Transcript
Speaker: Alright lads, welcome back to another episode of Who's Got The Ball. a special episode, not only because it's an NBA season preview, but also because this is episode 100 of the Who's Got The Ball podcast.
Speaker: Myself and Shane started this in January of 2025. We did not think that we'd get to 100 episodes and now we've got Michael on board as well so it's really great to to have shared this many episodes with you guys and have all the laughs along the way and all the guests and we're just going to keep going because we're really enjoying it. As Shane says every week in the outro we do enjoy making these so much and we love hearing and feedback so If you could do us all a favor while you're here for episode 100, just subscribe on YouTube, give us a like and follow us on socials and and podcast platforms if you prefer that to YouTube. But YouTube is where it's at because you can see our beautiful faces every week.
Speaker: Shane is here with me, Shane Fleming, as usual. Michael Sheehan is also here, our new star of the show every week. And James Kellett is my name. So we're going to do a full NBA season preview. We're not going to mess around in anymore with any need of that.
Speaker: Faffy stuff that i I just said at the start. Episode 100, but it's just another number. We'll be on episode 1000 before you know it because it's soon to turn into a daily podcast when we blow up.
Speaker: But first things first, lay out how this works last year was the same. First of all, we look at player award predictions. We move into team-based predictions. So that includes who's going to get into the playoffs and then playoff predictions. Who's going to get the win in the East, the West, who's going to win the the finals and who's going to take finals MVP.
Speaker: And then a little fun at the end, hot take and our over under wins draft like we have for the NBA, which is always good crack to come back to at the end of the year. So we're going to start player based awards. MVP favorite is first up.
Speaker: But as we always do, we're going to give an underdog for each award too. So Michael, since you are coming on board with us full time, I think it's only fair to throw it over to you first. Your MVP favorite and underdog for the year ahead.
Speaker: So my MVP favorite. Yeah, let's get it. Is going to be Luka Doncic. Ooh, kind of a hot take. I feel like i felt really good about Wemby and Jokic. I was really deliberating both of them.
Speaker: I think Jokic won't have enough wins to be considered for it. And I think... I think it just might be weird if Wemby wins like DPOI and MVP, but he might do it.
Speaker: He might do it. I am just a little bit worried about his health too, but I think Luka, I think it's primed for him to have a crazy season and for it actually to get recognized in MVP standings. So I just think this is the year for him. So that's 13 to two for him. My underdog is Cade Cunningham.
Speaker: I... don't think the Pistons are going to be as successful in the regular season this year as they were last year. However, there is a spot there that if they become the three seed or the four seed and Cade is just averaging ridiculous amounts of points and assists, I think there's a very compelling case for him as well. It also depends, obviously, on Luka and Wemby, but...
Speaker: i That's my underdog. It's 28-1. You make a lot of money. So I can't complain. Yeah, that is that is a hefty pick for Cade. I'll get on to my Piston thoughts later in why I wouldn't exactly go for that one. But...
Speaker: Off the back of you, I'm going to have to go next because I have also got Luka Doncic as my favorite. Nine to two are the odds. I really like his chances this year. I think there's a number of reasons. First of all, the fact that this is his team now, whatever way you want to say it, it was his team before, and but it is now in LA with no LeBron. And...
Speaker: They're in a situation now where the team is built around what he wants, his strengths. Walker Kessler is in there. It'll be a big addition. Austin Reeves, he enjoys playing with him. i think the Lakers are going to be a regular season bulldozer that just wins so many regular season games.
Speaker: The questions come then in the playoffs, but this is a regular season award. It's also down to counting stats most often, especially points per game. And Luka, I think he's just going to take off this year. He's going to be in good shape after some time off last year. He's annoyed probably last year about how everything panned out, especially surrounding the playoff performance. So him not being there. I think he'll be he'll be back. He'll be ready to go. Nine to two, I really like those odds. And I think he's going to take it My underdog, it's only right that I continue along this streak.
Speaker: I'm naming Tyrese Maxey once again, sixty to one This is a huge, a huge outside bet. Now, there's some obvious, and probably better choices, but this is an underdog for a reason.
Speaker: um I said, I think in like 2022 or 2023, tweeted out that Tyrese Maxey, when he blew up and he won the one the most improved player, I was like, he's going to win an MVP within the next five years. So he's only got like two years and left to do it.
Speaker: Now he's finally got players around him that will allow him to do exactly what it is he needs to do. Instead of having to constantly play 48 minutes in every single game, even against bad teams and destroy his body, he can actually be staggered and use that explosiveness.
Speaker: for the better um i think he's going to be the star of this team without a doubt it's his team no matter how many big stars are on it he's the main man his jersey is right behind me 60 to 1 give me tires maxi as that underdog We're starting with the Sixers nonsense very early this episode. So I'm just going to jump in here. I held i also have Luka at 9-2 and you've kind of gotten through all the reasons. It is now his team. He's not dealing with LeBron.
Speaker: I kind of see it in the limelight. I he was looking at Jokic, but i think that more depends on what his team mates are going to do more than him because we know he's the best player in basketball. And then Wemby, as Michael said, he's not going to just sweep the board. So I think Luka is a really, really good shout at nine to two I've gone with Jalen Brunson as my underdog at 50-1. Obviously coming off the bat with winning the championship last year.
Speaker: If he comes into this with not even a bone to pick, but just a bit between his teeth following on from last year, I think he's a really good player. And I think if that team can do anything close to what they did again last year, i think he's in with the shows.
Speaker: I think that Brunson pick is really, really good because that is one I looked at. And he's never really been the regular season guy to light things on fire. And there is the question mark of they won the championship. Are they really going to try that hard in the regular season?
Speaker: But I think they will because the East is stacked. And I think that... his playoff performances and how good he was may linger in the mind of voters if he's around the top three come the end of the regular season in voting and they'll go, well, look what I did in the playoffs last year. You know, he deserves to be recognized. So I think that's 50 to one. I think it's a bit long for him, to be honest.
Speaker: Yeah, I agree. I think so, but I feel like people are still... Carol Anthony Towns is such an important piece of that offense as well. And that's when the Knicks really turned it up into gear. If they're playing like that from the start of the seasons, it will be because of Carol Anthony Towns as well. And that kind of doesn't help his MVP case. Yeah, that's why I think Luka's a great pick from all three of us. I'm surprised we all went for the same guy when the league has Jokic, Wemby and SGA in it and we all end up with Luka, but that shows up. We're thinking we'll move on to defensive player of the year, favorite and underdog. I'm going to assume we all have Wemby as the favorite because...
Speaker: I just feel like there's no other way you can go. He's two to seven for a reason. He's a defensive monster. He's the the but the best defender in the league. It's just whether he plays enough games to win it. So we'll mark that everybody's pick. But my underdog is Bam Adebayo. 40 to 1.
Speaker: I think he is going to be freed up to play defense in a way he never has before with Giannis behind him. like the physicality of their roster across the board. I think Wiggins is still key to them. i think having...
Speaker: Mitchell there, he's such a scrappy defender on the perimeter. I think across the board, I really like the the heats the Heat's outlook. I think it might take a while to get things going, but I think Bam, he's deserved to be in this conversation for quite a long time. And I think this is the year he finally gets into it, Shane. What do you think?
Speaker: Yeah, I don't mind that at all, to be perfectly honest. I think it is a really, really good outside pick. Obviously, Wemby, if he averages 11.5 repounds and three blocks a game again, then he's just going to walk away with this if he plays enough games. But I think, bam, as pods, did you say?
Speaker: I was surprised they were so wide. 40-1. Yeah, I think that's a really good shout because, as you said, Giannis is there now to kind of take away some of the pressure off going forward and he just gets a chance to...
Speaker: kind of step had numbers defensively and just trying make things happen from the back of the course. And I have put out my my Tyrese Maxie shirt. I've got my name and Thompson at 75 to one. and new He averaged eight rebounds and he averaged eight rebounds and 0.5 blocks last year. It doesn't take a massive jump from that for him to put himself right in the picture. Like if he gets up to nine rebounds and one and a half blocks a game, he's not quite wimby, but no one is.
