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**NBA Season Projections: How Each Team Can Exceed Expectations**
As the new NBA season approaches, teams are looking for ways to improve their chances of success. While some teams are focused on winning as many games as possible, others may be more interested in increasing their lottery odds. Here’s a look at how each team can exceed their projected win totals, or in some cases, intentionally fall short.
**Eastern Conference**
* Atlanta Hawks: If rookie Zaccharie Risacher proves to be a quick learner, the Hawks could add two wins to their total.
* Boston Celtics: If they can repeat as the league’s best offense, the Celtics could add nearly two wins to their projection.
* Brooklyn Nets: By trading starters and redistributing minutes, the Nets could intentionally drop their win total by almost two games.
* Charlotte Hornets: If LaMelo Ball stays healthy, the Hornets could add almost two wins to their total.
* Chicago Bulls: Trading Zach LaVine could lead to a drop in wins for the Bulls, putting them in a stronger position to keep their first-round pick.
* Cleveland Cavaliers: If Evan Mobley wins Defensive Player of the Year, the Cavaliers could add almost a win to their total.
* Detroit Pistons: If Cade Cunningham makes a significant leap, the Pistons could add two wins to their projection.
* Indiana Pacers: If they become the league’s best offense, the Pacers could add over two wins to their total.
* Miami Heat: If rookie Kel’el Ware contributes immediately, the Heat could add over a win to their outlook.
* Milwaukee Bucks: If Damian Lillard returns to top-five status offensively, the Bucks could add over a win and a half to their total.
* New York Knicks: If Jalen Brunson repeats as All-NBA first team, the Knicks could add over two wins to their outlook.
* Orlando Magic: If Paolo Banchero takes the next step, the Magic could add nearly two wins to their total.
* Philadelphia 76ers: If Paul George has a repeat season, the 76ers could add nearly two wins to their projection.
* Toronto Raptors: Trading Bruce Brown Jr. at the deadline could lead to a drop in wins for the Raptors, putting them in a stronger position to accumulate lottery odds.
* Washington Wizards: If Jordan Poole has another down year, the Wizards could drop their win total by over two games.
**Western Conference**
* Dallas Mavericks: If they repeat their post-All-Star defense, the Mavericks could add over a win to their total.
* Denver Nuggets: If Christian Braun becomes a reliable contributor, the Nuggets could add over a win and a half to their total.
* Golden State Warriors: If Stephen Curry defies aging, the Warriors could add nearly three wins to their total.
* Houston Rockets: If their young players maintain their defensive improvement, the Rockets could add over three wins to their total.
* LA Clippers: If Kawhi Leonard plays 68 games, the Clippers could add nearly two wins to their total.
* Los Angeles Lakers: If Anthony Davis plays 76 games, the Lakers could add over a win to their total.
* Memphis Grizzlies: If Jaren Jackson Jr. wins Defensive Player of the Year, the Grizzlies could add over a win to their total.
* Minnesota Timberwolves: If they repeat as the league’s best defense, the Timberwolves could add over four wins to their total.
* New Orleans Pelicans: If Zion Williamson plays 70 games, the Pelicans could add over a win to their total.
* Oklahoma City Thunder: If Chet Holmgren stays healthy, the Thunder could add nearly a win to their total.
* Phoenix Suns: If Kevin Durant helps lead a top-five offense, the Suns could add over a win and a half to their total.
* Portland Trail Blazers: If they reduce minutes for their starters, the Trail Blazers could drop their win total by nearly a full game.
* Sacramento Kings: If DeMar DeRozan repeats last season, the Kings could add over two wins to their total.
* San Antonio Spurs: If Stephon Castle develops outside shooting, the Spurs could add nearly three wins to their total.
* Utah Jazz: If they shut down Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz could drop their win total by over a game, putting them in a stronger position to accumulate lottery odds.
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