2010-2011 NBA Predictions: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for All 30 NBA Teams

The 2010-2011 season is now upon us.  Next week, all 30 NBA teams will start competition and begin answering the questions we have been asking all summer.  

Each team brings to the table their own storylines.  Some are out-and-out contenders to win it all. Others will be left playing for a lottery pick.  So it is with this list.  I have broken down all 30 teams in the Association and provided their best and worst case scenarios.  

Now this is a bit tricky. As we all know, the best case scenario for any team is to win a title and the worst is to come in dead last.  With this list, I have made predictions that are reasonable for the talent on the roster.

There is no way the Heat will lose every game.  Similarly, the Timberwolves will not be going deep into the playoffs.  So, let’s begin:

Atlantic Division: Boston Celtics

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BOSTON - JUNE 10: Dancers for the Boston Celtics perform against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Four of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 10, 2010 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

Best Case Scenario - Champions

For the Celtics, the best they can do is a little better than they did last year.  They are legitimate contenders and should be in the mix come June.  They boast one of the deepest benches when it comes to big men. When Kendrick Perkins gets healthy around the All-Star break, they will have three centers to pit against anyone in the East.

Worst Case Scenario - Seventh seed

With the emergence of Miami, there is no telling where the Celtics will fit in the playoff picture.  The only certainty is there will be a playoff picture.  They could falter during the season.  Aged legs may hurt them during the regular season, but they should make the postseason comfortably.

Atlantic Division: New Jersey Nets

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NEW YORK - MAY 19: New Jersey Nets Owner Mikhail Prokhorov addresses the media during a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel on May 19, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Best Case Scenario - 28 wins

The New Jersey Nets were horrible last year, winning only 12 games.  Things are not looking any prettier this year.  Without a significant free agent signing outside of Jordan Farmar, they may be in lottery territory yet again.  

I do believe they underachieved a bit last year.  Devin Harris is quietly one of the better guards in the league and Brook Lopez is a star on the rise.  If Derrick Favors can get past some growing pains they will improve on last year's standings.  

Worst Case Scenario - 15 wins

In all reality, they will need to make a drastic change to compete immediately.  As it is, they are a 12-win team facing some very tough eastern competition. 

Atlantic Division: New York Knicks

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: Director Spike Lee applauds a Knicks basket during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center December 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

Best Case Scenario - Seventh/Eighth seed

Now they have a consistent player to produce for them in Amar'e Stoudemire.  They will still finish third in the Atlantic with Boston and Philadelphia playing ahead of them.  Forty wins, though, is not out of the question.  

Worst Case Scenario - 28 wins

They are still lacking depth.  But with hopes higher this year than last, a return to last season’s form would be seen as a disaster. 

Atlantic Division: Philadelphia 76ers

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NEW YORK - MARCH 19: Jrue Holiday #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 19, 2010 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or us

Best Case Scenario - Seventh/Eighth seed

I like the 76ers, a lot.  They are my dark horse to make some noise this year.  It will be up to youngster Jrue Holiday to come into his own and for Elton Brand to remember how much he is being paid.  If they do that, a return to the playoffs is in sight.

Worst Case Scenario - 25 wins

But we are talking about a relatively young team here.  The preseason has also not been so kind to them. 

Atlantic Division: Toronto Raptors

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DALLAS - FEBRUARY 12: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors shoots during the Slam Dunk Challenge held at halftime during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at American Airlines Center on February 12, 2010 in D

Best Case Scenario - 40 wins

The Raptors do have some speed with Calderon and DeRozan in the back court.  I guess maybe you can even make an argument that losing Bosh was addition by subtraction.  That would be a stretch though.  The best they could do is equal last year’s production.  

Worst Case Scenario - 25 wins

Did I mention they lost their All-Star?  Easily worth 10 games a year.  The fall-out will add some more. 

Central Division: Cleveland Cavaliers

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BOSTON - MAY 09: Antawn Jamison #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a shot as Kendrick Perkins #43 of the Boston Celtics defends during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA playoffs at TD Garden on May 9, 2010 in Boston, Massach

Best Case Scenario - 39 wins

Last year, the Cavs won the east during the regular season.  Yeah, it is best to lower expectations this time around.  Losing your center, and that LeBron guy, is easily worth 20 wins a season.  The best they can do is fight for the last remaining playoff spot.  If they do, you have my permission to issue a parade.  

