High 46
Low 32
Leaning towards the low. I think Brunson caught folks off guard last season. Teams came in with a plan to beat Randle and Brunson beat them. I think every team will come in with a plan to beat Brunson and will force Randle and Barrett to beat them. There is value in continuity, but we caught a lot of teams unprepared or injured last season. Good wins, but can't rely on toughness over talent. I don't think our 3pt shooting is real. I think every team will have a ton of tape on how to beat the Knicks.
1) Cleveland got exposed by Mitch Robinson. But those bigs will be a year older and a year stronger. Not saying that Mitch doesn't beast on them again, but I think they will come prepared to body him up.
2) Miami should be worse, but we took 3 out of 4 in the regular season and a healthy Butler/Adebayo is a handful for us. Expect to win less.
3) We gave the Celts fits during the regular season. I think they are improved. In fact, they may be approaching my "perfect team". Still have to play the games, but they are my choice for NBA champs
4) The Wemby Tank is no longer a thing. More teams will be competitive longer.
5) Nets broke down with drama. Don't expect them to be as dysfunctional this season.
6) Philly seems more busted, but honestly, they were good without Harden.
7) Bucks look like like 1a and 1b with Boston. I'm giving Boston the edge, but its tight. Its only cause I don't think Lill can defend.
8) Toronto is changing coaches. Don't know which way they go, but they are a bad matchup for us every year.
I know pundits are backing the Knicks cause of continuity and their playoff push last year, but I think that just makes teams take the Knicks games more serious. I worry this team will not evolve further.
But I hope I am wrong.
This is the Randle.