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The 2020-21 NBA season is in full swing and we finally have an idea of how teams are looking in the early stages of the year. After a whirlwind offseason, several franchises have used the opportunity to emerge as candidates to shoot up the rankings in their respective conferences such as the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, division heavyweights, the LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks approach the NBA season stronger than they were last year. This article will have a look at each team and reach a projected record of wins for the season ahead.
NBA Western Conference Record Projections
1. LA Lakers
Despite losing in the LA derby on the NBA's opening night, the Los Angeles Lakers returned to winning form by sweeping aside the Mavs on Christmas Day. After winning their 17th championship last season, the Lakers are widely tipped to repeat the feat this year. This is due in large part to their offseason additions such as Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder. LeBron James and Anthony Davis will have a lot more support on offense and the franchise's defense has also gotten stronger.
Record projection: 54-18
2. LA Clippers
The Clippers had a very positive start to their NBA season by knocking off their conference rivals, the Lakers and Nuggets. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will lead the franchise to another successful regular season with the support of their bench shooters and new addition, Serge Ibaka, who had a career-season last year. They may fall short of their city counterparts but will be hoping to make a better go at the playoffs this time around.
Record projection: 52-20
3. Denver Nuggets
Another side who should finish in the exact same position as last season is the Denver Nuggets. After a valiant playoff performance which saw them turn over two 3-1 series deficits, the Nuggets will be among the favorites to win the NBA Western Conference this year. Their young roster boasts vast talent with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continuing to develop and lead the side.
Record projection: 49-23
4. Utah Jazz
Utah could be many people's sleeper team in the West and will surprise a few because of this. As one of the team's to succumb to the Nuggets' heroics in the NBA playoffs, the Jazz should be back raring to make up for what could have been. Stars of the franchise, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, have signed contract extensions and are surrounded by consistent point scorers.
Record projection: 45-27
5. Dallas Mavericks
Highly anticipated to be one of the rising franchises of the West this season, the Dallas Mavericks come into our NBA projections at fifth. Without fellow star Kristaps Porzingis, Luka Doncic has been unable to carry the Mavs to a win thus far. Expected to return in January, however, the two will form one of the deadliest offensive duos in the league and should be enough to challenge the conference elite.
Record Projection: 43-29
6. Phoenix Suns
With the talent of Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, as well as veteran point guard Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns are widely-expected to make it back to the NBA playoffs this season after a 10-year hiatus. Booker was rumored to be moving on after having a second-consecutive season averaging 26 points. However, after the franchise's intentions were made clear in the offseason by bringing in Paul who helped carry OKC last season, the guard was persuaded to stay.
Record projection: 42-30
7. Houston Rockets
Despite the whirlwind offseason the Houston Rockets have had, they come into the 2020-21 NBA season with a strong unit. A lot will depend, however, on two things. Whether James Harden is happy, let alone if he plays well, and if they can keep DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall fit. The two new franchise stars have both just come back from a season on the sidelines and will be needed to hit the ground running if the Rockets are to succeed.
Record projection: 41-31
8. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers had a very successful offseason, adding depth in positions they struggled with last season. Damian Lillard is coming off a career-season but will have improved help with the likes of Derrick Jones Jr. and Robert Covington joining the side. Enes Kanter also returned to the franchise as a vital back-up to Jusuf Nurkic who missed the majority of last year through injury.
Record projection: 38-34
9. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have started the season off with a win against the Raptors and a loss to Miami. Trading wins for losses could be how the Pelicans season goes and unfortunately for them, the West is stacked yet again. Therefore, making it to the playoffs is going to be a big ask, particularly for young stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. If the Pelicans can lock in defensively, they could just about push for a place but may ultimately fail at the final hurdle.
Record projection: 37-35
10. San Antonio Spurs
A lot of the questions that loomed over the Spurs' failure to make the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years last season still remain at the franchise. DeMar DeRozan has been rumored to be leaving after it became clear the Spurs needed to go through a rebuilding process. The forward remains, however, at least for this year and you can guarantee Popovich's side will still make it a challenge for teams to beat them but will unlikely make the playoffs.
Record Projection: 33-39
11. Sacramento Kings
The Kings pulled off a stunning overtime victory in Denver on Wednesday night and will hope this is a sign of things to come this season. With several young stars, Sacramento will be exciting and infuriating at the same time to watch for fans. Tyrese Haliburton seems like a steal in the NBA Draft, meanwhile, Buddy Hield and De'Aaron Fox will be the go-to guys for points production this year.
Record projection: 30-42
12. Golden State Warriors
It is likely to be another disappointing season for the Golden State Warriors. Without Klay Thompson, the onus is on Steph Curry to rally his side to a better finish than last year. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins are decent scorers and James Wiseman looks as though he is certainly one for the future. However, without a deep roster and a weak defense, the Warriors could finish closer to the bottom of the conference than the playoff positions.
Record Projection: 26-46
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves struggled with injuries last season and will hope that fortune repays them a favor this year. They will need Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell to be fit if they are to have any chance of competing in the West. During the offseason, the Timberwolves picked up Anthony Edwards as the No. 1 draft pick and will hope he can become the Rookie of the Year.
Record projection: 24-48
14. Memphis Grizzlies
With limited depth, the Grizzlies will be relying heavily on last season's Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant, to kick on early in his development. Furthermore, center Jonas Valanciunas will need to have another successful season if the Grizzlies are to have any hope of containing superior opposition. Ultimately, their lack of experience and scorers will hinder them in the long run.
