Official East Predictions Thread, Let's Go Baby!

[Rainman66]

I agree that Bane is an upgrade on KCP, as well as that Tyus Jones is a nice bench PG and an upgrade on Anthony. But I think that kind of reinforces the point/concern: ORL has a decent number of secondary/tertiary creators: Paolo, Franz, Suggs, Bane, Jones, maybe Black, maybe a pleasant surprise from training camp.

However, I wouldn't put any of those guys as a top 15 ball-handler/play-maker in the NBA. I'm not really concerned that this will be too important for ORL in the regular season. OTOH, when you get to the playoffs, it often boils down to which team can continue to generate good looks against a good D that has you scouted in depth -- and that's when you need a top flight creator.

They may need to sign 35 y/o Cory Joseph and then start him multiple playoff games.

[basketballRob]

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

There was a correlation with having no guard playmaking and our shooting percentage. Next season, we'll have 4 guards who can handle and pass the ball. Just having guards who bring it up and quickly get everyone into sets will make a huge difference. Suggs, Bane, Tyus, and Black. With Jase being the 5th guard.





Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

That is only the case, if Banchero is willing to sacrifice.

If he's out there doing his 3 TO vs 4.8 Ast act then it's kinda moot. While he chucks up 6 threes per game on below league average efficiency. With Franz right along with him, chucking up 6 more threes on even worse efficiency.

Also, it's not like Suggs is a good facilitator of the offense, he's a 3 TO vs 3 Ast guy. He can't shoot either, 7 threes per game on trash efficiency.

Bane is probably the best at taking care of the ball and setting up teammates in the starting 5, tbh. Plus he's a deadeye shooter from deep.

Suggs only played 35 games last season, and most were without Paolo and some without Paolo and Franz. Suggs is a really good catch and shoot player. If he has to create a jump shot, his percentages will be low. 2 years ago, his EFG was 578.

This season, if Paolo or Franz go down, he can still play off Bane. Suggs has been in Orlando working for the last month or so. I think he'll be up over 36% if not 40% from 3 on high volume.



Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[JT3000]

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

Ane yet somehow the cavs were a half away getting knocked out by a team that couldn't make a 3 to save its life, a team that was led by a 21 & 22, year old. A team that had no real quality veteran leadership.

This team got significantly better this off season then the team that nearly knocked the cavs out two playoffs ago. Can't say the same for the cavs (unless you believe Hunter is the x factor for a championship)

It isn't the same team. Coach's can change and make adjustments with new personal, they added two key bench coach's as well (one being an offensive minded lead assistant). Let's see what happens before we right anyone off.

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

And all these C-list Cavs players you've named are relevant how exactly? I might as well say you didn't have to face the might of Jett Howard!

I also don't understand why you're so hung up on their coach. Did he run over your dog or something? Because it seems personal.

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

And somehow that doesn't work for the magic? You are the one acting like this magic team is the same team for the last 15 years because they have not won a playoff series.

Non of those guys you listed besides maybe hunter are game changers in terms of winning a championship in my eyes. I mean you are naming guys like Procter & Tyson who won't even be playing. Lonzo is about health which I wouldn't bet on.

The series was tied 2-2 when Allen played. In fact the magic seemed to struggle more when Allen came out of the lineup and Morris was inserted into the starting lineup.

I'm honestly not worried one bit about the cavs

Magic took Tristan Kardashian, felon Morris, Niang, LeVert, and Okoro to 7 games while being coached by one of the worst head coaches in the NBA in jb and you think that means your team will play in the 2026 Finals, lol good luck with that.

Yeah, that's definitely the lineup who was playing for you in that series. And you expect people to take you seriously?

[3ddman23]

Ane yet somehow the cavs were a half away getting knocked out by a team that couldn't make a 3 to save its life, a team that was led by a 21 & 22, year old. A team that had no real quality veteran leadership.

This team got significantly better this off season then the team that nearly knocked the cavs out two playoffs ago. Can't say the same for the cavs (unless you believe Hunter is the x factor for a championship)

It isn't the same team. Coach's can change and make adjustments with new personal, they added two key bench coach's as well (one being an offensive minded lead assistant). Let's see what happens before we right anyone off.

