Thunderous Intentions
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Weighing in on ESPN over – under and OKC Thunder defense predictions

By Tamberlyn Richardson

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 26: Victor Oladipo, Ends Kanter, Nick Collison, Taj Gibson and Andre Roberson poses with Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder after receiving the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award at the NBA Awards Show on June 26, 2017 at Basketball City at Pier 36 in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 26: Victor Oladipo, Ends Kanter, Nick Collison, Taj Gibson and Andre Roberson poses with Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder after receiving the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award at the NBA Awards Show on June 26, 2017 at Basketball City at Pier 36 in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ESPN panel offered predictions for over and under achievers with one earmarking the OKC Thunder to excel defensively.

OKC Thunder added significantly to their roster this offseason which should find them placing higher on pundits preseason predictions.

To that end, as the NBA draws nearer to training camp analysts and pundits will offer predictions on how teams will perform. ESPN recently conducted one such round table with five different writers. Representing ESPN were Chris Forsberg, Tom Haberstroh, Baxter Holmes, Ohm Youngmisuk and Chris Herring from Five Thirty Eight Each of the five writers were asked which teams would over perform, under perform in each conference and were asked to make a bold prediction.

Over Performers:

East:

The benchmark the pundits used to base their decisions on was the previous ESPN Eastern and Western Conference forecast for all 30 teams.  Forsberg and Herring selected Toronto Raptors (47-35).  Holmes and Youngmisuk picked Philadelphia 76ers (37-45 – a nine game jump). And Haberstroh  earmarked Brooklyn Nets (26-56) as teams they expect to exceed expectations.

All three teams make sense to notch higher win totals. Toronto dd lose quality players such  as OKC’s new power forward Patrick Patterson, but they’ve played consistently for several seasons and Kyle Lowry missed a quarter of the season due to injury last year. Likewise Philly dominated when Embiid was healthy, so being a year older and wiser it stands to reason they will take a step up.

Based on offseason moves there are several other teams which easily could make the list. Especially considering the movement of so many stars to the West this summer.

Other than the three above teams my short list would also include the Washington Wizards who were forecast to replicate last season’s win total  (49-33). Likewise the Detroit Pistons were forecast to repeat their 37 wins. Considering they under performed last season and were hit hard by injury this scribe believes they’ll surpass that total especially with Avery Bradley added to the mix.

West:

Forsberg and Herring selected the Spurs -(54-28, a 7-game fall off). Haberstroh picked the Jazz (44-38) who were also forecast to drop 7-games into the loss column. Holmes picked the Clippers (45-37) and Youngmisuk went with the Lakers (32-50).

Stating the obvious, it’s curious none of the five thought the OKC Thunder forecast of 50-32 garnered them making the list. When the ESPN list was released it seemed  odd they were only forecast to win three additional games this season. This in spite of the Paul George, Patrick Patterson, Raymond Felton and Terrance Ferguson additions. Granted, the usual shift trend is generally in the 4 to 6 game range. Still, it’s Paul George – he alone should raise the OKC Thunder win total to well above projections.

Under Performers:

East:

Philly also made the under performer list via Haberstroh and Herring. Forsberg, Holmes and Youngmisuk selected the Heat, Cavaliers and Pacers respectively.

My sentiments align with Holmes particularly with the current turmoil in the Land. The other East squad which might disappoint is the Celtics.  I’m not suggesting they won’t be in the upper tier especially since they reside in the East and have the second easiest NBA strength of schedule. That said, this team won’t have the benefit of surprise this season. Every opponent will be expecting a battle when playing Boston. That alone could force them into some tougher contests this season. ‘

West:

Forsberg and Herring selected the Timberwolves citing a 17-game jump as excessive. For what it’s worth I tend to agree, though Minnesota’s easy season start could help kick start their campaign.

Haberstroh made what might be considered an unpopular selection going with the Rockets. He predicts they’ll ease into the post season and therefore not be gunning for victories over health. I tend to agree the 57 win forecast seems high, but my reasoning is very different. The roster turnover will take time to mesh particularly Paul and Harden.

Rounding out the under achievers Holmes and Youngmisuk selected the Jazz and Clippers.

With so much depth in the West several teams might fall short of their forecast. If Portland suffers any type of injury they could easily fall short of their 42 win forecast. Yet, the main squads who call miss the mark are teams who recognize they won’t make the playoffs and decide to tank early in an effort to improve their draft position. This makes the Suns, Kings, Lakers and possibly the Pelicans or Mavericks prime to miss the mark.

OKC Thunder make bold prediction list:

More from Thunderous Intentions

Lastly the five scribes were asked to make bold predictions. Herring selected the OKC Thunder to focus his attentions upon.

"Herring: The Thunder solidify themselves as the best defense in the league, and find a rhythm with new acquisition Paul George much quicker than anyone thought they would. They make a strong push for the No. 2 seed in the regular season, and follow that up by meeting the Warriors in the Western Conference finals in their first season with this group."

For followers of Thunderous Intentions this isn’t much of a stretch. Several of the TI team have already highlighted the fact Patterson and George should serve to improve upon on already rock solid defense.

I’ve gone even further in my predictions guaranteeing the OKC Thunder will boast the best clutch defense in the league and will offer the perfect lengthy fodder to the Warriors.

Summing up the predictions, one thing is clear- – the OKC Thunder may surprise a few pundits this season, but here at TI our expectations for this crew are sky high.

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