ESPN came out with their annual list of predicting the records and seeds for the upcoming season for both conferences. The Chicago Bulls are predicted to win 50 games and claim the second seed this season according to ESPN, which is the same amount of games they won last season.
It makes sense since there wasn’t any roster changes besides the addition of Bobby Portis, but this could be a generous prediction from ESPN. With the coaching change made this summer, ESPN reporters predict the Bulls not to skip a beat in the regular season, which was Tom Thibodeau’s bread and butter. The change the Bulls are hoping for is post-season success under Fred Hoiberg.
If the Chicago Bulls can walk into the season under a new coaching regime and win the same amount of games as last season, consider it a success. The real judgement will be made in the playoffs for Fred Hoiberg.
The Cavaliers surprisingly aren’t predicted to win 60+ games this season. Though, a major reason why Cavaliers are projected to underachieve has a lot to do with Kyrie Irving’s injury that will keep him out until January. The Atlanta Hawks took the league by storm in the regular season last year, but ESPN believes they’ll take a step back to the Chicago Bulls.
The Miami Heat are expected to make their first playoff appearance since Lebron James’ departure. Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh hope to dominate the paint. The Milwaukee Bucks made big noise this summer with the addition of Greg Monroe, but they still lack experience which will probably hold them back.
Eastern Conference 2016 Projections:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: 59-23
2. Chicago Bulls: 50-32
3. Atlanta Hawks: 50-32
4. Miami Heat: 47-35
5. Washington Wizards: 46-36
6. Toronto Raptors: 44-38
7. Milwaukee Bucks: 44-38
8. Boston Celtics: 40-42