Worst Case Scenario - Lottery team

Not only is the worse case scenario here that they finish well out of the playoff picture, you can add the horror of them getting beaten up by the visiting Heat as well.  That should be a well attended game. 

Central Division: Milwaukee Bucks

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ATLANTA - MAY 2: Guard Brandon Jennings #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks gets set to shoot a free throw during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on

Best Case Scenario - Fourth seed

The Bucks will have another year under their belt and should improve on the great year they had last year.  I am just not sure how much.  The Heat, Magic, Celtics and Bulls are all better than they are.  You can add into the Hawks as spoilers as well.  One thing is for sure.  That is they will make some noise yet again.  

Worst Case Scenario - Sixth - Eighth seed

Like I inferred, the Eastern Conference is deep, the deepest it has been in years.  Teams like the Hawks and Bucks may struggle to find a great seeding come playoff time. 

Central Division: Indiana Pacers

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DALLAS - FEBRUARY 22: Forward Troy Murphy #3 of the Indiana Pacers takes a shot against Brendan Haywood #33 of the Dallas Mavericks on February 22, 2010 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees t

Best Case Scenario - 35 wins

The Pacers have some great outside shooting.  This young team should improve on their dismal season last year.  It will not be by much, however.

Worst Case Scenario - Lottery team

The glaring weakness the Pacers have is a proven scorer.  They have a bunch of guys that can stroke it from outside but no one who will post the big numbers for you. Their inexperience may force them to the back.

Central Division: Detroit Pistons

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Rodney Stuckey #3 of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the closing minutes of the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on February 24, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Pistons

Best Case Scenario - 35-40 wins

Detroit should move ahead of Indiana in the standings.  I don't think they will improve too much on their lot, but it will be enough to assuage Pistons fans.

Worst Case Scenario - 25 wins

The problem is that they rely too heavily on the aging Rip Hamilton to score.  Their center has also seen better days.  Elite teams in the east are just quicker and, well, better. 

Central Division: Chicago Bulls

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CHICAGO - APRIL 25: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives around Antawn Jamison #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illino

Best Case Scenario - Champions

You hear all about the Celtics,  the Magic and the Heat.  But you cannot sleep on the Bulls.  By landing Boozer, they have a potent frontcourt when Joakim Noah is in the game.  Derrick Rose will continue to rise as a star in the NBA.  The Bulls are legitimate contenders to the title.  

Worst Case Scenario - Fifth - Eighth seed

Expectations are at about at least a fourth seed in the east, so anything less is disappointing. 

Southeast Division: Orlando Magic

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ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic smiles during the game against the New Orleans Hornets at Amway Arena on October 10, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

Best Case Scenario - Champions

The Magic have the best defender in the Association in Dwight Howard.  They are also perennial contenders.  Nothing new here.

Worst Case Scenario - Second-round knockout

The Magic want back to the finals.  With new powerhouse Miami in the mix, it will be awfully difficult to do so. Their nightmare is also plausible.  The east is that good.

Southeast Division: Miami Heat

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 12: Forward LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat prior to playing CSKA Moskow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph,

Best Case Scenario - Champions

This is obvious.  This is what they are shooting for, and this is what they think they can attain.  Anything less is a lost season.

Worst Case Scenario - Playoff exit

Anything less than a finals berth, and LeBron and Wade will consider it a travesty. 

Southeast Division: Charlotte Bobcats

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CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 26: Boris Diaw #32 of the Charlotte Bobcats dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Magic defeated the Bobcats 99-90 to complete the four game sweep.

Best Case Scenario - Seventh/Eighth seed

It is sad that no one comes out to see the Bobcats.  These boys put forth a good effort.  A winning season will be just getting back to the playoffs.  

Worst Case Scenario - 30 wins

I like Boris Diaw to keep this team together.  I just don’t trust Stephen Jackson.  In a sense, I think they already had a great season last year.  This should have been a 35-40 win team even then.

Southeast Division: Washington Wizards

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CLEVELAND - APRIL 19: Gilbert Arenas #0 of the Washington Wizards looks on while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 19, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio

Best Case Scenario - 40 wins

With Gilbert Arenas back, they should improve on a horrid effort last year.  What they can get out of John Wall this year will also dictate their success.

