Believe it or not, the 2020-2021 NBA Season is here!

We are previewing the season by looking at both conferences, division by division, and by asking two very important questions for every team:

What’s the case for the Over?
What’s the case for the Under?

We kept these short and sweet, just like the offseason.

Southeast

5. Orlando Magic

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 31.5 wins — 44% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 36 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 45%

What’s the case for the Over?

Despite losing D.J. Augustin to free agency and Jonathan Isaac to injury, a solid amount of continuity remains here. Vooch, Aaron Gordon, T-Ross and Evan Fournier are the Orlando mainstays you can count on. Fultz, forever and always, is the ultimate X-factor. Chuma Okeke is another X-factor who can help fill the Jonathan Isaac void. Add Cole Anthony to the mix and you are looking at a 2nd unit with some promising talent. The Magic will play hard and give a lot of effort on the defensive end as all Steve Clifford teams do.

What’s the case for the Under?

Losing Jonathan Isaac further limits the Magic’s already low ceiling while other teams in the Eastern Conference, specifically in this division, got decidedly better. The Magic hung in on the backend of the East playoff picture the last two seasons, but this year, they have improved teams gunning for them.

Final Prediction: Under 31.5 wins, but it will probably be super close either way.

4. Charlotte Hornets

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 26.5 wins — 37% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 30 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 35%

What’s the case for the Over?

Everybody laughed (and rightfully so) but we know better than most that this team will be surprisingly exciting and downright fun. We can already hear Eric Collins shrieking and screaming about LaMelo dimes. But it’s more than just having the most animated play-by-play man in the game. This team is actually well-balanced on paper, and James Borrego gets them to play together. There are a lot of high-character and unselfish guys here. The Hornets play sound team ball!

What’s the case for the Under?

The lack of depth and the defense. Gordon Hayward has already broken something (just a finger, but still). Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are better than you would think, but they aren’t big men that are scaring anybody. Also, the main bench cheerleader glue guys in Marvin Williams and Billy Hernangomez are no longer around.

Final Prediction: Over 26.5 wins without hesitation and we are sounding the Young Surprise Team Alarm!!!

3. Washington Wizards

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 33.5 wins — 47% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 38 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 35%

What’s the case for the Over?

Wizbrook seems locked in and ready to contribute. His energy and intensity should breathe life into this Wizards team severely lacking in the rebounding department a year ago. Beal should benefit from having an additional playmaker and scorer, lightening his previously required heavy offensive load. Expect Blue Panda’s defense to step up a notch. Bertans and Thomas Bryant can space the floor as bigs, absolutely pertinent for any lineup with Russ in it. The rook Deni Avdija looks like another potential three-point marksmen.

What’s the case for the Under?

The defense in D.C. should still be a glaring weakness. Expect more shootouts than a saloon. Will Westbrook take away from Beal’s efficiency? Russ always adds but he can sure also taketh away.

Final Prediction: Under 33.5 wins. We went back and forth on this one. But get ready for plenty of OVERS!

2. Atlanta Hawks

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 35.5 wins — 49% winning pct (equivalent for 82-gm season: 40.5 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 30%

What’s the case for the Over?

Ice Trae has new weapons. Capable shooters and reliable offensive vets in The Rooster and Bogey. Defensive stalwarts in Kris Dunn and rookie Onyeka Okongwu. And a veteran ball handler and playmaker in Rondo. Even another pick-and-roll partner in Clint Capela! The youngin’s on the wing (Huerter, Hunter and Reddish) might not get as much playing time as they would like, however, they will get to play a lot more against opposing second units than starters.

What’s the case for the Under?

There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle for Lloyd Pierce to navigate. We agree with most that the Hawks probably brought in too many new free agents, but in Travis Schlenk’s defense, they didn’t know if Sacramento was going to match Bogey’s offer sheet. (And if there was ever a year to have depth, it’s this one.) The defense is still going to be in big, big trouble.

Final Prediction: Over 35.5 wins. The Hawks are ready to soar into the East playoffs.

1. Miami Heat

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 43.5 wins — 60% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 50 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 60%

What’s the case for the Over?

The Heat showed the world in Orlando that they are the perfect modern day playoff team with potent shooters in Herro and Duncan Robinson, a most versatile big man in Bam, and a bonafide closer in Jimmy Beans. Expect the Heat to come back even hungrier than before. There probably is not a team that believes in themselves more. Harkless and Bradley will shore up the perimeter D. Spo always knows best.

What’s the case for the Under?

