I hadn't really looked at the schedule until tonight. Those first 25 games look like a real gauntlet: @ Los Angeles Clippers Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia 76ers @ Toronto Raptors @ Detroit Pistons Memphis Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies @ Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers @ Utah Jazz Cleveland Cavaliers Los Angeles Lakers Oklahoma City Thunder @ Phoenix Suns Utah Jazz @ Milwaukee Bucks @ Indiana Pacers @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Clippers Utah Jazz Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors Phoenix Suns Washington Wizards what do you think Portland's record will be 25 games into the season? I'm seeing 7-8 wins and I may be aiming a bit high?
When I look at that and think about our talent and experience versus those teams I think the logical conclusion is 3-22 but we know we'll take a few that we shouldn't but the funny thing about a team at this level (which is a starting level or low level) is that we could win a few of those losses but we might give back a couple of those wins.
10 wins 15 losses is my prediction. Schedule is tough but I think we pick up a few wins from other teams with older vets starting slow as well as opponents overlooking our squad. Wouldn't be shocked if we have anywhere between 4 to 14 wins though. Small sample size can lead to some big variances. We have enough veterans and youth that may improve, we could certainly flirt with playing .500 ball for a stretch. Or we could get steamrolled. I hope this team really focus' on playing hard and giving max effort from day 1, regardless of results. We don't want the losses to turn into a long term losing culture.
Does it matter? This season is about growth and figuring out which players belong with the team’s future.
I doubt that posters at S2 playing around with win/loss predictions is going to impact the team's growth, so that's still on track I was just struck by how many teams in those first 25 games are likely going to be a lot better than Portland. And a young team starting with 13 of their first 20 games on the road is a big challenge
Bring it. It will pound home the need to stay focused and prepared for road games. Pressure makes diamonds.
No doubt it's a tough row to hoe. I'd say that probably on paper at least 25 teams are better than the Blazers, at least if experience is factored in. Rebuilds are tough.
what's funny about the schedule, and knowing what the level of the roster is likely to be: Over the years I'd look at the Blazer schedule and see 25-30 'should-win' games a year; and another 15-20 'decent-chance' games. The only season those values was reduced was when Olshey thought Whiteside-Bazemore-Hezonja-Tolliver were worthy replacements for Kanter-Aminu-Harkless-Curry-Turner-Meyers-Layman. (geeeeezuzzz!) anyway, this year, I'm not sure I see any 'should-win' games. Just a bunch of 'decent-chance' games. And about 50 'Yikes!!' games
Yikes! I will be optimistic and think our young guns and running style will shock a few teams 7-10 wins.
God that would be amazing... tanking at the beginning of the season instead of the end is genius and they'd never expect it.
