Official 2025-2026 Regular Season Thread

Post #1 » by **Knightro** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:09 am

Let's do this.

basketballRob · Post #2 » by **basketballRob** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:56 am

Suggs liked the comment that he was playing Wednesday on IG.

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Post #3 » by **eyriq** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 1:25 am

It begins. Official predictions:

1. Cavs
2. Magic
3. Knicks
4. Hawks
5. Bucks
6. 76ers
-----
7. Pistons
8. Celtics
9. Heat
10. Pacers
-----
11. Raptors
12. Bulls
13. Hornets
14. Wizards
15. Nets

Western
1. Nuggets
2. Thunder
3. Warriors
4. Clippers
5. Lakers
6. Rockets
-----
7. Wolves
8. Grizzlies
9. Spurs
10. Pelicans
-----
11. Suns
12. Blazers
13. Kings
14. Mavericks
15. Jazz

basketballRob · Post #4 » by **basketballRob** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 2:36 am

I think the Cavs may fall. 2 starters are out to begin the season. Strus and Garland.

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thelead · Post #5 » by **thelead** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 3:33 am

basketballRob wrote:I think the Cavs may fall. 2 starters are out to begin the season. Strus and Garland.

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They won't fall if Ball can stay healthy. That's a big ask but he has looked great.

pepe1991 · Post #6 » by **pepe1991** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 5:10 am

thelead wrote:
basketballRob wrote:I think the Cavs may fall. 2 starters are out to begin the season. Strus and Garland.

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They won't fall if Ball can stay healthy. That's a big ask but he has looked great.

Garland is cleared to play and participates in 5 on 5 practices.

Hunter is better player than Strus anyway.

I don't think Cavs will be chasing near 70 wins again, i think they are smart to know that it is way more important to stay healthy by playoffs.

East is bad enough to win 50 games without sweating too much.

drsd · Post #7 » by **drsd** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 7:54 am

eyriq wrote:It begins. Official predictions:

1. Cavs
2. Magic
3. Knicks
4. Hawks
5. Bucks
6. 76ers
-----
7. Pistons
8. Celtics
9. Heat
10. Pacers
-----
11. Raptors
12. Bulls
13. Hornets
14. Wizards
15. Nets

Western
1. Nuggets
2. Thunder
3. Warriors
4. Clippers
5. Lakers
6. Rockets
-----
7. Wolves
8. Grizzlies
9. Spurs
10. Pelicans
-----
11. Suns
12. Blazers
13. Kings
14. Mavericks
15. Jazz

In the East it is almost random where Detroit and Philly will land. I agree with the order of the rest of the teams. And a dart throw to slot the last to teams in. p.s. that does mean I like the Magic to squeeze out the 2-seed. It could come down to game 82 for the Knocks and the Magic to secure that final high-slot.

To the West, one has to assume that for the Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers, one of these teams will lose a key player and slump. Which team? We will see. Also, I like the Mavs well above the 14. Sold 11 seed that could be left out of the play-ins only very late-season.

drsd · Post #8 » by **drsd** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 7:54 am

drsd · Post #9 » by **drsd** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 8:14 am

SI stat prediction:

SI-link: Three statistic projections for Magic's young core

1. Paolo will lead Magic box score in scoring with better efficiency

Prediction #1 - Paolo average 28 PPG - 5 APG - 7 RPG - 9 FTA with more shots at the rim than ever before.

2. Franz Wagner surpasses Paolo in Assists, rank 2nd in Points, and only trails Jalen Suggs in Steals

Prediction #2 - Franz jumps up to 26 PPG - 6 AST - 5 REB - 1.5 STL on 60% TS% for the most efficient all-around season of his career

3. Desmond Bane will lead team in 3PA, 3P% and rank 3rd in PPG

Prediction #3 - Bane finishes as team's third scorer over 20+ PPG by averaging 24 PPG while hitting 40% of his 8 3PA per game.

That's 88 ppg between these three players. If that happens, the Magic is a top-10 offensive team and a probable 1-seed in the East.

I think this is all times in the last 20 years a team has had three 20 ppg players (not 100%):
(new for me to make tables - why is there a gap?)

Season	Team	Player 1	PPG (GP)	Player 2	PPG (GP)	Player 3	PPG (GP)
2007–08	Golden State Warriors	Baron Davis	21.8 (82)	Monta Ellis	20.2 (81)	Stephen Jackson	20.1 (48)
2016–17	Golden State Warriors	Stephen Curry	25.3 (79)	Kevin Durant	25.1 (62)	Klay Thompson	22.3 (78)
2017–18	Golden State Warriors	Stephen Curry	26.4 (51)	Kevin Durant	26.4 (68)	Klay Thompson	20.0 (73)
2018–19	Golden State Warriors	Stephen Curry	27.3 (69)	Kevin Durant	26.0 (78)	Klay Thompson	21.5 (78)
2018–19	New Orleans Pelicans	Anthony Davis	25.9 (56)	Julius Randle	21.4 (73)	Jrue Holiday	21.2 (67)
2020–21	Brooklyn Nets	Kevin Durant	26.9 (35)	Kyrie Irving	26.9 (54)	James Harden	24.6 (36)
2022–23	Golden State Warriors	Stephen Curry	29.4 (56)	Klay Thompson	21.9 (69)	Jordan Poole	20.4 (82)
2022–23	Philadelphia 76ers	Joel Embiid	33.1 (66)	James Harden	21.0 (58)	Tyrese Maxey	20.3 (60)
2023–24	New Orleans Pelicans	Zion Williamson	22.9 (70)	Brandon Ingram	20.8 (64)	CJ McCollum	20.0 (66)

