NBA Halloween: Playing trick-or-treat with 2017-18 early season trends

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets will be a playoff team: Trick

The Brooklyn Nets started their season 3-2, they boast a top 10 offense playing at the fastest pace in the NBA and they have a leading candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year in D’Angelo Russell, who is averaging 19.8 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Unfortunately, two straight losses dropped Kenny Atkinson’s squad below .500, Jeremy Lin is done for the season and the defense still needs major work.

In normal circumstances, we might feel ballsy enough to predict Brooklyn’s early energy and 3-point shooting will translate to a playoff spot, but with the Magic, Pacers and Pistons off to similar eye-opening starts, it’s hard to see it all coming together for the Nets.