. They have so much potential to be the best in the East, but when your key guy, Derrick Rose, keeps suffering injuries, it's hard. But if Rose can stay healthy along with Joakim Noah and newly-signed Pau Gasol and Euro star Nikola Mirotic, then sky is the limit for Chicago.
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