basketballRob · Post #10 » by **basketballRob** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 8:18 am

thelead wrote:
basketballRob wrote:I think the Cavs may fall. 2 starters are out to begin the season. Strus and Garland.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

They won't fall if Ball can stay healthy. That's a big ask but he has looked great.

I don't think Ball is as good as Ty Jerome was at this point. Ball shot 33/38/25 in the preseason. He did have 4.3 apg in 15 mpg.

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pepe1991 · Post #11 » by **pepe1991** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 8:21 am

eyriq wrote:It begins. Official predictions:

1. Cavs
2. Magic
3. Knicks
4. Hawks
5. Bucks
6. 76ers
-----
7. Pistons
8. Celtics
9. Heat
10. Pacers
-----
11. Raptors
12. Bulls
13. Hornets
14. Wizards
15. Nets

Western
1. Nuggets
2. Thunder
3. Warriors
4. Clippers
5. Lakers
6. Rockets
-----
7. Wolves
8. Grizzlies
9. Spurs
10. Pelicans
-----
11. Suns
12. Blazers
13. Kings
14. Mavericks
15. Jazz

Are those your predictions or from site?

i don't agree with most of this :lol:

RookieStar · Post #12 » by **RookieStar** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 10:11 am

basketballRob wrote:I think the Cavs may fall. 2 starters are out to begin the season. Strus and Garland.

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Strus is a starter?

Skybox · Post #13 » by **Skybox** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 10:48 am

thelead wrote:
basketballRob wrote:I think the Cavs may fall. 2 starters are out to begin the season. Strus and Garland.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

They won't fall if Ball can stay healthy. That's a big ask but he has looked great.

Lonzo has the opposite impact of his brother...if he's somehow healthy, he contributes to winning, regardless of stats. He's a really big acquisition for a good team that hasn't shown toughness when it counts. I would have loved to get him for ORL, but there's an Isaac-level likelihood of missed games or maybe even missed season at any moment.

tiderulz · Post #14 » by **tiderulz** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 11:49 am

drsd wrote:SI stat prediction:

SI-link: Three statistic projections for Magic's young core

1. Paolo will lead Magic box score in scoring with better efficiency

Prediction #1 - Paolo average 28 PPG - 5 APG - 7 RPG - 9 FTA with more shots at the rim than ever before.

2. Franz Wagner surpasses Paolo in Assists, rank 2nd in Points, and only trails Jalen Suggs in Steals

Prediction #2 - Franz jumps up to 26 PPG - 6 AST - 5 REB - 1.5 STL on 60% TS% for the most efficient all-around season of his career

3. Desmond Bane will lead team in 3PA, 3P% and rank 3rd in PPG

Prediction #3 - Bane finishes as team's third scorer over 20+ PPG by averaging 24 PPG while hitting 40% of his 8 3PA per game.

That's 88 ppg between these three players. If that happens, the Magic is a top-10 offensive team and a probable 1-seed in the East.

I think this is all times in the last 20 years a team has had three 20 ppg players (not 100%):
(new for me to make tables - why is there a gap?)

Season Team Player 1 PPG (GP) Player 2 PPG (GP) Player 3 PPG (GP)
2007–08 Golden State Warriors Baron Davis 21.8 (82) Monta Ellis 20.2 (81) Stephen Jackson 20.1 (48)
2016–17 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 25.3 (79) Kevin Durant 25.1 (62) Klay Thompson 22.3 (78)
2017–18 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 26.4 (51) Kevin Durant 26.4 (68) Klay Thompson 20.0 (73)
2018–19 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 27.3 (69) Kevin Durant 26.0 (78) Klay Thompson 21.5 (78)
2018–19 New Orleans Pelicans Anthony Davis 25.9 (56) Julius Randle 21.4 (73) Jrue Holiday 21.2 (67)
2020–21 Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant 26.9 (35) Kyrie Irving 26.9 (54) James Harden 24.6 (36)
2022–23 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 29.4 (56) Klay Thompson 21.9 (69) Jordan Poole 20.4 (82)
2022–23 Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid 33.1 (66) James Harden 21.0 (58) Tyrese Maxey 20.3 (60)
2023–24 New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson 22.9 (70) Brandon Ingram 20.8 (64) CJ McCollum 20.0 (66)

I just dont think there are enough shots available for three 20ppg+ players.

pepe1991 · Post #15 » by **pepe1991** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 11:54 am

tiderulz wrote:
drsd wrote:SI stat prediction:

SI-link: Three statistic projections for Magic's young core

1. Paolo will lead Magic box score in scoring with better efficiency

Prediction #1 - Paolo average 28 PPG - 5 APG - 7 RPG - 9 FTA with more shots at the rim than ever before.