Record projection: 22-50
15. Oklahoma City Thunder
2020-21 is a season for development in Oklahoma. Losing stars Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder, and Steven Adams this offseason has left the franchise in the early stages of a drastic rebuild. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and George Hill will be relied upon to bring the points but without a standout star and with an inexperienced bench, Thunder fans are in for a long year.
Record projection: 16-56
Eastern Conference Predictions
1. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks narrowly lost their opening fixture against the Boston Celtics before returning to form and recording a blowout victory over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. Acquiring Jrue Holiday in a trade will only add to the Bucks' defensive strength. Although losing some depth in the roster, the Bucks remain favorites to hold home court for the 2021 playoffs.
Record Projection: 53-19
2. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have looked hugely impressive in their opening two fixtures. The returning Kevin Durant shows no signs of fatigue and both he and Kyrie Irving will cause major problems for teams throughout the league this season. While they could challenge the Bucks for the top spot in the East considering the scoring talent the Nets have, lots will depend on the consistent health of their two superstars.
Record projection: 51-21
3. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics did incredibly well to topple the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday before being comfortably beaten by Brooklyn. Without Kemba Walker, the franchise may struggle to begin the season but will be able to rely on their defensive solidity and superstar Jayson Tatum. Jaylen Brown will need to continue his form of last season if the Celtics are to reach the top 3 in the East again.
Record projection: 49-23
4. Miami Heat
On the back of an outstanding postseason, all of the momentum in the East is with the Miami Heat. The franchise possesses a strong unit behind leader Jimmy Butler and have all bought into the one-for-all style of play that helped them triumph in the playoffs. Contributions from the whole team and the progression of their young stars should see the Heat do well again this year.
Record projection: 46-26
5. Toronto Raptors
After a disappointing semi-final exit in the playoffs, the Raptors had a mixed offseason. Losing both Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol was unexpected, however, signing Fred VanVleet to a new deal was encouraging for the team's future. Still, Toronto has one of the strongest starting sides in the league. Young stars Pascal Siakam and VanVleet will lead the way with veterans Kyle Lowry and Aaron Baynes in support.
Record projection: 44-28
6. Philadelphia 76ers
Daryl Morey made the Philadelphia 76ers one of the offseason's biggest winners. Crucially holding onto Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will be pivotal going forward, meanwhile new additions Seth Curry and Danny Green will be able to provide outside shooting. Their Achilles' heel of flattering to deceive still remains therefore a similar record as Toronto seems fair.
Record Projection: 44-28
7. Indiana Pacers
The lower seeds in the East could be hotly contested this season with several candidates likely to be among those involved. Indiana should have enough though to avoid late-season worries with potential All-Stars Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo. The Pacers will ease past inferior opposition but will rely again on the fitness of franchise leader Oladipo to help them into the playoff berths.
Record Projection: 40-32
8. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks should have enough firepower to clinch the final seed in the East this year. Led by superstar Trae Young, the Hawks have added valuable pieces this offseason in Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, and Rajon Rondo. With numerous young stars improving, expect the Hawks to find their feet this year and push on as a contender in the East in the future.
Record projection: 35-37
9. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards said farewell to long-time servant and franchise leader John Wall in a trade deal for Russell Westbrook during the offseason. Alongside fellow guard Bradely Beal, the two will be largely relied upon to score the majority of the Wizards' points. Unfortunately for the two superstars, the Wizards supporting cast may prove to be just too weak to gain the final playoff berth.
Record projection: 33-39
10. Orlando Magic
Having successfully made the playoffs for the past two seasons, the Orlando Magic may find themselves outside the top eight seeds this year after losing D.J. Augustin in the offseason and Jonathan Isaac to injury. Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic should do enough to push for 30 wins, but with the latter as their only All-Star talent, they will struggle to overturn superior opposition.
Record projection: 29-43
11. Chicago Bulls
Going into the 2020-21 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls can only hope to improve upon last year's 22-win season. If they are to do this, the health of Otto Porter Jr., Zach LaVine, and Lauri Markkanen will be vital. The three should have enough to lift the Bulls to a more respectable finish but will struggle to fight against sides with stronger bench units.
Record projection: 26-46
12. Charlotte Hornets
Grabbing the headlines this offseason, the Hornets brought in Gordon Hayward on a massive deal and landed LaMelo Ball third in the NBA Draft. Along with Terry Rozier, the Hornets have a potentially dangerous offensive trio, however, the lack of depth, as well as experience, will mean this season could end with little improvement on last year's finish.
Record projection: 25-47
13. Detroit Pistons
Another team who had a busy offseason was the Detroit Pistons. The franchise saw a mass overhaul in players and their two veterans, Blake Griffin and Derick Rose, will need to play a major role if they are to have any success this year. Killian Hayes is expected to do well with the rookie sliding right into a starting berth at point guard. However, team cohesion may take a while to kick in and even then, the roster won't be strong enough to challenge the majority of the league's teams.
Record projection: 23-49
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs were successful in their opening game of the campaign as a group scoring effort was enough to overcome the Charlotte Hornets. This will need to be a theme of Cleveland's season without having a standout star to carry them. Collin Sexton will be the one a lot of fans look to after the guard averaged 20 points last season.
Record projection: 21-51
15. New York Knicks
Unfortunately for Knicks fans, this season will be another hard watch. Without looking at the win column, however, there should be a lot of positives to come out of this year. Their offseason was successful in that the front office didn't offer any incoming star a massive contract and they added scorers to their roster. RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are expected to have successful seasons and could be the shining lights on what will be a tough year.
Record projection: 19-53