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

And all these C-list Cavs players you've named are relevant how exactly? I might as well say you didn't have to face the might of Jett Howard!

I also don't understand why you're so hung up on their coach. Did he run over your dog or something? Because it seems personal.

And somehow that doesn't work for the magic? You are the one acting like this magic team is the same team for the last 15 years because they have not won a playoff series.

Non of those guys you listed besides maybe hunter are game changers in terms of winning a championship in my eyes. I mean you are naming guys like Procter & Tyson who won't even be playing. Lonzo is about health which I wouldn't bet on.

The series was tied 2-2 when Allen played. In fact the magic seemed to struggle more when Allen came out of the lineup and Morris was inserted into the starting lineup.

I'm honestly not worried one bit about the cavs

Magic took Tristan Kardashian, felon Morris, Niang, LeVert, and Okoro to 7 games while being coached by one of the worst head coaches in the NBA in jb and you think that means your team will play in the 2026 Finals, lol good luck with that.

Yeah, that's definitely the lineup who was playing for you in that series. And you expect people to take you seriously?

Mind you, The same coach that just turned the pistons around ...

[JujitsuFlip]

There was a correlation with having no guard playmaking and our shooting percentage. Next season, we'll have 4 guards who can handle and pass the ball. Just having guards who bring it up and quickly get everyone into sets will make a huge difference. Suggs, Bane, Tyus, and Black. With Jase being the 5th guard.





Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

That is only the case, if Banchero is willing to sacrifice.

If he's out there doing his 3 TO vs 4.8 Ast act then it's kinda moot. While he chucks up 6 threes per game on below league average efficiency. With Franz right along with him, chucking up 6 more threes on even worse efficiency.

Also, it's not like Suggs is a good facilitator of the offense, he's a 3 TO vs 3 Ast guy. He can't shoot either, 7 threes per game on trash efficiency.

Bane is probably the best at taking care of the ball and setting up teammates in the starting 5, tbh. Plus he's a deadeye shooter from deep.

Suggs only played 35 games last season, and most were without Paolo and some without Paolo and Franz. Suggs is a really good catch and shoot player. If he has to create a jump shot, his percentages will be low. 2 years ago, his EFG was 578.

This season, if Paolo or Franz go down, he can still play off Bane. Suggs has been in Orlando working for the last month or so. I think he'll be up over 36% if not 40% from 3 on high volume.



Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

You said the Magic will have 4 guards who handle and pass, Suggs turns it over as much as he assists, essentially. How is he counted in that? What, he can dribble it out of bounds or pass it to the other team? Lmaooooooo

[JujitsuFlip]

Ane yet somehow the cavs were a half away getting knocked out by a team that couldn't make a 3 to save its life, a team that was led by a 21 & 22, year old. A team that had no real quality veteran leadership.

This team got significantly better this off season then the team that nearly knocked the cavs out two playoffs ago. Can't say the same for the cavs (unless you believe Hunter is the x factor for a championship)

It isn't the same team. Coach's can change and make adjustments with new personal, they added two key bench coach's as well (one being an offensive minded lead assistant). Let's see what happens before we right anyone off.

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

And all these C-list Cavs players you've named are relevant how exactly? I might as well say you didn't have to face the might of Jett Howard!

Yeah, that's definitely the lineup who was playing for you in that series. And you expect people to take you seriously?

How are they C list?

Ball is our backup PG...

LNJ is our backup 5...

Hunter is our 6th man...

Wade is our 3/4 off the bench...

Kenny has a man crush on Merrill (jb hated him)...

Proctor about to get big minutes to start the season with Garland out...

Kenny had the Cavs as #1 offense in the NBA in the regular season AND playoffs.

If you don't know anything about the Cavs, just say that.

[165bows]

Cool stuff man.

You should actually probably go to a sports book and throw $1,000 on it, if it is that sure of a thing lmao

Not sure what your (continued) interest is in telling me what I can/should do.

