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NBA predictions: 2020-21 NBA win-totals predictions revisited

By Duncan Smith

May 18, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Justin Holiday (8) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) congratulate each other the end of the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Justin Holiday (8) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) congratulate each other the end of the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA regular season is over and the playoffs are set to begin, but before they start, we need to look back and see how our win-total predictions here at Hoops Habit worked out for all 30 teams.

We went into the most chaotic season in the league’s history, even more so than last year’s COVID-induced hiatus and subsequent bubble. This season was one destined to be heavily influenced by the ravages of COVID, and injuries and absences directly related to the league’s condensed schedule.

How did all 30 NBA teams fare compared to their pre-season win-total predictions?

Sure enough, plenty of teams were absolutely leveled by COVID, and it had huge impacts on the competitive outlook of the league. In addition, we had one of the biggest mid-season blockbuster trades in recent history, a four-team deal that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets.

It was an upside-down, topsy turvy season, but before the season began, this writer did his best to predict the win-totals for all 30 teams. This article was written before the season and revised after the Houston Rockets made their first big trade, sending Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall, but before the James Harden trade that decimated the Rockets once and for all.

Needless to say, you’ll see the Rockets’ win-total ends up being off by just about one astronomical unit.

So, go read the original win-totals article found here, and then follow along as we reassess my own personal predictions.

We’re going to take a look at three different categories as follows:

  • On the money (0-2 wins differential)
  • Close but no cigar (3-6 wins differential)
  • Way off the mark (7-plus wins differential)

Without further ado, let’s begin with a look at the teams we were closest to.