Worst Case Scenario - 20 wins

Which Arenas are you getting exactly?  Will it be the new more “serious” Arenas or the ball-hog self-promoting one?  If it is the latter, you may want to keep the rookie John Wall away from him. 

Southeast Division: Atlanta Hawks

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ATLANTA - MAY 10: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Orlando Magic during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

Best Case Scenario - Eastern Conference championship

Last season, the Hawks put together a nice enough effort that Hawks fans were drooling.  When it came to the big dance that is the playoffs they were knocked out early.  It will be difficult, but Atlanta should feel terrific if they can get to the Eastern finals.  

Worst Case Scenario - First-round knockout

Or, they could fail to even make it to the second round this time. 

Northwest Division: Utah Jazz

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PHOENIX - OCTOBER 12: Head coach Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz talks during the preseason NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on October 12, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa

Best Case Scenario - Western Conference finals

Utah always has bad timing.  In the 90s it was the Bulls.  This past decade it was the Lakers.  But this year a couple of teams have fallen off in front of them.  Phoenix will see a drop off.  There is no thought the Spurs should be better.  They could get past the Thunder in seven games if the cards go right.  Oh, yeah the Lakers.

Worst Case Scenario - Seventh/Eighth seed

Jerry Sloan does two things great and those are defense, and execution, and making the playoffs.  Okay, three things. 

Northwest Division: Minnesota Timberwolves

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PHOENIX - MARCH 16: Kevin Love #42 of the Minnesota Timberwolves puts up a shot during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 16, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 152-114. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Best Case Scenario - 25 wins

The Timberwolves could improve greatly on their 15 wins last season.  I say could, but they won’t.  They are in the same predicament as the Nets.  Sorry.  

Worst Case Scenario - 10 wins

Back-tracking even a little for this team is just depressing.  But that is what happens when you post a Western Conference-worst 15 wins. Any side step the following year is just hilarious to the rest of us. 

Northwest Division: Denver Nuggets

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PHOENIX - APRIL 13: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets in action during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on April 13, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 123-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Best Case Scenario - Finals and Carmelo stays

If Carmelo re-ups on his contract and the Nuggets stay healthy, they will once again be contenders in the West.

Worst Case Scenario - Eighth seed and Melo bolts

The other scenario is they are left with no Carmelo and a bunch of dudes with way too many tattoos. 

Northwest Division: Oklahoma City Thunder

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Russell Westbrook #0 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder sit on the bench late in the fourth quarter while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 20

Best Case Scenario - Finals

The Thunder are good.  They will have a much higher seed then eight this year.  They showed even last season that they can go toe-to-toe with the eventual-champion Lakers.  Durant, Westbrook, Green; there is a lot to like here.

Worst Case Scenario - Eighth seed

For a team with this much upside, the only downer is if they didn’t improve.

Northwest Division: Portland Trail Blazers

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Greg Oden #52 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks over Anthony Randolph #4 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA game at Oracle Arena on November 20, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Best Case Scenario - Third-Fifth seed

Portland, like the Thunder, is a young team with valuable tools that just need to be nurtured.  Greg Oden has showed what he can do when healthy.  If he is, the Blazers will make some noise out west.  

Worst Case Scenario - Eighth seed

They could also take a step back.  There is tons to like here, but a young team could revert to a sloppy one.  If Oden is injured, Marcus Camby will have to play too many minutes at his age. 

Pacific Division: Sacramento Kings

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DALLAS - FEBRUARY 12: Tyreke Evans #13 of the Rookie team shoots against Kevin Love #42 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Sophomore team during the second half of the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at American Airli

Best Case Scenario - 35 wins

Sacramento’s situation is a bit tricky.  They are a young team in a volatile division.  If they find some form of chemistry, they could turn some heads.

Worst Case Scenario - 20 wins

If the Suns rebound from losing Stoudemire, and the Clippers realize they are good on paper, the Kings could once again be looking up from the bottom. 

Pacific Division: Los Angeles Lakers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: (L-R) Cisco Adler, Lou Adler, Jack Nicholson and Raymond Nicholson attend Game Seven of the NBA playoff finals between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2010 NBA Playoff at Staples Center on June 17, 20

Best Case Scenario - Champions

It seems like every offseason the Lakers spend after a championship, all is serene.  This is what the Lakers expect every year.  

Worst Case Scenario - Not champions

If not, people are moved.  There are trade rumors.  Kobe is unhappy.  The Buss Family is unhappy.  Phil retires.  You know, one big mess. 