Speaker: And if he's anywhere in around 10, 10, 10 blocks or 10 rebounds, 3 blocks a game, then I think he's right in the hunt. And it's 75-1. I just thought it was a really, really good shout.
Speaker: I think that's really fair. i i was thinking more Aswar Thompson over Amit, I think, would have a better shot. I looked at him as well, yeah. But the only reason i think the BAM pick is also amazing. The only reason I went away is Giannis is on that team. And I think like people will attribute that defense to kind of both of them, yeah which is why I went for the Rudy Gobert like case.
Speaker: If someone else was going to win, which is a center that does so much for the team's defense that it's kind of on like unmistakable. And I had three options for that. And I think looking at the three of them right here, we're all choosing.
Speaker: Nah, I'm going Jaron Jackson Jr. for a repeat. um man I think there's a hypothetical. Okay, listen, hear me out now. The Jazz are not a good defensive team and they are planning on actually playing basketball this year and not just sitting in the draft for the number one pick. Okay. And part of that is going to be Jaron Jackson Jr.'s defense. Because I feel like there will be a lot of funneling straight into him from Keontae George and their new their new rookie, Darren Peterson. i can't see either of them playing super high-level basketball, defense like m NBA defense. So I think there might be a case, especially if they're the Jazz are doing pretty well in the standings, I think there is a good case that Jaron Jackson Jr. just, hey, he does so much for this team that last year was so bad.
Speaker: I think he might have a case. He might he might be up there if Wemby doesn't play as much games to to qualify. He's as well, I believe. Same as Eamon.
Speaker: Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. For me, no I found him at I'll take 75. Yeah, I think... yeah i think ah For me, there's a bit of a reason that he's out that far. Like you said, the Jazz are so bad defensively, and I just feel like he'll have too much to do. Like, Laurie, for how big he is, is quite a bad defender for his size. He shouldn't be that bad for, like, a seven-footer.
Speaker: and You mentioned down the roster, like, Ace Bailey is incompetent, really, on defense. Peterson just can't defend either, so it's tough. He has to do a lot. Whereas, Shane, you picked Thompson, and I feel like you're in a roster full of good solid defenders at least and physical guys and you mentioned like his block or rebound stats I think how he wins this is on the perimeter if he focuses more on locking down the best player shooter and that's something that you can see across the season and his steal numbers rise he could get like a Marcus Smart version of this award when he did win it
Speaker: like that kind of guard that that stops people on the wings. So I feel like that could work out. 75 to 1, I think that's a really good odds on him. So we'll move into the coaching side of things. We'll give our coach of the year favourite and underdog. Shane, do you want to go first here? Yeah, I apologise for my mispronunciation of this name from the start. I mean, but I've gone with Darko Kazikovic. Kazikovic? Kazikovic. Yeah, I've gone Darko. Darko is 8 to 1.
Speaker: darpa is eight to one So i when I was doing a bit of research on coach of the year, because as I said last year, I think it's a bit of an award that is just, it never actually, it's never given to the coach who gets the most wins. It's given to the team who like surprises the league the most.
Speaker: And I think if if his team can just come out and get the top two in the East, then I think he does win it. And at eight to one, I think he was the favorite. And there is probably a very, very good reason for that as well.
Speaker: And then for my underdog, I don't know. Is 12-1 enough of a price jump to be an underdog? Do I need to go to my 33-1? Let's go 33. Let's go 33.
Speaker: So I've gone with Jordan Ott, the Suns head coach. If the Suns remember how to be a basketball team and they can get a top three or four seed as well, I think he could be right in the hunt. If they can get to 45 or 50 wins, I don't see why not because it would be quite a surprise if they did get there.
Speaker: And to be honest, I just think a lot of the coaches in this league are just, they're on a blacklist for some reason and they're never going to get this award unless they have big name or they just come out of the woodwork and do something absolutely wild. So Jordan Ott at 33-1 is my outsider.
Speaker: my outsider Yeah, on that, Spoelstra has never won coach of the year, which is crazy. I think that's why he's up there in odds this year, because Giannis is there and they could have a good season.
Speaker: Despite that, I'm not going for him. I'm going for possibly it could be the 12-1 option that you had, Shane. Sean Sweeney is my favorite to win it. no who Who was it out of interest?
Speaker: Rick Carlyle. If the Pacers are going to bounce back after Lashley with the main man Tyrese Halliburton back as well, I thought he'd be a good show at a 12-1. yeah Yeah, I think that is a decent show, but but I've gone with Sean Sweeney. I think it's that new coach bounce thing that often plays into it and if you can bring a team to where they're supposed to be when you're first in the role you have a a better chance than you would otherwise I think he's a good a good solid defensive coach he's done well he knows the Spurs system he's worked his way through the ranks he was with Milwaukee a long time ago and
Speaker: worked his way all the way up in the Spurs organization and now he's with the Magic. I think the Magic roster is really good. They have some really good players, but they just have not been able to do what they needed to do or fulfill their potential.
Speaker: And if he's the guy that does that and gets them even like third or fourth seed in the East, in a stacked East, and they make a big jump, I think he should be well within consideration. My underdog is one that kind of annoys me, but I do think it's going to be mentioned quite a lot, and that's JJ Redick. He's 20-1.
Speaker: I just think that this Lakers team is not going to be serious when it gets into the playoffs. I think they're a they're a while away from that. But as I said earlier, I think they will be a bit of a bulldozer in the regular season and rack up so many wins that JJ is just being wax lyrical about on every single talk show.
Speaker: Even though ah liked him when he was with the Sixers, but ever since he became a coach, he's kind of annoying, to be honest. um But yeah, I think he'll be in this conversation. So, Michael, what have you got? Well, both of you guys picked my other two coaches of the year pick.
Speaker: You can still go on it. I was like, I'm thinking about it. But honestly...
Speaker: It's got to be Darko. I just feel like it has to be Darko Rajakovic. I tried it. Okay. yeah ah like Like Shane was saying, i think it's going to be the most surprising team. i was really considering Will Hardy. That was my third option there. But the Minnesota Timberwolves were so good at the end of last season. I think everyone's kind of expecting them to take a step this year. And it won't really be, especially with getting Lamello and their issue last year was a point guard.
Speaker: It seems like it might just turn the multiplier up for them. And that's expected. My underdog pick is going to be Brian Keefe from the Washington Wizards. It's 22 to 1. got...
Speaker: i got The Wizards might be good, man. Okay? The Wizards might be good. Why do I believe in the Wizards? was fully expecting you to give ah Will Hardy and then follow up with your Wizards pick. I was like, this guy is going Jazz Wizards on us right now. I just know.
Speaker: But you didn't, so. Look, look, look.
Speaker: Oh, did I say Minnesota for Will Hardy? Yeah, you did, but I knew i knew you just okay you just meant Finch as well. I meant the Jazz. But yeah, I just think Brian Keefe The Wizards are going to be good. And it's kind of the same reasoning I was giving to the Jazz last year. Just a team that bounces back, gets double the amount of wins that they did last season, and actually looks like a competent NBA team for the future. He's just going to get a lot of praise as a result of that. And and I think, honestly, not a bad shout.
Speaker: Not a bad shout. not a bad show yeah Yeah, I like it. We're going to keep going on this summer we're going to roll into Rookie of the Year because this is the last player-based pick. Michael, do you want to go first here? Who have you got coming out of college and lighting it up? Immediately. 3-1.
Speaker: 3-1, Cam Boozer. I have so much faith in this rookie of the year pick. I might actually make my first bet. I just think everything I see from this kid is great.
Speaker: I think the Memphis team is actually built really well around him, where he does have a lot of options for his playmaking. He's got Zach Eadie down low. He's got Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., who barely played last year. Like,
Speaker: he's going to have the options to be able to play that style that we've seen him thrive in. I just think he has the most opportunity. that It's easily the best choice, I think, on paper. I don't think Darren Peterson or AJ Devansa are going to get as much freedom in the offense and on the team as Cam Boozer will.
Speaker: But that's Cam Boozer for 3-1. My underdog pick... oh I went Yaxo Lendeberg at 16 to 1, but now I'm feeling like maybe the faction should have been higher and I should have went crazier.
