Originally Published: October 20, 2009
Chris Sheridan's 2009-10 Predictions
Our ESPN Insider forecasts the regular-season outcome for the Eastern Conference
Predicted Finish for Western Conference: 2009-10
| RANK | TEAM | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
|
 Los Angeles Lakers |
Strangely, IMHO, the conventional wisdom seems to be that the Artest signing will backfire on them. I seeing it giving them some knocks and pings, but making them far more dangerous in the postseason. Got 'em at 65-68 Ws. |
|
 San Antonio Spurs |
Loved the McDyess and Jefferson deals, but this second-place pick only holds up as long as Manu Ginobili's ankle does -- and I've seen Manu roll that ankle one or two too many times since the 2002 worlds to think it won't happen again. |
|
 Denver Nuggets |
At the end of the day, I'd be happy either way with a Cavs or Celtics-vs.-Lakers final. But what I really, really want is a rematch of the Kenyon Martin-Mark Cuban playoff theatrics. Plus J.R. Smith and Chris Andersen on my fantasy team. |
|
 Utah Jazz |
As the guy who triggered some of the Carlos Boozer histrionics last season when I asked him on the record whether he planned to opt out (using the phrase 'on the record' in my question), I now predict he'll both stay and boost his FA value. |
|
 N.O. Hornets |
If Hollinger is going to go so far out on a limb that he ranks him No. 1 in the league, the least I can do is predict Chris Paul and Co. will edge out Dallas for second place in the conference -- even with their gaping hole at 2-guard. |
|
 Dallas Mavericks |
Love their starting five, but the love ends there. Will be a tough opponent for someone in the playoffs (maybe even in the second round, but no further). Extra prediction: Mark Cuban somehow jumps the shark at A-S Weekend. |
|
 Por. Trail Blazers |
The longer the season goes with the Blake-Miller timeshare in place, the more they'll rue that July day when Hedo bolted on them. Greg Oden looked spry at Team USA camp, and when was the last time anybody said "Oden looked spry ..." |
|
 L.A. Clippers |
Pound for pound and position by position, they are rock-solid, deep and should not be overlooked just because of their historical pedigree. That said, the dynamic between Mike Dunleavy and Baron Davis remains a shaky foundation. |
|
 OKC Thunder |
I guess Kevin Durant learned a little about the importance of plus-minus recently -- he was a plus-24 against the Suns on Oct. 13. Also: Harden, sleeper pick for ROY. |
|
 Phoenix Suns |
The tricky thing about making Suns predictions is that owner Robert Sarver changes his mind as often as the wind changes directions. This team is not deep enough to go far in the playoffs, too talented to be blown up. Nash seems doomed to years of mediocrity after signing his extension. |
|
 Memphis Grizzlies |
Their top six (Gay, Mayo, Iverson, Gasol, Randolph, Conley) will certainly put up some points. But will they stop anybody at the other end? Hasheem Thabeet might get 50 blocks alone from picking up the guy who just dusted Zach. |
|
 Houston Rockets |
Best things we can say: We'll see a lot of Aaron Brooks' speed, Luis Scola's ability to score in the low post, and Shane Battier finally getting back to doing more than standing in the corner waiting for a kick-out 3. |
|
 G.S. Warriors |
We already know chapter and verse about Stephen Jackson. The natural follow-up: Who else will want out, and who will make it known next? I'll go with Corey Maggette, but I wouldn't take my eye off Anthony Randolph. |
|
 Sacramento Kings |
Question: What'll it take in addition to Jared Jeffries to get the Kings to send Kenny Thomas and his expiring contract to New York? Question 2: Can they get value for Andres Nocioni, who can be a major difference-maker for a Top 6 team. |
|
 Minn. Timberwolves |
Bending over backward to be positive, we'll say this. Jefferson, Love and Sessions will all provide tremendous value at a reasonable cost on your fantasy draft night. Memo to Kahn: Please bring back the old black road uniforms. |
Predicted Finish for Eastern Conference: 2009-10
