NBA Over/Unders, Part 1: The West With Zach Lowe and Joe House

Key Takeaways

The annual Over/Unders podcast for the Western Conference projected win totals for all 15 teams.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, with a 62.5 win total, were considered a strong 'over' bet, drawing comparisons to the 1992 Chicago Bulls.
Key discussions involved player health, star motivation post-championship, and the impact of new acquisitions across the league.
The Ringer's video podcasts, including this episode, are transitioning to Netflix as part of an experimental initiative.
Predictions for the Western Conference finals included an OKC-Denver matchup, with both teams viewed as a tier above the rest of the conference.

The Thunder's win total is set at 62.5, following an historically high net rating of +12.7 last season.
Expected wins were calculated at 69, leading to discussions about them being a potential 70-win team.
FanDuel odds for 70 wins are +680, seen as attractive given the team's youth and defensive strength.

Discussion centered on whether Nikola Jokic's career trajectory, including potential MVP and another championship, will solidify his status as an all-time great.
Comparisons were drawn to other NBA legends and their accomplishments.
Jokic is currently identified as potentially 'owning' the 2020s decade, following figures like Michael Jordan (90s) and LeBron James (2010s).

The Timberwolves' win total is debated at 49.5, despite their 49 wins last season.
Concerns include the potential decline of Mike Conley and the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Positive factors for exceeding the total are their strong defensive capabilities and Anthony Edwards' continued development.

The combined salaries of Drew Holiday, Jerami Grant, and Damian Lillard were deemed poor cap management.
Grant's addition was aimed at retaining Lillard, and Holiday was traded for veteran leadership.
The cost of these acquisitions in terms of future cap flexibility and long-term player options was questioned.

The Rockets' win total is set at 52.5, with roster changes including adding Kevin Durant and losing Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green.
Concerns about Fred Van Vleet's injury and potential offensive stagnation led hosts to lean towards the 'under'.
Coach Ime Udoka is highlighted as a key factor in managing chemistry and maintaining a high floor for the team.

Rookie Victor Wembanyama's development is central to the Spurs' season, with early injury concerns noted.
His current performance shows improved physical presence, fluid movement, and developing offensive skills.
Wembanyama is already considered an impactful player and a legitimate MVP candidate due to his early play.

The Los Angeles Lakers' win total is set at 40.5, adjusted from an initial 49.5.
Their season performance critically depends on Anthony Davis playing at least 65 games.
Davis has only surpassed the 65-game mark once since the 2017-18 season, raising durability concerns.

The Pelicans' win total is set at 30.5, with an incentive to play hard due to losing their first-round pick in a crypto scandal.
Roster changes include the acquisition of Jordan Poole and the departure of key veterans like CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas.
The team's performance is heavily reliant on Zion Williamson's health, with skepticism expressed about his immediate impact.

The Clippers' win total is projected at 49.5, with additions including James Harden, Bradley Beal, and Brook Lopez.
The acquisition of John Collins is seen as a valuable asset that checks many boxes for the team.
Despite concerns about the team's age and injury history, the consensus among hosts is to bet 'over' on their win total.

The Lakers' win total is set at 47.5, following their Western Conference Finals appearance.
Discussion focused on the team's consistency and the play of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Roster continuity and the potential for late-season surges were considered key factors in their season outlook.

The Warriors' win total is set at 47.5, with questions surrounding Jonathan Kuminga's future and role.
The team recorded a strong 22-8 record with an 8.8 net rating in the final 30 games of the previous season.
Discussion included estimating that core players like Draymond Green and Steph Curry would play together for approximately 60 games.

The Phoenix Suns' win total is set at 31.5, following significant roster changes.
Notable departures included Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, with additions like Dillon Brooks and Bol Bol.
Hosts expressed concerns about ball-handling and the youth of the centers, while one found the experimental roster intriguing.