Pacific Division: Golden State Warriors

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 27: A Golden State Warriors cheerleader preforms during their game against the New Orleans Hornets at Oracle Arena on January 27, 2010 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadin

Best Case Scenario - 35 wins

Golden State has upside.  Whether they realize this during the course of 82 games is another thing altogether.

Worst Case Scenario - 25 wins

More than likely, this team will be battling it out with the Kings for who reigns supreme at the bottom of the Pacific.

Pacific Division: Phoenix Suns

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PHOENIX - OCTOBER 19: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball past Monta Ellis #8 of the Golden State Warriors during the preseason NBA game at US Airways Center on October 19, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

Best Case Scenario - Conference finals

They will miss Amar'e Stoudemire dearly.  But, I just cannot count out Steve Nash.  The man is a genius in getting the most from his role players.  I mean, look at Grant Hill.

Worst Case Scenario - Eighth seed

Yes, look at Grant Hill.  I know you look at him the same way I do.  When are you going to get hurt Grant?  I know it’s coming Grant.  These are all things I say to myself as well.

Pacific Division: Los Angeles Clippers

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LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 5: The Los Angeles Clipper's cheerleaders perform during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on January 5, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 94-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Best Case Scenario - Conference finals

I know what you are thinking.  But hear me out: the Clippers were infinitely better than they let on last year. On paper, they are a very good team.  They just so happen to be jinxed.  Now they have their franchise guy to make all the difference.  

Worst Case Scenario - No playoffs

Did I mention they were jinxed?

Southwest Division: Memphis Grizzlies

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LOS ANGELES - APRIL 12: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers battle for position under the basket on April 12, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Best Case Scenario - Fourth seed

The Grizz will make the playoffs this year.  You can believe that.  O.J. Mayo is a born scorer and Marc Gasol is showing the basketball acumen runs in the family.  

Worst Case Scenario - Eighth seed

With their talent, I don’t see how they don’t at least sneak into the playoffs this year.  I mean, they even have Rudy Gay.  There are too many young scorers that are just too inexperienced to be afraid of the better teams. 

Southwest Division: Houston Rockets

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 06: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Houston Rockets drives by Sasha Vujacic #18 and Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers using a screen by Yao Ming #11 of the Rockets in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA P

Best Case Scenario - Sixth seed

The playoffs are doable.  I like Kevin Martin as a workhorse that will get them production on offense.  If Yao Ming can stay healthy, of course they make the playoffs.

Worst Case Scenario - No playoffs

This scenario would also mean that Yao re-injured himself.  If this is the case, look for the Ming Dynasty to be officially over in the NBA.

Southwest Division: Dallas Mavericks

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MILWAUKEE - NOVEMBER 16: Owner Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks yells at a referee during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on November 16, 2009 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Mavericks defeated the Bucks 115-113 in overtime. (Phot

Best Case Scenario - Champions

You can see it in the oddly shaped smirk on Mark Cuban’s face. This is what they play for.  He wants a ring so bad he would trade a family member for one.  

Worst Case Scenario - Early playoff exit

I would not like to be around if this happens.  I almost thought he was going to buy and sell the state of Texas when the Mavs lost to the Warriors in the first round.

Southwest Division: San Antonio Spurs

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SAN ANTONIO - MAY 07: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on May 7, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Best Case Scenario - Champions

I know.  They were nowhere near a championship caliber team last season.  Well, they are old.  And they never had a functional Richard Jefferson for whatever reason.  But being an NBA fan, I know you can never sleep on the Spurs.  They are a sound team that can surprise people in the playoffs.  

Worst Case Scenario - Eighth seed

It will be hard on Spurs fans to see the end of an era.  If Richard Jefferson tanks another season, it is entirely possible.

Southwest Division: New Orleans Hornets

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 13: Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets in action during the game against the Miami Heat at the New Orleans Arena on October 13, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

Best Case Scenario - Fourth seed

Much like the Clippers, the Hornets are a much better team than they were last season.  They still have the same basic components that almost got them the Western Conference just a couple short years ago.  This is in the realm of possibility.  

Worst Case Scenario - 25 wins

But they could lay yet another egg.  The salt in the wound would be trade demands from their franchise player Chris Paul.  If they lay another stinker, those rumors will heat up once again.