ESPNInsider- Hollinger previews the Blazers

[THE HCP]

2008-09 Recap
They've arrived. After years of accumulating talent, 2008-09 marked the Blazers' arrival into the NBA's elite class. Portland won 54 games before succumbing to Houston in the first round of the playoffs, and that result still understates the quality of the Blazers' season. The Blazers racked up the point differential of a 59-win team and led all NBA teams in point differential after the All-Star break -- which, as longtime readers know, is a better predictor of future success than win-loss record.

...

Certainly, I'd expect them to get past the first round this year. After that it's a bit more of a crapshoot, but if the Blazers accomplish the same things they did a year ago and aren't beset by bad luck, they're a 60-win team. Chances are they'll experience an injury or two along the way and fall short of that standard, but they'll still rank among the last teams standing out West.

Prediction: 55-27, 1st in Northwest Division, 2nd in Western Conference

John Hollinger writes for ESPN Insider. To e-mail him, click here.

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Seems fair. I'd like the think that we'll be closer to the 58-61 win mark, but I suppose that is the more optimistic number.

 

[STOMP]

Seems fair. I'd like the think that we'll be closer to the 58-61 win mark, but I suppose that is the more optimistic number.

I've been saying 62 with the caveat that they have to stay reasonably healthy. If I was making an over/under win total that number would be lower. Unfortunately injuries do happen to a lot of teams. People probably leave them out of their guesses because they don't want to be gloomy in the offseason but maybe JH factors that in for his

STOMP

 

[Shooter]

The Blazers racked up the point differential of a 59-win team and led all NBA teams in point differential after the All-Star break . .

Didn't know that. Very good sign!!

 

[STOMP]

Uggg Shooter, that avatar... make it stop. Is that Greg as a "special" player

STOMP

 

[PapaG]

Well, at least he didn't predict 38-41 wins, as he did last year. That thread on BBF is a classic.

 

[mgb]

I predicted 56 wins which is one more win than he predicts. 72 wins including the playoffs.

 

[PapaG]

I predicted 56 wins which is one more win than he predicts. 72 wins including the playoffs.

I like the way you think!

 

[STOMP]

here's a link to the 2009-10 Hollinger predictions

http://niketalk.yuku.com/topic/2083...-2009-10-NBA-Forecast-Top-4-in-the-West-.html

pretty solid read

STOMP