Jae Crowder was a key part to the Heat’s playoff success and Crowder is now in Phoenix. Dragic’s injury issues proved costly in The Finals. The cat is out of the bag on the shooters.

Final Prediction: Over 43 wins. Bam, Herro and Dunc Rob are just getting started.

Central

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 22.5 wins — 31% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 25 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 29%

What’s the case for the Over?

The Cavs only have to be 2% better than last season when… they sucked pretty bad. Isaac Okoro has looked like a BALL PLAYER in the preseason! The defense has to be better with Okoro just by default. The Cavs play in a weak division. The Cavs have some size! These guys like each other and there is a good amount of continuity and familiarity. You know what? It actually kind of smells like some young surprise team potential a brewing…

What’s the case for the Under?

The Garland-Sexton backcourt has an extremely low ceiling unless their defense and/or playmaking and distributing skills improve substantially. While Okoro will help the putrid defense, he’s only one guy.

Final Prediction: Under 22.5 wins but it’s probably going to be down to the wire.

4. Detroit Pistons

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 24.5 wins — 34% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 28 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 30%

What’s the case for the Over?

Sometimes it’s good to get weird. Sometimes it’s good to bet on yourself. Hello, Jerami Grant! Blake was an All-Star just 2 years ago, playing some of the best ball of his career. Killian Hayes, the rookie Frenchman, can play loose and let it fly.

What’s the case for the Under?

Sometimes things can get a little too weird. The offense is going to be shakier than a salt shaker. Turnovers aplenty and we’re not talking about apple turnovers here. Blake can’t stay healthy. Jerami Grant is not a #1 or #2 option with a limited game off the dribble.

Final Prediction: Under 24.5 wins, prepare for another brutal winter in the Motor City.

3. Chicago Bulls

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 30.5 wins — 42% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 35 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 34%

What’s the case for the Over?

The Bulls have a competent head coach! The Bulls could finally have their health. Coby White looks like he jumped up a few levels in the preseason. There is certainly some budding young surprise team potential in the windy city. Comeback season alert! Otto Porter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen are prime candidates for most improved player. Don’t forget how legit the Bulls looked after they first acquired OPJ at the 2019 trade deadline.

What’s the case for the Under?

The Bulls offseason did not move the needle nearly as much as other teams in their tier. Durability issues linger and have been prominent. Picture Zach LaVine jacking up contested late-game pull-ups with the game on the line.

Final Prediction: Under 30.5 wins. We want to pick the Over, but it doesn’t feel right.

2. Indiana Pacers

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 39.5 wins — 55% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 45 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 62%

What’s the case for the Over?

The Pacers will have their All-Star back in Dipo to start the season and they only have to win 7% less than last season? In the easy peasy Central Division!? Other Eastern Conference teams got better, yes, but the Pacers are pesky!!! Malcom Brogdon probably should have been an All-Star last year. TJ “Bubble” Warren could continue getting his buckets. The Holiday Bros off the bench will keep surprising you. This isn’t the most exciting or flashy group, but that’s not their game. Lotta continuity here!

What’s the case for the Under?

The Pacers overachieving and peskiness has to finally wear off at some point, right? Maybe new coach Nate Bjorkgren is not fit for the task. He’s not Nate McMiIlan. (Yeah, the case for the Under is weak as hell here.)

Final Prediction: Over 39.5 wins and this one feels like a Pure Lock.

1. Milwaukee Bucks

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 49.5 wins — 69% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 56 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 77%

What’s the case for the Over?

With the Giannis Supermax behind them, the Bucks only have to achieve 9% less of what they were last year in the wins department. Giannis is still built to destroy the regular season to smithereens and now has another defensive ace and playmaker in Jrue Holiday. Coach Bud has the formula for the regular season down pat. Bobby Portis should bring some toughness to this group, an area where they have previously lacked.

What’s the case for the Under?

The depth is gone. There are a lot of new pieces here. The Bogey Fiasco lingers.

Final Prediction: Over 49.5 wins. Between Giannis and Coach Bud’s regular season track record, this feels like another Pure Lock.

Atlantic

5. New York Knicks

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 22.5 wins — 31% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 25.5 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 32%

What’s the case for the Over?

Based on winning percentage, the Knicks only have to be 1% better this season. Thibs teams always play hard. Obi Toppin looks ready for the bright lights and can provide some of the previously missing offense. Mitchell Robinson, a 7-2 force playing above the rim, is a raw talent with potential to blossom into a transformative power. RJ Barrett showed flashes in his rookie campaign and his demeanor is still promising. Austin Rivers brings a hard-nosed grit to help fill the void that Marcus Morris left behind. The question must be asked, is there some young surprise team potential looming within?