Speaker: I think there's a lot of injury issues with the Warriors and he kind of comes in at a spot where he can have an impact immediately and they're also dealing with all these injuries at that same position where he might solidify a spot immediately from the first month and not let that go for the rest of the season. Whereas Cam Boozer might take a little while to get set up. And by then, he might have already dropped behind far enough that even if he goes supernova at the end, he won't be able to surpass him.
Speaker: yeah Yeah, I think I like that Lindeborg one. He was on my list as well. And I've also gone for a 3-1 guy at my favourite, but it's Caleb Wilson. I think this often comes down to points again, and he's going to score a lot of points. I think he's going to be one of the main guys for this Bulls team. They're not even going to be that good, but they usually get like 30-odd wins. They'll probably do it again. Josh Giddey feeding him the ball. He's still got good players around him in Powell and Buzellas, and He doesn't have to be the main guy, but I feel like he will absorb a lot of the shots.
Speaker: I think he's going to be really good this year and and stand out on a bad team. And then next up, ah more on the Mavs in a bit because I do like them actually this year. But Mraz Johnson Jr. is 100 to 1. It's outrageous odds. He's not going to rack up a crazy amount of stats in terms of points, but he will get you boards. He will get you blocks. He will be involved. Dusty May is our head coach now, just coming off.
Speaker: a college basketball championship win with Morris Johnson Jr. at Michigan and I feel like he trusts him we saw in the first preseason game he put him out there and he kind of alluded to the fact that he could be a starter or a big part of this team so I think he'll play a big part and 100 to 1 is really big odds on a guy that I think will have a big involvement for an improving team Dusty May sounds like an old stripper doesn't it
Speaker: I don't know what kind of strippers you're looking for. If you're watching a show like Yellowstone or something, there's definitely a stripper called Dusty May in Yellowstone Landman or something like that. But anyway, there's movies officially on. That's a clip and a half, that one.
Speaker: I've also gone with Cam Boozer and it's because I just really need him to be good because anyone who's named after a pub, he just has to do something that's going to make him fun. So he averaged 22.5 points per game last year. I doubt he's going to bring his college level over here, but if he can...
Speaker: he can keep averaging a triple double as unlikely as it is, then I don't see why he's why not why he's not right in the hunt. And he i had I got him at 5-2, so Michael has already bet on him and he's come from tree to 2.5-1. And then for my underdog pick, I've gone with Keaton Wagler at 40-1.
Speaker: and If the Clippers are anywhere good and he can get anywhere near his college level, which is 18 points a game and five rebounds, then I think it's one of those kind of stat padden ones that they're kind of looking for an outsider on a team that have shot up out of nowhere after the turnway of the summer. But I think the fact he plays with the Clippers could also kill his chances because of what's going on there in the last couple of years as well. So just wanted to show him out there, give him a bit of a shout out. But yeah, I think Cam Boozer is the one.
Speaker: He's the proper offensive hub boozer. I feel like he could get near triple double, honestly, in his first season. He'd be so smart for that team. And for Keaton Weigler, he's similar to Caleb Wilson, but way longer odds because you just play on a bad team and you could really stand out.
Speaker: So we'll see how he goes. But Rookie of the Year are always hard to predict. So let's see if any of us nail those picks when we get into the season. But this is where it gets good. We're talking about our team-based picks now.
Speaker: First up, we're looking at the Eastern Conference. We are going to look at the predictions for which teams are going to get in to the playoffs, first of all, before we go near who's going to win the East. So I'll go first.
Speaker: If I say a team that you do not have in your playoff mix, please do stop me and we can discuss. So I'll start off with the teams that I think you're definitely going to have in here.
Speaker: Knicks, Celtics, Sixers, Cavs, Heat. Okay, we all have those five. I'm thinking this is where it might be a little bit.
Speaker: yeah You don't have somebody, Michael? I have the Celtics. You don't have the Celtics? don't have the Celtics up there. No. That's absolutely wild. I do not. that's city williams Okay, make your case. don't know. i Okay.
Speaker: I have them at nine. It's not like I have them missing the play in. I know. We don't care about who's nine. I just think, first of all, that father time has to come for Paul George at some point. We cannot keep pretending like this guy going to change a franchise, okay? He's a nice two. He's not Jalen Brown.
Speaker: Jalen Brown kept the Celtics alive for most of the season. I know Jason Tatum is going to be great. I don't think this team is going to fall off the face of the earth, but they look...
Speaker: thin We're betting on, oh, Derek White playing badly. That probably won't happen this year. Why not? he He does this almost every year where he has these stretches where he can't shoot.
Speaker: Peyton Pritchard, I do expect to take a step up, sure. But I'm not really comfortable in the rest of the pieces around Peyton Pritchard, Jason Tatum. Nimes Kieda is a nice big and Mitchell Robinson is a nice to put next to him.
Speaker: But I like you look at some of the other teams in the east and we're we're putting a lot of faith in Joe Missoula system, which maybe I'm stupid for questioning, because as we saw last year, it works. I just don't know.
Speaker: I just there's so much competition in the east. I don't know if he's just going to magically bring this team back to 50 wins.
Speaker: I can't see it. Okay, Shane, do you have any response? Shane, give us a response. i think I think Michael is looking to be controversial and he's picked the first one. They're they're definitely on his list and he hasn't had that anti controversial to say yet. So he's now pushed them down to nine and he's put in some bums ahead of him now. that That's what Michael is doing here. There's no way you don't have...
Speaker: You don't have the Celtics in the top eight is absolutely wild. I did it at work. Absolutely wild. Okay, okay where we we can we can't question his integrity. he he doesn't He doesn't have them in the top eight, that's fine. But we can't question the ridiculous division to not have them in there. Because joe he just said you if to you you have to trust Joe Mazzoula's system. But if there's no one system that you're going to trust more, it's Joe Mazzoula. What he can get out of this team.
Speaker: Yes, no Jalen Brown, but last year they did not have Jason Tatum, who is in there now and historically has been better for them than Jalen Brown. And Paul George, yeah, he'll be flimsy. He'll miss some games when he comes back. He'll be good when he when he goes towards the end of that stretch. He'll be bad. I think Derek White, yes, he could play badly again. Odds are he'll look better with Tatum as he did a couple of years ago. And Pritchard, I think, is going to be really, really good. Kaydan Robinson...
Speaker: as a duo at center, if Robinson can stay healthy, is solid. I think they're going to rack the wins up in the regular season, to be honest. And I've got them, i ranked this in seeding, so i had i think they're going to be second seed.
Speaker: I'll have them behind the Knicks. But we'll we continue. So do do you all have Knicks, Sixers, Cavs, and Heat before I move on a little bit further? Knicks, Sixers, Cavs, yeah.
Speaker: Okay, so the next three then. I'll give you my final three, and we might not agree on this, but I've got the Pacers, Raptors, and Orlando Magic. I do not think the Pistons make the playoffs.
Speaker: I think they drop from one seed out of the playoffs. They are one Cade Cunningham injury away from winning 10 games because they are terrible without him. and if he gets injured even for like a month they're out of the playoffs they'll endure in the whole saga leave a bad taste in your mouth they got worse to be honest i think during the off season and everybody else pretty much got better as i said already i like the magic with sean sweeney i really like the raptors to do at least as well as they did last year if not better if kawaii plays a number of games losing brandon ingram means absolutely nothing to anybody he's terrible
Speaker: and the Indiana Pacers I think they bounce back they have to Halliburton, Carlisle, Zubach is great you' not Turner but they'll figure that out and so that's my top 8 I'll throw it to you Shane if you have any differences there in those last 3 I do have the Raptors and the Pacers in there as well so I did pick their head coaches for coach of the year so if I had left them out in my top 8 it would have looked a bit ridiculous but aside from that I still think they're going to I think the Pacers in particular are going to bounce back massively Like I know the Halliburton injury last year is what pushed them to the point of trying to tank to get a good pick.
Speaker: But you don't go from the finals to nothing and then stay down to bottom of your division. They're going to be a real problem for teams in the East. And I do have the Pistons in over the Magic. I just can't see them dropping from the one seed down to ninth or tenth. I still think they just they'll they'll get enough wins to get them over the line.