| RANK | TEAM | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
|
 Boston Celtics |
The pregame player intros this season include a scoreboard shot of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels with the title "RE-LOADED." How about "OVERLOADED" or "SUPERLOADED"? Sheed says 73-9 is possible. I say 69 is their max. |
|
 Cleveland Cavaliers |
Opening night at home against the Celtics should be a blast. Let's see how the teams' difference in depth plays out in that opener and over the course of the season. Right now, I rank the Cavs a solid second in the East. Boston just looks better. |
|
 Orlando Magic |
IMHO, the Magic should have kept last season's group together. Hedo Turkoglu was so key to what they did in fourth quarters, and he was more consistent in the clutch than Vince Carter has been over the past 2-3 years. |
|
 Toronto Raptors |
It gets muddled in the middle trying to guess the one- or two-game difference that'll separate the East's 4 through 6 teams. A key for the Bosh Farewell Year is whether they'll get good 3-point shooting from Bargnani, Belinelli, Calderon and DeRozan. |
|
 Miami Heat |
We know what Wade will give them: 30 a night. The big key for me is what Jermaine O'Neal does in his contract year. Beasley at the 3 could be a genius move if he's truly developed the quickness coach Erik Spoelstra claims he has. |
|
 Chicago Bulls |
I'm not buying into the argument that Jannero Pargo is a poor man's Ben Gordon, and they'll be OK getting their fourth-quarter points from John Salmons now. But with Noah and Rose arching upward quickly, this is still a very solid team. |
|
 Atlanta Hawks |
Mike Bibby didn't look like he had a lot left in the tank last season, and I was surprised they re-signed him and thought Andre Miller would have been a better fit. Joe Johnson is entering a contract year, but newcomer Jamal Crawford likes to put up 20 shots a night, too. Hmmm. |
|
 Wash. Wizards |
We'll miss you, Hibachi/Agent Zero/Uberblogger -- if you stick to your guns and keep your mouth closed all season. But the guess here is the mime act-slash-silent treatment ends by mid-January en route to 44 wins and the playoffs. |
|
 Detroit Pistons |
Hate to swell on what-ifs, but what if they had never traded Chauncey and decided to bring back Rasheed and McDyess? I'd still take C, Rip, Tay, Sheed and McDyess as no worse than the fourth team in the conference. |
|
 Philadelphia 76ers |
No, we are not sold on Andre Miller as being so easily replaceable -- especially by a shoot-first, pass-second point guard like Louis Williams. Didn't they decide to acquire Miller because they were tired of having one of those? |
|
 Indiana Pacers |
I guess I'm down with the idea that if you miss the playoffs with Marquis Daniels and Jarrett Jack, both are expendable. But to let 'em both walk and get nothing back? Oh well, at least there's the reliability of T. Murph from the top of the key. |
|
 New York Knicks |
Oh, what a delight it'll be over the first three months of the season to watch the many ways they try to showcase Jared Jeffries. ("Look, he guards centers and PGs, and he's making his 3s and finishing his drives with dunks. Want him?") |
|
 Charlotte Bobcats |
They were trending upward big time over the latter half of last season, so it's risky to predict this far of a fall. But ... the franchise is for sale and in disarray, and disarray is not the setting in which you want Larry Brown to lead. |
|
 New Jersey Nets |
If his relationship with Devin Harris doesn't take the same type of detour it did last season, we can see Lawrence Frank finishing out the season. Harris and Brook Lopez will have to carry them, and fourth-quarter scoring will be tough. |
|
 Milwaukee Bucks |
One overriding, pertinent question: at what point during the season do they decide it is time to cut their losses with Michael Redd? Best-case scenario is they package him with Dan Gadzuric (two years, $14M remaining) for expiring contracts, a young upside guy and draft picks. |
Click the mugs below to see our writers' predictions
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