NBA Pre-season win predictions: Eastern Conference, Southeast Division
By Brian Boake
Oct 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards
Last season: 46 – 36
This season: 49 – 33
This team is close to the sweet spot for success, that being a roster of youthful veterans. While the Wiz have no transformative player like LeBron or Steph Curry, they don’t have any weaknesses either.
Marcin Gortat is a fine two-way centre. John Wall at the point uses his blazing speed to great advantage. Bradley Beal is a constant threat from outside. Kris Humphries can rebound and defend, and has added a 3-point shot to his repetoire.
Those guys are solid and consistent, but the Wiz need someone to take off. That might be swingman Otto Porter, who’s shown flashes of considerable talent. I don’t normally factor rookies into these forecasts, but Kelly Oubre looks ready for the bright lights.
Veterans like Alan Anderson, Nene and Ramon Sessions round out a deep lineup.
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