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NBA Predictions: December 21st updated 2020-21 NBA win total projections

By Duncan Smith

December 25, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 25, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks

Projected wins: 52

Eastern Conference standings: 1st

The Milwaukee Bucks had yet another outstanding regular season in 2019-20, only to flame out against the Miami Heat in the second round of the NBA playoffs. They’re going to have to do better in 2020-21, and they’ll need more from two-time defending MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. They will also need more from his new-look supporting cast, led by Jrue Holiday. The Bucks finally have a Big 3, comprised of Antetokounmpo, Holiday and Khris Middleton that can hang with just about anybody in the NBA, now they have to just go out there and do it.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Projected wins: 27

Western Conference standings: 14th

The Minnesota Timberwolves won the lottery, ending up with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, and they selected Anthony Edwards out of Georgia. They also did some wheeling and dealing via trades, bringing Ricky Rubio back into the fold. Alas, that’s not going to matter much in the end, because Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell simply don’t have enough help. This will be a multi-year project to get things turned around for Minnesota.