Speaker: As Sarah Thompson is going to be in the running for defensive player of the year, according to Michael. So if he does that, then I think they should be absolutely fine. And imagine dropping from 1 to 12. I know that's what the pace has been the year before, but I just don't see this Pistons team doing the same thing.
Speaker: Yeah, I think it was a big shout for me. I just don't like the Pistons. And I'm saying that one Cade injury, like the Halliburton one, they were like five and they finished like 19 wins last year, which is, it's not the same thing. I get it. But I do think that, yeah, I don't like the Pistons too much. So, um Michael, what have you got then as your difference from...
Speaker: from your top eight that we didn't have since you don't have the Celtics. Okay. So first of all, um ah had the Celtics in and then i had the Pistons out and I actually switched that because i think the Pistons are built better around caid Cade, especially with getting Isaiah Joe and another player that I've forgotten right now, but getting a little bit more shooting around him is only ever going to help him. And yes, it is true that if Cade gets injured,
Speaker: They're dead in the water. But also, if Jason Tatum gets injured, we're looking at Derek White and Peyton Pritchard main hoops. Abysmal against an actual competitive team in the middle of October or December. than I don't want to get in, bro.
Speaker: Oh, okay. Hang on a second. we Put some respect on Dennis Jenkins' name. Okay? That man dropped like 35 points for me three weeks in a row on Fantasy last year. ah But ah you guys are going to hate me. I actually, I was looking at it. I nearly started laughing in the middle of Shane's talk there because I have the Raptors, obviously.
Speaker: And then I have the Pistons and the Wizards because the Wizards have newest i knew you need this to be good. be good. They don't have to be good. They do have to be good. This could be Eastern Conference Lob City. okay You have AJ DeBansa. You have Alex Sarri. You have fucking... ah Pardon me. You have Anthony Davis. okay and For what? Five games, Anthony Davis.
Speaker: Okay, hang on a second. He doesn't have to play the center. So you hope that he doesn't have to get banged up immediately. and you They have enough. I like Keyshawn George. I like Will Riley. I like Bob Carrington. There's a lot of other pieces on this team that I really, really like.
Speaker: And all Trey has to do is literally make passes. He's got a great team around him. He somehow had his whole stock drop, got traded to the Wizards, and has a better roster than he did in Atlanta when he made the Eastern Conference Finals, in my opinion. Yeah.
Speaker: And you have Bilal Koulibaly. This team can jump, man. And they've got a great point guard at the helm. Yes, Anthony Davis might get shot halfway through the season. They still have a good team if they have a competent point guard at the helm. And you just have to hope that Trey's shooting doesn't look bad.
Speaker: And this is a playoff team, I think. Yeah, I just find it hard to see them in the playoffs with Anthony Davis and Trey Young as the reason behind it. Because I don't trust Davis wants to be there. It still doesn't seem like he does. And Trey, i don't know. i can't I can't trust him. I think they do have an interesting roster. And i if they play well this year, then next year, I i think that they could be looking quite good with whatever they can get for Davis. Because I just can't see him being on this roster again next year.
Speaker: I agree with you, but from all from what the front office is saying and back rooms reports are saying they love Anthony Davis. And I think they look at more of bringing him in to mentor AJ DeBansa, especially, and those young pieces.
Speaker: If AJ can get to like New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis, they would be ecstatic. So I, just for that reason alone, I think if they do trade AD, it's at the end of the season, not before the deadline. um And then it's a case of, he does, if he doesn't need to play that many minutes at center, maybe he doesn't get injured immediately in the season.
Speaker: Yeah. Well, none of us have the Hornets. None of us have the Hawks, which is interesting. Hornets are in my mind. Yeah, no Lamello. I just think they're going to be bad for a year and then they'll retool and figure things out. I think it'll be time to figure things out for Miller and Khan um and Hawks.
Speaker: don't know about you, Shane, but I just think that they're really good defensively, but they're so stodgy on ah offense. There's no chance that they get anything going. Yeah, they're another team that could go out one week and put up 120 points and next week put up 64.
Speaker: And that could be the kind of the way their season goes for the whole year. That's why I don't have them in there. I don't even think they're going to get a play in. I'm not sure if that's a a hot take or a big shout, but I just I don't see them doing much this year at all.
Speaker: Yeah, I agree with that. I agree with that. i'm sure We'll do the same thing for the West. I'll start listing and you stop me when you have your your mismatch. So... Like, and if you don't have the Rockets here, you're in serious trouble with me. No, no, I'm not that bad. I'm not that bad. So I've got Spurs, Thunder, Rockets...
Speaker: Lakers, Timberwolves, Nuggets. I would be very surprised if you didn't have those six, if anybody that has them have a different one. We're all on the same page. Okay.
Speaker: My last two are probably where we'll differ. i have I went back and forth on this one. i Actually, but my eighth seed I locked in, but the seven I couldn't decide.
Speaker: um Warriors, I've got them in. i just I just had to put them in there over some options such as the Suns or Blazers because they ain't making it here. And neither are the Utah Jazz. Give me the Mavericks to get that eighth spot. Give me Cooper Flag. Give me Kyrie Irving back.
Speaker: Give this Derek Lively resurgence. This whole team, Dusty May, let me see it. Let me dream here. I think they're going be good. I think they're going to be the eighth seed, whether that means coming out of the play-in or whatever.
Speaker: i think the Warriors, then I've got them because they just have more talent and I really don't like the Blazers. I think they'll be horribly bad this year if they start with Ja and Dame. um That will not work. And then the Suns, yeah, I just don't trust them at all. So that's why I've gotten those two. I'll throw it to you, Michael, this time. First, who have you got for those last two? Because I think the rest are kind of all shoe-ins.
Speaker: I can't believe you asked Dusty May to show it all. That's outrageous after the comment earlier, but okay, we'll keep we'll keep moving on swiftly. ah i I don't hate your Mavs pick. i I think that's bold to think that they're immediately going to make the playoffs, but I do see the case. You have Kyrie. Derek Lively is back.
Speaker: I do hate your Warriors pick. I will be so... i I just... Steph doesn't play a full season. We're looking at B pods in preseason saying, oh my god, maybe he can make the step this year. He can't.
Speaker: Let's go, big contract. I couldn't believe that. Five years, locked in. but like that man has more mysterious illnesses than patient on house md and then like draymond green is out here like procedurally getting worse and more insane every season. He's going to stab someone on the court at some point in the next two years. Okay? This team is not serious. They're holding on to Steph because he is their guy. And you know what?
Speaker: They're doing what the Mavs did with...
Speaker: I forgot his name. Dirk. Dirk. Dirk Nowitzki. And they're riding it out. And i I really do appreciate that. But also, they've made this two times.
Speaker: I'll leave it. My two teams are the Jazz and the Blazers. Because I'm an idiot. Don't even come out to Warriors if you want to put the Jazz in there.
Speaker: Because I'm an idiot is such a flu good good use of a reason. I've done it because I'm an idiot. Let me explain.
Speaker: Let me explain how I got talked into this. that My next to up are the Grizzlies. You didn't sit down with anyone and talk into You sit down with yourself and talk yourself into this.
Speaker: the issue is The issue is, when I have all the teams in front of me, I make a first read. And it's the longer they stay in front, the more I start editing it. I need to go with the first option immediately. Because I... Okay, let me put it this way.
Speaker: The Jazz have spent two years hiding their talent to get high draft picks. To the point where they have all these really good players that don't play every year because they're trying to tank.
Speaker: If you have your team, you had your pick, you have everything, you have to be good, or i genuinely want Adam Silver to like boot you to Seattle.
Speaker: Just like, take the team away. Because if they're not good, it's almost like a waste of Jazz fans' time to be invested for so long, have everything now, and still be bad at the end of it.
Speaker: It's almost, it I just think they have to be good. Like, I don't think they can be, they have to sneak in at least with all the talent that that they have on this team. That's kind of how I feel with the Blazers. Hate the owner, hate how he's running the team.
