It's never the predictions I take issue with, it's what people base their predictions on: ignoring (if not disregarding) training camp, what players are saying about each other, what new players bring to the table and how they fit, anything good from pre-season, and even the wins that keep piling up.
All these people that couldn't smell their own poop on their knees, are wearing the heck outta the "no one could have expected this" mantra, and the "we were surprised." There is no "we", and NO ONE is saying they expected Portland to be #1 after 25 games. But I, and others, expected them to make the play-offs.
If "you" said Portland was going to miss the play-offs, then "you" ignored and disregarded significant factors that have contributed to Portland's success that were KNOWN if you were paying attention and understand the game. People always get defensive and take this personal rather than being accountable. It's silly.
If "you" said the Blazers were not a better rebounding team than last season, after pre-season, "you" ignored and disregarded The Lopez Effect that I and others were well aware of after letting Hickson walk and bringing in RoLo.
This isn't about saying people were wrong, it's about understanding and accepting why - and then shutting the heck up before blurting out another stupid "the Blazers will miss the play-offs" article.