I thought if you're that sure in the Magic being the best team in the NBA, it'd be easy money. I guess you're not that confident in your opinion or maybe it's just an illogical take.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Jfc get away from me and stop telling me what to do it's a prediction thread

[JujitsuFlip]

Delete

[JT3000]

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

And all these C-list Cavs players you've named are relevant how exactly? I might as well say you didn't have to face the might of Jett Howard!

Yeah, that's definitely the lineup who was playing for you in that series. And you expect people to take you seriously?

How are they C list?

Ball is our backup PG...

LNJ is our backup 5...

Hunter is our 6th man...

Wade is our 3/4 off the bench...

Kenny has a man crush on Merrill (jb hated him)...

Proctor about to get big minutes to start the season with Garland out...

Kenny had the Cavs as #1 offense in the NBA in the regular season AND playoffs.

If you don't know anything about the Cavs, just say that.

And you're comparing all this to a team that added a STARTER who projects to be their third best player at worst, among other pieces?

If I don't know about your new bench players, it's because they aren't worth knowing.

[mcfly1204]

And all these C-list Cavs players you've named are relevant how exactly? I might as well say you didn't have to face the might of Jett Howard!

Yeah, that's definitely the lineup who was playing for you in that series. And you expect people to take you seriously?

How are they C list?

Ball is our backup PG...

LNJ is our backup 5...

Hunter is our 6th man...

Wade is our 3/4 off the bench...

Kenny has a man crush on Merrill (jb hated him)...

Proctor about to get big minutes to start the season with Garland out...

Kenny had the Cavs as #1 offense in the NBA in the regular season AND playoffs.

If you don't know anything about the Cavs, just say that.

And you're comparing all this to a team that added a STARTER who projects to be their third best player at worst, among other pieces?

If I don't know about your new bench players, it's because they aren't worth knowing.

This is like watching a hobo boxing match or something. Both teams improved, both have health concerns, and both have questions marks when it comes to their offenses.

[jezzerinho]

Bear in mind before you guys take it another 3 pages down the wormhole that it's just a light prediction thread and nothing has happened yet.

[UnbelievablyRAW]

Magic will definitely be better simply by having someone competent that needs to be guarded other than Franz/Paolo. Not sure I think they are top of the East, but if Suggs improves and PB/FW can get any better, they may challenge the Cavs

I might be a homer, but I think the healthy Raptors are easily top 5 in the East. Hard to project win totals given we actually haven't seen the real roster in any real capacity due to injuries. I think Scottie and RJ being able to scale back their offensive load will make them more efficient, and I love the versatility CMB can bring in terms of allowing for small ball lineups. RJ gets crapped on a lot on these forums, but in terms of his offensive output and efficiency, he ironically is similar to Franz Wagner. Wagner is a better team defender with more size, but if you compare their usg/ast%/TS% and box score numbers, its not that dissimilar lol

[JujitsuFlip]

If I don't know about your new bench players, it's because they aren't worth knowing.

That's fine lol Magic still aren't going to the 2026 Finals *shrug*

[JT3000]

If I don't know about your new bench players, it's because they aren't worth knowing.

That's fine lol Magic still aren't going to the 2026 Finals *shrug*

I never said they were going to the Finals, but in this weak east it's certainly more likely than the first round exit you're predicting (assuming they stay reasonably healthy this time.)

[JujitsuFlip]

If I don't know about your new bench players, it's because they aren't worth knowing.

That's fine lol Magic still aren't going to the 2026 Finals *shrug*

I never said they were going to the Finals, but in this weak east it's certainly more likely than the first round exit you're predicting (assuming they stay reasonably healthy this time.)

We'll see if Mosley can figure out how to go 88 mph.

[SlimShady83]

I rarely if ever bump threads, but now it's getting closer and more people coming back on here, figured why not

[SlimShady83]

C'mon on Yo, I know some of you are here haven't done there predictions. Let's get ball rolling again.

Bump!

[eyriq]

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

[DreamTeam09]

Cavs
Knicks
Raptors(Homer Pick)
Hawks
Magic
Heat
Bucks
Pistons

[Packbuckman]

Cavs
Knicks
Bucks
Magic
Pistons
Hawks
Heat
Raptors
Bulls