Speaker: think this team is confusing at best, but I have a little bit more faith in their talent than the Suns. And the Mavs. I think the Mavs are just a little bit too young for their pieces that they're relying on and a little bit too injury prone. But I just think you have Denny.
Speaker: Dame Lillard is back. Scoot seemed to take a step up at the end of last season. I love Tumani Kamara. Donovan Klingon looks great. Like they've got really good pieces here that if they can fit it together, i think they definitely take a step up over the Grizzlies, the Suns, the Warriors, and obviously the bottom feeders of the the conference as well.
Speaker: I think the what the problem next two is fitting it together though Before you go ahead, Shane, I think the problem is how are you supposed to fit? like Jammerant together with Dame Lillard in a starting lineup. And they said they're going to, which means they're going to do it for at least a month.
Speaker: And a month in NBA basketball puts you so far behind if you can't pick wins up. That's my concern with this team more so than anything. True, but i think I think the biggest thing with the Blazers is they're they're just... I really hated that that trade for them, but it's I guess it's upside for you know the the swap. ah If Ja can even shoot league average from three, this team will be good. like Even if he shoots just below league average from t from the three, this team will be good. It just, if he looks like a shell of himself on the court, I think that might honestly be the best thing for Blazers because they'll just say, okay, we can't really use you.
Speaker: We're going to rely on Scoot. They need to move on to Scoot. They need to move on to Scoot, I think, as soon as possible. That would be the best for them. Sorry, Shane, They've out. I think their biggest issue was going to be getting and keeping Jamorant on the course because we saw it at the Grizzlies that once he loses his head or stops caring, he's liable to do absolutely anything. And if the Blazers starts,
Speaker: really, really poorly where they've gone with the two boys for the first month and they're three and nine or four and ten, however many games they play in the first month. That's when he starts doing the silly stuff in the cars and gets himself banned again because all he wants is money. He doesn't really want to play basketball. I'm not even going to funny here. I actually just think it's such an idiotic trade for any team to have made. Yeah, exactly. i just I just think it's such an idiotic trade for any team to have made.
Speaker: And in fairness to your Jazz Shout, they have signed Josh Okogie, who is absolutely world-class, so they could be in in the shout for a top ace here. All right, who are your last two then, Shane?
Speaker: So I have the Warriors as well. are you just oh I just think that it's their know-how. they They know how to do it. And i know what they're getting older and father time comes for everyone. And just as Michael said about the Celtics a while ago, post I just think the Warriors have enough to win enough games in the regular season to get into the top eight. They won't do anything when they're in there except beat the Rockets, which they do every time we play them in the playoff. And then I genuinely legitimately did a wheel of fortune between the sons and the Mavs to see who i was going to put in it to my eighth slot. And the sons are the ones that came up for me. Hello.
Speaker: this it's it's like in india I know it's very hard to like give a decent reasoning, but I just think Jalen Green, Dylan Brooks, they have fighters on that team.
Speaker: And I think there's there's games there to be won for the Suns, and maybe not on back-to-backs, but if they get as... ah kind of a soft start or a a soft middle where they can they play let's say 12 games in three weeks which happened to the rockets last year i think they can very easily pick up nine wins there um i think they have the talent to do that with what do they have around them devon booker as well so i just think that eighth slot is kind of open to anyone so we've all had different teams looking at us it's as clump just going to be about getting all over the 500 and seeing if you can just kind of slime your way in there at the end
Speaker: yeah Yeah, good shouts. i I think, yeah, fair enough on the Suns. I think they teetered around for me more so than the others. and I just feel like after that top six in the West is a bit of a mess. and So yeah, that's why I went with the Warriors, same as you, that know-how Jimmy Butler will be back.
Speaker: And I think they have enough to hold it down. And I like Lendeborg to help out. um Before we move into our playoff predictions, we don't need to go deep on this one, but who's going to finish bottom of the East and West? I had the Nets and Kings.
Speaker: Shane, what did you have? Michael? Exactly, same, yeah. I have the Pelicans. I think the Pelicans are going to make a trade halfway through the season. That's exactly what I think. It's going be bad.
Speaker: Like they, I'm, they can't, we can't have another year of you have decent talent on the team that the whole league is calling about. And you're going, no, we got it.
Speaker: Let me play Deandre Jordan for 30 minutes instead of Derek queen. Like if you're going to suck, just play the young place. Like I'm sick of seeing you try to be good and still be bad.
Speaker: yeah yeah no i agree with that they were on the on the spot for me as well a couple of things i had in here is the pistons to miss the playoff is three to one shit that was interesting and then the mavs to make it were 23 to 10. but let's get into our playoff predictions then we'll start with the east finals matchup and winners ah we'll each give our match up first and then we'll come back and give our winners so my matchup Those Philadelphia 76ers are going to face off against the Toronto Raptors.
Speaker: It's going to be wild. We're getting those Raptors in there. i think Kawhi is going to change this team come playoff season. and I really like what they've built around him. i like RJ Barrett, despite not many people liking him. I think quickly coming back will be huge.
Speaker: I really like Colin Murray-Biles. I like Jamal Shedd getting signed on a long-term contract. Jakob Pardla is not the worst center as well to have in rotation. So I really like them making a run with Kawhi obviously as their main man in the playoffs. If they even get like a six or seven seed, I still think they could do it.
Speaker: And the Sixers, I think it's the most stacked starting five in the hole. don't do six, seven on me, Michael. on the whole eastern conference i think they have the best team maybe the best starting five in the nba in terms of talent and the rotation is slept on a little bit because i think anthony simons is a real six man of the year shout dean wade is good in clutch as the defender i think phylon will be a good player too the only question is the starting center but i think they could make a move to figure that out so sixers versus raptors michael what is your east finals matchup
Speaker: I have the exact same. I have the Raptors versus Sixers. I think we're going to get another rematch. If Kawhi hits another bobble shot on us again to win the series, I will break my TV.
Speaker: So, fingers crossed that doesn't happen. However, you're talking about our backup big. We just signed Taco Fall. I don't know if you heard. I don't know if you heard this week. Yeah.
Speaker: ah No, i think I think both of these teams are kind of built for when they get into the playoffs to kind of ramp up. You have Kawhi doing basically what you hope LeBron does, which is you play pretty good throughout the season, miss time here and there, and you get into the playoffs and they just turn it up. Kawhi has his defensive form back, is hitting shots all over the court. LeBron, you know, playing out of his mind around four other all-stars, it feels like, on this team.
Speaker: His playmaking is never going to be as highlighted in his whole career as it will here, in my opinion. I think what he can get out of the rest of the teams, especially in the playoffs when he can slow it down and really control the whole offense, is going to be super, super valuable for the Sixers team that...
Speaker: a lot of the time last year in clutch moments, seemed to have no idea what to do. So having maybe the best IQ in the game on the floor, he might tell Nick Nurse, shut up, I got it.
Speaker: you know And that's my Eastern Conference Finals. Sorry, there's so much frustration at fourth quarters with Nick Nurse. James knows. James knows, okay? Yeah, I think LeBron will be huge, his decision-making in the playoffs. But Shane, what have you got for your yeah r two?
Speaker: I don't have the same match up as you. So I have the Celtics facing off against the... No, I have the Celtics and have the Sixers. I have just gone with the two. I do i think they're the two most talented teams um in the East.
Speaker: I think that's like, it's very hard to deny that. Obviously, you've said all about Philadelphia. think the Celtics are going to absolutely run through teams in the regular season. And I think Philadelphia are going to take a bit more of a nuanced approach to it. I think they're going to have to manage Joel Embiid the way they did last year and then trying to get used to Jalen Brown and LeBron James on the team as well might take a bit of time. So while they might finish as maybe the sixth seed or the fifth seed, I do think they'll still get to the finals and I expect them to go up against the Celtics when they do get there.
Speaker: It was 14 to 1 were the odds for this to be the Eastern Conference Finals as well. I think your centre depth is where you're going to run into some problems. If Embiid gets injured, who goes in there? are you putting I know he's a power forward, but is Adam Bona an option to go in at centre if needs be? are Like you're like're like you're you enough you're not going back on Tacklefall. I don't care how co cool his name is. he's na He's not a person. And I do think Nick Nurse is a championship level head coach.
