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

Atlanta Hawks

Projected wins: 35 (-1)

Eastern Conference standings: 8th (no change)

The Atlanta Hawks are ready for a big come-up after acquiring Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic via sign-and-trades. Combine that with Trae Young’s continued development and the fact that the Hawks are feeling major pressure from ownership to win now, and you may find that while they harm their long-term outlook by getting too good too fast, they’re better this season than they may have been otherwise. Last season the Hawks only won 20 games, so this will be a big improvement for a young squad.

Boston Celtics

Projected wins: 40 (-5)

Eastern Conference standings: 6th (previously 3rd)

What changed: Kemba Walker’s absence has hurt and the Celtics struggled mightily to score in the preseason, even against lesser defensive squads. If he continues to miss extended time, the Celtics are going to have a hard time putting points on the board.

The Boston Celtics had a rough offseason, losing Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets for very little in return, but they have a historic trade exemption and signed Jeff Teague and Tristan Thompson. Not much more than a consolation prize, but it’s a consolation prize nonetheless. Even with some attrition thanks to the loss of Hayward, this is still going to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference next season as Jayson Tatum will look to continue to make good on the five-year, $163 million max extension he signed this offseason.