LOR2 Plus

[Laimbeer40]

Central Division Preview

Chicago

Outlook: The Bulls started in LOR2 with a .657 win% in their first season and it's been a rough ride since then. They went through a DEEP rebuild and decided to cash it all in to compete this year. Did they succeed in that mission? Well they have two Top 50-ish players with Chris Paul and CJ McCollum. Then they have a bunch of 3rd options. I'm not sure that's going to get it done. This has all the makings of a 4th-5th seed.

Projected Record: 39-25
Current Record: 34-17-1 (Currently a 4th seed as expected. CJ's injuries didn't help matters)
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Cleveland

Outlook: This feels like Goldie has been tinkering with this roster for a long time. The Cavs were a mess when he took them over and they have been flush with draft picks ever since. They had a .355 win% in Year One and have yet to match that. Now they have collected so much talent that it would be disappointing if they don't compete for the playoffs. But with the 2021 Draft Class supposed to be so transcendent can they resist hoarding more draft picks instead?

Projected Record: 31-33
Current Record: 29-20-3 (Definitely missed the mark on this one as I undersold LaMelo. CLE traded him for Russ but the point is that's an additional top player I didn't project)
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Detroit

Outlook: This is a tough projection to make. This is another team with no prior winning seasons but they have a Greek Freak. Then D'Angelo Russell and DeAndre Ayton form a nice tandem. Avidja should contribute as should Kennard. They gave up a tidy sum to get Shake Milton. The arrow is pointing up on these guys but I'm still not sold on them.

Projected Record: 33-31
Current Record: 24-27-1 (Lost D.Russell for about 2 months otherwise my projection would be spot on)
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Indiana

Outlook: The Pacers have always strong. It could be argued they have been the East's best franchise since LOR2 started. They have 2 finals appearances and were trending toward a 3rd last season. True to form this team is stacked once again. Savvy trades for Bertans and Oubre really solidified the Flex position. I also think Desmond Bane has a chance to be a sneaky contributor. 

Projected Record: 54-10
Current Record: 42-10 (It has been an injury riddled season but definitely not a team you want to see in your playoff bracket)
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Milwaukee

Outlook: The Bucks always seem to hedge their bets but this has become a squad. Can they stay healthy? Jokic, KD, JJJ and LaVine are all legit. Sekou, Poku and Culver will be instrumental if they want to make a Finals run.

Projected Record: 47-17

Current Record: 20-30-2 (So no they couldn't stay healthy and Sekou, Poku and Culver have been mediocre. Way off on this one)