We can't say enough nice things about Basketball Prospectus. If you haven't bought their book yet, you really need to do so by clicking here. After you're done placing your order, head on over to the BP blog and check out their final team projections. Here's what they have to say about Our Beloved Puppies:
West Lottery Win% W L Play Div Con NBA ORating DRating
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L.A. Clippers .501 41.1 40.9 .39 .06 .01 .00 109.2 (15) 108.8 (14)
Phoenix .495 40.6 41.4 .36 .05 .01 .00 112.5 (6) 112.5 (26)
Houston .470 38.5 43.5 .24 .01 .00 .00 108.8 (19) 109.5 (18)
Golden State .459 37.6 44.4 .21 .02 .00 .00 109.5 (14) 110.5 (22)
Oklahoma City .412 33.8 48.2 .08 .01 .00 .00 107.6 (24) 110.3 (21)
Minnesota .378 31.0 51.0 .03 .00 .00 .00 108.2 (22) 112.1 (23)
Sacramento .230 18.9 63.1 .00 .00 .00 .00 105.8 (28) 114.5 (30)The big change in the West is Golden State tumbling from a legit playoff threat (just ahead of the Clippers) to near the bottom of the pack of teams that legitimately aspire to make the playoffs this year. Alas, this owes less to the general dysfunction in the Bay Area than Brandan Wright's long-term shoulder injury. Minnesota also lost about a win and a half from what is in the book because of Kevin Love's injury and some other changes in projected playing time. Still, barring a catastrophic injury to Al Jefferson, it is difficult to see the Timberwolves finishing behind the Kings in the standings.
There you have it; a rallying cry for the year: Finish ahead of the Kings!