What’s the case for the Under?

One percent is a lot when your margins are razor thin and you have absolutely zero shooting or spacing. Thibs is known to run his teams into the ground. The rest of the East got distinctly better while the Knicks did not.

Final Prediction: Under 22.5 wins, but this Knicks team should be a helluva lot more fun to watch.

4. Toronto Raptors

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 41.5 wins — 58% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 47 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 74%

What’s the case for the Over?

Seventy-four percent to 57% is a substantial drop, especially when your heart and soul (Kyle Lowry) and brains of the operation (Nick Nurse and Masai Ujiri) remain as the pillars of the organization. Recency bias means that the lesser version of Pascal Siakam is remembered by most, not the bonafide All-Star and early-season MVP candidate from a year ago. The perimeter defense and transition offense should be excellent once again.

What’s the case for the Under?

The Raptors are the only team in the NBA forced to play away from home, 1,300+ miles away from Toronto in Tampa. (But perhaps they will enjoy the warm weather during winter!) Losing not one but two backbones in Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka will have a considerable impact, most notably on defense. The halfcourt offense was mediocre last season and could remain a bit of a stumbling block.

Final Prediction: Over 41.5 wins. The Raptors always overachieve!

3. Philadelphia 76ers

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 43.5 wins — 60% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 49 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 59%

What’s the case for the Over?

The Sixers only have to be 1% better than last season when they were a complete embarrassment and train wreck in roster construction. Daryl has brought in the necessary shooting to allow for Simmons and Embiid to thrive together. Never forget the magic that was the 2018 Sixers after the trade deadline with Belinelli and Ilyasova. Danny Green and Seth Curry should be able to pull that off. And if for some reason it doesn’t work out, they can just trade Simmons for Harden.

What’s the case for the Under?

The injury history for Embiid and Simmons. There is only one year of evidence that Dwight is a helpful contributor. The Tobias Harris contract is soo bad. It stinks. It reeks. It might take on a life form of its own and people might get even more mad at it than they already should be.

Final Prediction: Over 43 wins. We can’t quit on Philly with Daryl calling the shots.

2. Boston Celtics

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 45.5 wins — 63% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 52 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 67%

What’s the case for the Over?

The Celtics have 4% room for error from last season when Hayward was injured and often unavailable. We are of the belief that Tatum needs more room to work anyway and the same goes for Jaylen Brown. The J-Team with Marcus Smart is entering Year 4, having already played three seasons together with two Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Homegrown two-way talent of this caliber is a rare breed. The late game keys will officially (and rightfully) be Tatum’s. Tristan Thompson is a serious upgrade over Kanter. Robert Williams has big-time potential. The C’s shooting could get a bump from the rooks Nesmith and Pritchard.

What’s the case for the Under?

Without Kemba to start the season due to his lingering knee issues and without Hayward altogether, that’s 38 points per game missing. Where is all of that extra offense going to come from? The defensive side of the ball might suffer if the J-Team is required to burden that much more on offense. The rookies could be asked to do too much.

Final Prediction: Under 45.5 wins. We believe in the J-Team, but the Kemba knee injury is quite worrisome.

1. Brooklyn Nets

2020-2021 72-game Over/Under: 45.5 wins — 63% winning pct (equivalent for 82-game season: 52 wins)

2019-2020 season winning pct: 49%

What’s the case for the Over?

His name is Kevin Durant. The Slim Reaper you might have forgotten, with his feathery touch and unguardable jumper, his long frame roaming seemingly everywhere on defense. It’s not just that KD has something to prove coming back from injury, but his legacy is still on the line. This is one of the best players of all-time whether you want to give him the credit he deserves or not. This Nets roster is constructed with balance and has a decent amount of depth after its two stars. Perhaps playing with his best pal can keep Kyrie in good spirits throughout. Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni are the coaching combo we’ve been waiting for.

What’s the case for the Under?

The big question marks here are the injury issues and the defense. The Nets should also have the long game in mind, easing Durant back into it, and Kyrie, too, for that matter. KD looks good in the preseason, sure, but what about three months from now when the grind is still grinding. Will Kyrie continue to be a major distraction?

Final Prediction: Over 45.5 wins, but we don’t suggest trusting the Nets defense in the playoffs.

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The season is HERE.

We love this game!