Vegas Over/Under: 42.5
Fromal’s Record Projection: 42-40 The Bet: lean although Avoid under
Expecting a bigger leap from the Charlotte Hornets, who travelled only 36-46 final year using a largely similar roster, could be possible if the group had addressed its main problem.
Dwight Howard will help, though he’ll also keep the exceptionally underrated Cody Zeller off the floor. Lest we forget, the Hornets’ net rating increased by 10.4 points per 100 possessions when the incumbent center played 2016-17. Malik Monk should also supply a fine punch off the seat.
When Kemba Walker stays However, what happens?
He had been the engine for Charlotte throughout the previous effort, but he wore down toward the center of the year.
Tasked with too many responsibilities on the offensive end and constantly requested to create his own shots, Walker had the All-Star break to refresh and couldn’t quite lead the charge back in the playoff picture during the season’s second half.
Maybe the story would have unfolded rather differently if a competent backup point guard had graced the depth chart to mitigate the downfalls if Walker needed breathers.
Now, that role is filled by Michael Carter-Williams. The former Rookie of the Year is by no means a game-changing presence, and his inability to take could mess the second unit’s spacing. He is simply not a good fit from a staff standpoint, and that will put the same kind of pressure on Walker once more.
Expecting six extra victories is reasonable as the team grows and fits in the new additions. Seven is pushing it.
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