Speaker: So we just need to see if he can manage that talent when it comes to a seven game series against the Celtics. and Okay, let's let's reel off our our winners then. I'm going with the Sixers in six against the Raptors.
Speaker: Michael? I got the Sixers in six against the Raptors as well. Let's go. Shane? I have the Celtics in five.
Speaker: Oh, my lord. You're going to be missing Jordan Bede come playoff time. It's going to be Celtics in five. i think they something Maybe Celtics in seven, but i I need to bring you back down to earth here because I'm sick of listening to this. There's hype train already and it's only day one. to To get there is is not a wildest shout.
Speaker: I think what you said about them winning in the regular season is... exactly what i think that michael clearly doesn't but that's exactly what i think but i think i think i think they're going to get they're going to get 55 wins i think i think they'll get 55 wins like come the playoffs i still think they have the same issues though that they did last year because they are without one of this time they actually have no jalen brown at all so i don't know if i can see them getting that far but look five games i'd be heartbroken if we lost them in five Yeah, I can see the Sixers, I can see it going i like dream like as as them getting straight to the and NBA Finals. and With all the superstars, I think it's a bit like what we've seen with the Rams over in the NFL with the way they've started when everyone was talking about them as
Speaker: Absolutely, they're going to walk through the regular season, they're going to walk through playoffs. I know that's absolutely not what you're saying. You're not saying they're going to walk way there, but I just think it's kind of one of those too-good-to-be-true things where they have the five best starters in the league comfortably. I don't think there's any denying it.
Speaker: The depth is probably a bit of an issue, but I just can't see how... they just walked their way into the NBA Finals straight away over all the other teams. I do think they'll get the Conference Finals because that talent will push them so far.
Speaker: And it wouldn't it wouldn't surprise me if they got there, if they were in that Finals matchup. But I just, I think there's a sing and a tale coming before they get a chance to get to this and NBA Finals first time around.
Speaker: Yeah, fair enough. I think it's a big jump from where they've gone recently to get there. So you're you're right. West finals matchup then. I'm going to out here again. it Spurs versus Thunder.
Speaker: i'm going basic I don't trust the Lakers come playoff time. I don't trust the new iteration of the Timberwolves come playoff time. I think the Rockets will do better in the playoffs than they did last year, but I don't trust them to be better than the Spurs or the Thunder. The Nuggets don't have enough depth and I can't talk myself into anybody below that belt. So Spurs and Thunder, they're the best two teams in the league.
Speaker: I think they're going to they're going to get here. We've talked so much about them. They're still the same kind of team as they were last year. Both. I think AJ Mitchell is a great shout for six-man of the year. I think he's going to have a huge involvement with Dort gone and also the loss of Wiggins and Joe. And then over looking at the Spurs, I do think that the addition of Tobias Harris actually is a good one for them. I think it'll actually work, even though I don't like the guy. After how we played at the Sixers for years, and I think...
Speaker: Starting Dylan Harper is only going to make him better and he has to start. So I think these two teams, there's going to be a hell of a series and I really do think it will roll around. Dan, we'll go to you second. This time, what have you got?
Speaker: I have gone thunder as well, obviously, but I have put in my Houston Rockets. I think they, look lads, they have to come to the party at some stage. they're They're building to get their finals now for the last...
Speaker: 29 years of my life it feels like and I just think there have to at some point they have to win a playoff and then just just try and keep going. I think Marcus Smart is a good pick up here. and He's, as you said, he he is a really, really good defensive player. I think the starting five are only getting better and better and the fact they've managed to keep them together and they keep managing to keep them together. Fred Renfleet is back.
Speaker: I just think if it's not this, then win. Because this is probably Steven Adams last year and I think he's as good a backup centre as you get really. I don't know if that's me being, what's the word, biased.
Speaker: I think Bogdanovich has the best name in basketball. and That's all I'm going to say in him. And then you still have Kevin Durant there and I think he needs to he he needs to show up in playoffs this time because what he did last year was just It was just criminal behavior.
Speaker: Like he was there streaming or sitting in the locker room instead being on the side and helping the team. I think if they don't show up this year, then it's time to rip up all they've done so far and just start again. So this is the year they have to kind of make a bit of a push, try and get their playoffs or conference finals and see from there. and I don't think they'll win it, but I just think they really, really need to get there. Okay, Michael, what have you got? hope that's a compelling case.
Speaker: Just a question. In this hypothetical scenario, you have the Thunder beating the Spurs or your Rockets? I have somebody beating the Spurs. I haven't gotten that far. It won't be the Rockets anyway. Yeah, okay. No, real talk. I nearly picked the Rockets myself. I actually kind of agree with you, Shane. I think people forget how good the Rockets looked before Steven Adams went down and Fred Vangley went down.
Speaker: That Rockets team looked crazy. It amazing. And I think they could have a really, really, really good regular season. Obviously, it depends on health. If you're yeah if like four players on your team get injured, you can't sustain the same level. But I definitely think they could have more success. Well, you can have less success than this summer. But I think they're destined for more success. Yeah, just for you jump in there, and Michael, just wanted to put it in. So at they are 22-1 to reach the Conference Finals. Sorry, I meant to put that out there.
Speaker: And they are 27-1 to win it. But I think the to get there is a far better bet than 27-1 to win it. ah Yeah, but unfortunately, i don't have the Rockets. I have the Wolves and the Spurs. I think the Spurs are just stamps a shoe-in.
Speaker: and i i think the Wolves are going to be crazy. like When the Wolves were in the playoffs last year and what everyone was saying was, damn, they really need a guard. They need some point guard play. And people were kind of complaining that they didn't go for a trade with the Bulls before the trade deadline to get one of the 18 guards that the Bulls had at the time.
Speaker: They have LaMelo Ball, which I know people aren't a huge fan of. But if there is anyone to keep him in line, it's going to be Anthony Edwards because there's nothing he cares about more than winning.
Speaker: This team at points might just look absolutely supercharged with Lamello running the floor. I think they're loaded up until their center depth. But even then, you have you hope Kaminga and Cody Williams can kind of help out a little bit on the back line. Cody Williams had a really good end of season last year for the Utah Jazz. Sneaky pickup by the the Wolves in case Kaminga doesn't work out for them.
Speaker: I think we get a rematch and not only that, I think the Wolves beat the Spurs in seven. I actually don't have the odds for the Eastern Conference finals, but i think I think we get a rematch and I think Ant wants the smoke. I think everything I've seen so far this year, the Wolves seem to want to absolutely beat up every single team that they play against this year.
Speaker: And as long as they're healthy going into the playoffs, I think they carry that through. Who are they beating? Who's beating OKC? The Spurs or the Wolves?
Speaker: Either. I think either team can be OKC. I think that what we ah with Jalen J-Dub back actually fully healthy, I think if he played last year, they'd beat the Spurs.
Speaker: And he didn't. And I also think that Adai Mara is a huge addition now as another center to this team. And AJ Mitchell stepping up and playing more, I think is huge. I can't see a world where the Thunder don't make...
Speaker: the Western Conference Finals and I do think that the the Wolves I think Ant will be freed up quite a lot with Lamello now handling the ball and he can just knock down shots and that would be big in the playoffs but I just these two the Spurs and Thunder are just so good I just can't look past them and you have given your you pick the Wolves in seven right yep Okay, big call. I'm going with OKC in seven over the Spurs. I think they're such a good team. I don't think they're going make the same mistake twice and lose again. i really liked them again this year to get to the finals. So I'm going with OKC to get to the finals.
Speaker: Dan, what have you got in your Rockets and OKC series? Yeah. I have the Thunder, but I don't know in how many because I feel like staying in five is a bit harsh, but I did just say that the Vicks are going to lose in five. so So it's kind of only fair, but I am just going to go with Thunder in six. I think the Rockets are going to give me something to shout about for a change, but I just think this Thunder team are too good and they're going to be they're going to be reeling after losing last year and they're really going to want it this year. So I think, yeah, I have Thunder and Celtics in the final.