2. Franz Wagner surpasses Paolo in Assists, rank 2nd in Points, and only trails Jalen Suggs in Steals

Prediction #2 - Franz jumps up to 26 PPG - 6 AST - 5 REB - 1.5 STL on 60% TS% for the most efficient all-around season of his career

3. Desmond Bane will lead team in 3PA, 3P% and rank 3rd in PPG

Prediction #3 - Bane finishes as team's third scorer over 20+ PPG by averaging 24 PPG while hitting 40% of his 8 3PA per game.

That's 88 ppg between these three players. If that happens, the Magic is a top-10 offensive team and a probable 1-seed in the East.

I think this is all times in the last 20 years a team has had three 20 ppg players (not 100%):
(new for me to make tables - why is there a gap?)

Season Team Player 1 PPG (GP) Player 2 PPG (GP) Player 3 PPG (GP)
2007–08 Golden State Warriors Baron Davis 21.8 (82) Monta Ellis 20.2 (81) Stephen Jackson 20.1 (48)
2016–17 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 25.3 (79) Kevin Durant 25.1 (62) Klay Thompson 22.3 (78)
2017–18 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 26.4 (51) Kevin Durant 26.4 (68) Klay Thompson 20.0 (73)
2018–19 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 27.3 (69) Kevin Durant 26.0 (78) Klay Thompson 21.5 (78)
2018–19 New Orleans Pelicans Anthony Davis 25.9 (56) Julius Randle 21.4 (73) Jrue Holiday 21.2 (67)
2020–21 Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant 26.9 (35) Kyrie Irving 26.9 (54) James Harden 24.6 (36)
2022–23 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry 29.4 (56) Klay Thompson 21.9 (69) Jordan Poole 20.4 (82)
2022–23 Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid 33.1 (66) James Harden 21.0 (58) Tyrese Maxey 20.3 (60)
2023–24 New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson 22.9 (70) Brandon Ingram 20.8 (64) CJ McCollum 20.0 (66)

I just dont think there are enough shots available for three 20ppg+ players.

ofc not, especially since 2/3 can't make massive amount of 3s but depend on huge usage/FGA volume to score.

Last year nobody averaged at least 26,00 ppg without at least 18,5 FGA. Matter of fact last several years nobody averaged 26 ppg below 18 shots but Jokić ( 17,9 FGA few years back ).

Basically, in order to put 28, 26, 20 normal shots required would be:
very effective 21-22 shots for 28 points
very effective 19-20 shots for 26 points
uber effective 14 shots for 20 points

Teams average sub 90 shots a game. 3 players won't be taking 63% of all shots of a team. There are 2 starters that need to put at least 8-9 shots a game. Bench for damn sure won't be averaging 12 shots total a game :lol:

basketballRob · Post #16 » by **basketballRob** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:00 pm

RookieStar wrote:
basketballRob wrote:I think the Cavs may fall. 2 starters are out to begin the season. Strus and Garland.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Strus is a starter?

Yes. Strus is a good player. He had a 7.9 net rating last year. Both Garland and Jerome had 9.9 net ratings.

They also have some quit in that team when things don't go their way.

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basketballRob · Post #17 » by **basketballRob** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:13 pm

Germany got their big man. Hannes Steinbach looks like a 6'11" Cooper Flagg.

https://youtu.be/jFfDj01hItk?si=P5Hzsekc7_9hyYvp

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Post #18 » by **eyriq** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:50 pm

drsd wrote:(new for me to make tables - why is there a gap?)

I think it factors in the display length on the app as I've noticed it prints tables super long on the web app. Really annoying.

Post #19 » by **eyriq** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 1:16 pm

pepe1991 wrote:
eyriq wrote:It begins. Official predictions:

1. Cavs
2. Magic
3. Knicks
4. Hawks
5. Bucks
6. 76ers
-----
7. Pistons
8. Celtics
9. Heat
10. Pacers
-----
11. Raptors
12. Bulls
13. Hornets
14. Wizards
15. Nets

Western
1. Nuggets
2. Thunder
3. Warriors
4. Clippers
5. Lakers
6. Rockets
-----
7. Wolves
8. Grizzlies
9. Spurs
10. Pelicans
-----
11. Suns
12. Blazers
13. Kings
14. Mavericks
15. Jazz

Are those your predictions or from site?

i don't agree with most of this

My predictions. I'm way under on the Thunder, Rockets, and Pistons, way over on the Bucks, Warriors, and Pelicans.

basketballRob · Post #20 » by **basketballRob** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 1:25 pm

https://youtu.be/eytIzI8Z3G8?si=KZn-jgHapbMwj1IB

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