NBA: Predicting Every Team’s Win Total For 2016-17

Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) walks onto the court prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) walks onto the court prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
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May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford (left) listens to Hornets guard Kemba Walker (right) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 106-73. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford (left) listens to Hornets guard Kemba Walker (right) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 106-73. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

Record Prediction: 42-40

I may be in the minority, but I honestly believe that the Charlotte Hornets are going to miss Jeremy Lin and Al Jefferson more than many are admitting to.

The return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will certainly help, but the amount of offensive firepower that both Lin and Jefferson brought to this team’s second unit will be unmatched this season. It’s going to be impossible for this team to replicate that.

Plus, coming off his best season of his career thus far, are we sure that Kemba Walker is still ascending as a basketball player? Has he hit his ceiling? I think it’s a legitimate question.