Speaker: Okay, we've got our finals matchup. So you just listed yours off, Shane. Thunder and Celtics. Why don't we go to you first? Give us your winner in how many games and also who's the MVP going to be in the finals?
Speaker: So the Celtics are 14 to 1 to win us, but the Thunder are 27 to 10. And I'm going with the Thunder in six. SGA obviously is going to be MVP because he's going to flop his way around and he's going to flop his way to OKC getting another title.
Speaker: So yeah, Tunger and six, SGA, man of the match. And yeah, there we go. Okay, well, I'll go off the back of that because I've got Sixers versus OKC. The Sixers are 17 to two to win it.
Speaker: OKC are 13 to five or whatever you said, Shane. It's fairly similar, I think, to two odds.
Speaker: I'm going with OKC and 6 as well. The Sixers aren't going to go all the way to the promised land in the first time of asking. i think they do well to get this far, considering that they can't even get past the second round. But I do think their first starting five, the depth is good outside the centre, which I think they will address, as I said.
Speaker: But I think the OKC are just too good. I think they're going to just buzz through this team. The Sixers will do well to get a couple of wins. And I've got SGA MVP in the finals 13 to 5. Although Tyrese Maxey is 30 to 1. So the Sixers do win it.
Speaker: Have a look at that. But yeah, I think SGA, OKC, inevitability once again. Michael, you have got Sixers and Timberwolves matchup. So what are you going for here?
Speaker: i wonder. It's the Sixers, man. It's the Sixers. it's the I feel like he just put the Timberwolves in there so he can pick the Sixers.
Speaker: yeah no no no No, no, no, no, no. Hang on a second. Hang on a second. Okay. I, one of us have to have faith here. Okay. Yeah, that's true. I'm obviously picking the Sixers. Okay. It's, you know what? And it's, you're right. Maybe it is the one matchup that maybe our center depth doesn't matter as much because we have just as much center depth as the Wolves. But look, 17 to two,
Speaker: I think he makes an immediate impact. I actually am a little bit worried about year two of LeBron on the Sixers, which is why i feel like we got to get it done this year.
Speaker: They are going to get it done. i
Speaker: What was I saying? What was my... Oh, 17-2 for the Sixers. I think it's a shoo-in. I actually don't have MVP odds up right now. It's a shoo-in. It's a shoo-in. All my days. Who are you picking for MVP? There's so many options.
Speaker: i like I genuinely think Jalen Brown could get a second-finals MVP. But if they end up winning the chip, LeBron is going to get the finals MVP. It doesn't matter. like they They are literally just going to hand it to him anyways. He could average 10, 10, and 10.
Speaker: And they'll be like, oh my god, we've never seen anyone and like it. like Yeah, triple double in the finals, merchant. I mean, it's 10, 10, and 10. That's Draymond Green numbers right there.
Speaker: Yeah, i'm looking I'm looking here. He's 65-1, LeBron, to win it. Some of your other Sixers options, what Joel is 30-1, so is Maxie. Jalen Brown is 35-1. Give me BJ Edgecombe, 500-1, baby. ah That's mad. That's interesting.
Speaker: So you're going with Philly, you're backing them all the way. Look, I'm happy with it I'm happy with it. can't argue with that. Shane, any any thoughts before we move on to our little fun bits at the end? i need to get a phone charger. I'm not talking about the Sixers winning this. I'll be back in one second.
Speaker: if You can put that part in as well. um Okay, Shane has located a charger. We're going to do our little extra bits at the end of this. First up is one hot take each. We'll just fly through this before we get on to our over-under wins draft.
Speaker: My hot take is, do L&B to play on an MVP level pace, but he does not play enough games to win it. But... It's kind of accepted in the media that he is playing at an MVP level and they don't slate him as hard as they always do. And they're saying, he this guy's actually playing so good, but he's not reaching the level of games that he needs to to win.
Speaker: So that's my hot take. And it's extremely hot because the media hates him more than anybody in the entire and NBA. And LeBron is there, so that adds to the scandal. But yeah, that's my hot take. Michael?
Speaker: Oh, I was hoping you didn't come to me next. I wanted to gauge my one off of Shane. Yeah, go for it, Shane. yeah go for a chain Okay, I'm going Austin Reeves, clutch player the year, 70-1. I think Luka is going to be a star, but Luka needs someone to help him.
Speaker: And Austin Reeves, think he's just such a good shooter. And if he's putting up game winners when Luka Doncic isn't, then I think that's the most clutch thing you can do. I think it's 70-1. I think those odds are absolutely massive. And without LeBron, as we mentioned earlier as well, like they are going to need someone to step up. And I just i think Austin Reeves has it in him to kind of Be like, oh, I'm happy to be the second man. Now, I didn't want to be the third man, but I'm happy to be the second man to one of the best players in the league. So 70 to 1, I think, is wild.
Speaker: I also do like Eamon Thompson to 70 to 1 for most improved player, but that's not a hot take. That's going to happen. <unk> what's the say you guys You guys have real, I got weird ones. I have LeBron averaging a triple-double.
Speaker: i think I think there's i think there's a world i think there's a world where LeBron literally just gets like eleven points per game and get ten point one assists per game And then just, joe here's the thing about the triple-double is the rebounds with LeBron. But Joel Embiid, James knows, is literally like instructed not to go for rebounds because he's gotten injured going for them so many times. Obviously, late in games and clutch moments, he is. But we see it in the first like three quarters of a basketball game.
Speaker: He doesn't really go for them. And I think LeBron can just stand next to them and just go, I'll take that. I'll take that. I'll take that. And just get seven to eight rebounds a game. If he averaged a triple-double.
Speaker: Well, that's true. But if he averaged a triple-double at this age, it would it would actually be insane. it would be it Even if it was a Draymond Green triple-double, it would be amazing. that my other My other two hot takes are I think Franz Wagner gets traded and I think Kamiga is not on a roster by the end of the season.
Speaker: Oh, he's not on your Minnesota Timberwolves finals team. The Franz Wagner one, that's... Man, this guy's going to ball this season. I have a feeling he's going to be good.
Speaker: I would have been on that last season. If it doesn't work, it's like the third season of this Paolo-Franc thing not working, and they're not going to get rid of Paolo. So they're just going to ship him somewhere.
Speaker: Fingers crossed the pelts, just go for it, because you need something. But... Pelicans, yeah. No, I don't want any conversation of the Pelicans over the season. Just keep them out of every podcast. Okay, so the final piece of this episode is going to be the NBA over-under wins draft. We do this for the NFL. We come back to it at the end of the season. It's a bit of a laugh because usually you're miles off on some of these picks. But what you're going to do is pick the over-under line for wins of teams that you like. So as an example, I'll just make one up. Let's say...
Speaker: the rockets are 70 wins 70.5 wins everybody wants them they're the best team in the whole entire world and you go no actually i don't think they are let me go with the under on that and then it goes to the next person and we go around in a drift a draft style and it's snake style so once it gets to the third person they have two picks and so on so gonna pick five teams each These are the standard lines of wins. We all have the same ones, so there's no messing around. If you do pick an over for a team, another person can still pick an under for that team. So keep that in mind as you're listening along. We did a little spin the wheel before to start. Steve's going to go first and Shane is first.
Speaker: Then it goes to me and then Michael with the snake at the end. it comes back to him again. and So Shane, get us started. Yeah, so I think I need to get this one out in the open early before James takes it. I am having the Pistons on the under, i under 48.5 wins.
Speaker: I think they'll still get the playoffs as we've spoken about above, but I don't think they're getting anywhere near to where they were last year. So I'm i'm having their under 48.5. Okay, I am running to the podium after you left me the Rockets over 48.5.
Speaker: I'm not letting this get back to you. i think this is a definite pick. 52 wins last year. i think they'll definitely win over 48.5 this year in a weekend West with Fred Van Vliet back, a huge addition. So give me the Rockets to win at least 49 games.
Speaker: That's so interesting. I am going to go the Heat with over on 46.5 wins. I just think this Heat team is great. I think Eric Spolstra has the best setup for how he likes to develop wings and guards.
