Vegas Over/Under: 48.5
Fromal’s Record Projection: 48-34
The Bet: Avoid but lean under
Even though the Toronto Raptors‘ offseason could be deemed a positive because they were able to keep Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, they didn’t escape scot-free.
Cory Joseph and DeMarre Carroll were exchanged away to fresh locations, which puts much more pressure on Delon Wright and new registering C.J. Miles to fill the shoes of the departed contributors.
Fortunately, they ought to have the ability to.
Joseph was not especially successful in Toronto, and Wright has significantly more upside as Lowry’s primary backup. And following Carroll proved a separation on his new arrangement, Miles should match with his spot-up art and willingness to do the little things so well.
These are powerful but largely lateral moves, containing high floors but more than hints in loftier ceilings.
The Raptors went 51-31 last year, and that was an accurate representation of their skills.
However, regression is coming–not due to roster moves, but rather players slipping down in the leaguewide pecking order. Lowry is another year removed from his 30th birthday (bad news for a point guard), Ibaka is no spring chicken and the group is relying on even more youth for its depth, which might result in some inconsistent showings.
Toronto should still finish near the top of the Eastern Conference; our projections have them in No. 4. But compelling for 50 wins may be asking a bit much.
Read more here: http://blog.janaretz.de/?p=2706