Denver Nuggets – 45 Wins
I’ll admit I didn’t watch more than two Denver Nuggets games last season, but according to pundits and the data, they have above average players at every position besides point guard, and now a front court with top notch vision.
Already a good offensive team, they should benefit from Paul Millsap’s two way play. Still, Nikola Jokic would have to make a Giannis-Antetokounmpo-esq leap (try saying that five times fast) for this team to do any damage in the playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves – 50 Wins
Jimmy Butler is great, and I don’t think any of the team’s big three will regress, even if they take fewer shots. I’ve written about their lack of wing depth, but Wiggins and Towns appear capable of withstanding Tom Thibodeau’s minutes, and look to be a fun, winning regular season team.
As I’m writing this, reports are coming in that Crawford sign a cheap contract to join the team, though – at this stage in his career – it can be assumed he won’t be a big impact player.