Speaker: You've got a rock solid front court now with Giannis and Bannes. i I like Pele Larson. i love Davion Mitchell. I think he's primed to have a two-way, super impressive season when we look back over it.
Speaker: It's got to be the Heat. And it's a snake draft. So comes right back. Oh, but let me let me bring up the let me bring up the odds. It's one-to-one. So okay pretty pretty nice. And we got, I'm going the Grizzlies, over 29 and a half.
Speaker: ah I just think they're not that bad. Like, I think Cam Boozer is going to make an effect. This Grizzlies team looked drastically different last year before Zach Eadie went out. What he does for that team defensively is amazing. And not only that, before he went out last year, he looked seriously comfortable in NBA offenses. He had his little touch.
Speaker: I think he does so much for the team that if Rudy Gobert went out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, we could not be judging them the exact same as last year.
Speaker: They're just drastically what he does for that team, the impact. The same thing with Zach Eadie. I think they just have to be better than 29 and a half. Okay. And that is going These are all going to sit around evens, even if you go over or under. So you're we're good with these. sorry You're good. at Let's go with my second pick. I'm again running to the podium to make my draft pick. I'm on draft day. I'm up there. I'm i'm out of breath. I ran up so fast. My second pick is still there.
Speaker: And that is the Boston Celtics. Over 51.5 wins. 56 last year. Basically the same setup. Joe Mazzula. Doing the business. This team could win the regular season for the East. I think could be between them and the Knicks.
Speaker: So yeah, give me at least 52 wins for the Celtics. They were my second pick and the Rockets were second pick. They were my third pick. I didn't think they were going to come back around to me to be fair.
Speaker: I'm going with the Raptors to go under their total of 46.5. Not by much, maybe 45 or 46, but i think this line might be small, bit too high. And then and despite what Michael has said, i haven't changed my mind on this. I'm going with the Wizards under 34.5.
Speaker: Okay. He's got the Raptors and Wizards doubling up on the Eastern under. It's easy to go under, I think, on some East teams because there's so many good teams in the East. but it's ah No, the opposite. I think they're they're better this year, much better, and it's going to be hard to get wins.
Speaker: um I'm going with the Lakers as my third pick. Over 45.5. I've said it a few times on this episode, regular season buzzsaw, regular season bulldoze or whatever you want to call it. And then they'll be pouring the playoffs. But yeah, over 45 and a half after winning 53 last year with Luka, fully healthy, his team, 46 wins. I'm having that. So that's my next pick. Michael, you're up next.
Speaker: Ooh. Ooh. oo I'm really... This is this is so so interesting, guys. You know guys let left a lot on the table for me. I think... There's a lot of teams. surprised James didn't go for it. I think I'm going to grab the Mavs for over on 33 and a ah just I just... I just think that they're not going to be... I look at some of the other teams that are looking at 30... I mean, like, you're telling me they're going to win four more games than the Pelicans right now.
Speaker: Like, you seriously believe the Mavs are going to win... Four more games than the Pelicans. I think that might be a little bit more, maybe five. And in that case, I win. My second pick is going to be, I've got a lot of options here. I could just throw the Wizards back and go over on 34 and a half.
Speaker: But I think I'm just going to go over on the Raptors. Oh, wait, no, James. Yeah, ah no, Shane went under on the Raptors, so you can take that. I'm going to go over on the Raptors 46 and a half. I think they get 50 wins.
Speaker: I think they get 50 wins this year. I think the only reason they didn't do better last year is Emmanuel quickly dropped out. Brandon Ingram dropped out. Jacob Hurdle broke his back. And like this team just like got hit by a bus halfway through the season, and we're not the same team. They've added Kawhi Leonard now. And I think removing Brandon Ingram from this offense actually improves it overall because some of those games...
Speaker: He did not look like he was... He looked like he was working independent of the other four players yeah on the on the floor. So I i think they at least win 48 games.
Speaker: Okay. Brandon Ingram, that removal, I think, is massive come playoffs as well because he's just terrible in the playoffs. He doesn't want anyone to touch him. He thinks everything is foul, and it's not. My next pick... and I'm racking up these. This is my fourth pick. What I wanted, the Blazers under 41.5.
Speaker: They won 42 last year. i just don't think this team works, and I think they're going to take a while to figure that out, and it's going to be a bit too late. So I think they probably win high 30s, but I'm taking the under 41.5 on the Blazers.
Speaker: Shane, your last two picks. I'm actually taking the over on the Blazers. and That's not just because you just said it ago, but i think I think they just about meet it. I think they'll have a tough start, but I think they might get it together enough, but it won't be enough to get into the playoffs, but there will be a play-in team.
Speaker: So I am taking the over. The last one is, I just think the Thunder's line at 6-1.5 is wildly height and So I'm taking the under on that. I do think dill they'll they'll get to the 50s, but I do agree with you when you said that you think the Celtics will win the most games in the NBA, and I do think that as well. I know they're not on the same side. It makes absolutely no difference, but I just think six to one and a half is an absolutely wild line for any team coming into a season, so I'm taking that at the under. Okay. I'm thinking about a couple of things here because...
Speaker: my next one that i had down but it was one i went for last year and the team really messed me up and i feel like they will be a lot better this year but i just don't know that is the orlando magic and i'm thinking about taking the over it's at 43 and a half they won 45 last year but i'm gonna take an under i'm gonna have three have three overs already Give me the Pelicans, under 28 and a half.
Speaker: They won 26 last year. This team is terrible. They are going to trade away. Finally, they're going to trade away some of their best players, keep losing games. And yeah, they're going worse than last year.
Speaker: And they're 26 last year and it's under 28 and a half. So give me another under. Why not to get two unders to add to my three overs? So that's my last pick. Michael, round us out. you guys have left me... i've got I've got three... I've whittled it down to three options. We got the over on the Jazz and the Wizards sitting at 37 and 34 games each. eye i think I think the Wizards kind of have to win over 34 games, but...
Speaker: I think it's only right in the spirit of the podcast for me to double down and sit with the shame. If I get this wrong, I'm going under on the Boston Celtics.
Speaker: They're not winning 51 games. They're winning 48 games. They're winning 47 games. They might win 40. They're not winning 51 games. I don't believe it. Joe Missoula.
Speaker: I want to hear more quotes about the town later this season when you're sitting at home. That's what I want to hear. I want to keep that same energy. All right. Can I just say, you just thought they could win 47 or 48 games. and if They don't make the playoffs. you don't have them get to the playoffs. Hang on. It's a hot Eastern conference. Okay.
Speaker: Everyone's winning 50 games. Oh, Lord. Okay. That rounds us out. So...
Speaker: So the picks, we've got Shane with the Pistons under 48.5. I've got the Rockets over 48.5. Michael, Heath and Grizzlies over 46.5 and over 29.5. I've Celtics over 51.5. Shane under on Raptors under on the Wizards.
Speaker: shame under on the raptors and under on the wizard's 46.5 and 34.5 there. I've got over on the Lakers, Michael has got over on and Raptors, I've got under on the Blazers, and jane it got over on the blazer was about forty one a half and under underunder at sixty one point five that's a good right under underunder I've got the Pelicans under 28.5 and Michael has rounded us off with the Celtics under 51.5. That is an NBA season preview wrapped up. Everything, everything covered for you.
Speaker: Don't say we didn't give you enough to start the season. It starts tonight. As you're listening to this, Tuesday, 8pm Irish time, we've got our first game on opening night, and then the Sixers play the Knicks at midnight that night and ah on Irish time. So, got a couple of interesting games, and then we're into the full flow of action for the rest of the week, and it's full steam ahead from there, lads. So, I'm excited for this season. Appreciate both of you. This is a long episode, everybody. Hopefully you enjoyed it. Leave us a like, subscribe, all that good stuff, because we did...
Speaker: What am I talking about? Just yapping.
Speaker: a full regular episode as usual coming again later this week we will be recording on wednesday instead of our usual thursday so the episode will be which you maybe thursday morning so keep an eye out it could be it a little bit earlier if if it's not there on friday it'll be there on thursday and so keep an eye over for that let's just wrap it bests luck good night god bless enjoy the nba season what am i talking about just yain
