The 2020/21 NBA regular season will get underway on December 22, so it’s time to start getting serious about predictions for the upcoming campaign.
With the help of the lines from a handful of sports betting sites, including Bovada and BetOnline, we’re running through the predicted win totals for each of the NBA’s 30 teams, by division. In a series of team-by-team polls, you’ll get the chance to weigh in on whether you think those forecasts are too optimistic or too pessimistic.
Of course, there are plenty of wild cards to take into account this season. For one, teams are scheduled to play 72 games instead of 82, so if you’re picking a team to win 41 games, you’re not just expecting them to be a .500 club — you’re projecting them to finish 10 games above .500. For each team’s over/under below, we’ve noted the record they’d have to achieve to finish “over” their projection, as a reminder.
It’s also worth noting that the coronavirus pandemic could cause some games to be canceled in 2020/21. We don’t want you to have to take possible cancellations into account when making your picks though, so don’t let that stop you from taking the “over.” If a team has a couple games canceled, we’ll adjust their over/under figure downward, so you’re essentially just projecting that team’s winning percentage.
We’ll kick things off today with the Atlantic division…
Boston Celtics
- 2019/20 record: 48-24
- Over/under for 2020/21: 45.5 wins (46-26)
- Major offseason moves:
Trade Rumors app users, click here for Celtics poll.
Brooklyn Nets
- 2019/20 record: 35-37
- Over/under for 2020/21: 45.5 wins (46-26)
- Major offseason moves:
- Added: Landry Shamet, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green
- Note: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are also returning from injuries.
- Lost: Garrett Temple, Wilson Chandler, Dzanan Musa
- Added: Landry Shamet, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green
Trade Rumors app users, click here for Nets poll.
Philadelphia 76ers
- 2019/20 record: 43-30
- Over/under for 2020/21: 44.5 wins (45-27)
- Major offseason moves:
Trade Rumors app users, click here for Sixers poll.
Toronto Raptors
- 2019/20 record: 53-19
- Over/under for 2020/21: 42.5 wins (43-29)
- Major offseason moves:
Trade Rumors app users, click here for Raptors poll.
New York Knicks
- 2019/20 record: 21-45
- Over/under for 2020/21: 22.5 wins (23-49)
- Major offseason moves:
Trade Rumors app users, click here for Knicks poll.
Sixers will be over. U can bet on that.
Bet on that and you will lose, same with the Nets.
5 times since the 99-00 season they had 45 wins or more. 2 times in the last 3 years. So does Seth Curry and Danny Green and the subtraction of Al Horford equate to 2 more wins? I’d say they probably end up making another trade in-season or another pick-up that puts them over 44.5. If I did bet, I would make this gamble now with a better payout.
Knicks are already surprising people…bet the over unless you hate winning. U can bet on that.
I get surprised by the Knicks every day of my life. Don’t believe me? We can bet on that.
Fine you’re on! Not so smug now are you? Knicks Nets…when is it? Bet you dont knowe. well see who wins huh
Brooklyn will dominate
Toughest division in the NBA. U can bet on that!
BKN & PHI will be over.
BOS, NYK & TOR will be under.
I voted the exact same way, except I have Boston going over..I think Brown and Tatum are going to be the Easts second most dominant duo after Kyrie and KD..
Wrong on at least 3 (Nets, Sixers, Raptors).
I disagree with hardon. Rapturd are gonna suck. Sixers have trouble
Baynes is a nice pickup for the Raptors… as a Celtics fan I still wish they had kept him. Now I guess with Theis and Thompson the needs not there as much anymore — but still he really developed into a nice player during his time with the C’s — really kind of ‘launched’ his career from that point on. Especially the 3-pt shooting, which has become a really impressive element of his game… for a guy his size and defensive ability that is anyway. I realize he’s no Kyle Korver… but his low post defense and rebounding now coupled with the outside shot is a really nice combination. I expect him to really help the Raptors this season… as I’m sure they expect it as well seeing as they gave him 2 years and $15M
Knicks
Last season 21 wins
This season 10 wins IMO
World Capital Knicks are clearly declining
Mitch ceiling is average starter
Do you really think the lose of Bobby Portis was instrumental to the Knicks? You are suggesting the Knicks would only win 12 to 13 games in a full season. The Reverse Oracle has spoken again. You can bet on that (the opposite of whatever Sullivan says).
BOOK IT. U can bet on this: NIX will get the ball OUT.
Nix, Nets, Celts, Sixers over;
Raps under, due for injuries and Giannis fever.
So far, voters like all but NIX to be over.
Sixers rely on Simmons’ health & motivation.