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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: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

San Antonio Spurs

Projected wins: 31 (+1)

Western Conference standings: 11th

As the saying goes, all good things come to an end. Unfortunately for the San Antonio Spurs, at least in this iteration, their run of greatness has met just such a fate. They missed the playoffs last season for the first time in decades, and considering how stacked the Western Conference is, it’s going to be almost impossible for them to get back in next season. Of course, underestimate head coach Gregg Popovich at your own peril, but I don’t think this is an underestimation at all.

Toronto Raptors

Projected wins: 42

Eastern Conference standings: 4th

The Toronto Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard last season and barely seemed to miss a step. They finished with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and both Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam had breakout campaigns. Next season will be a challenge with both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka departed to various Los Angeles basketball clubs, but they were replaced in the frontcourt by Aron Baynes and Alex Len, so they’ll probably be just fine. They may dip a bit in the wins column, but they’re going to be 48 minutes of hell to face every single night once again.