Books don’t expect much from new-look Lakers
and created a story that did not slip under the radar this summer.
Still, will Golden State top 66½ wins? It’s not an absurd question about a team that will be more powerful a season after winning a league-record 73 games.
“If the Warriors played all of their big guys, they would be favored in every game,” Sherman said. “Golden State went full bore last season and didn’t come away with the championship, so there’s no reason to do that again. There’s a good chance they will have a comfortable lead with a few weeks to go, so they can rest some guys and maybe lose a few more games than people expect.”
The Warriors’ win total is set well above the No. 2 (San Antonio, 57½) and No. 3 (Cleveland, 56½) teams on the list. The Spurs won 67 last season, and the Cavaliers won 57 to earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
LeBron James and the Cavaliers claimed Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Golden State in June, so winning on the road in the playoffs again is not their biggest fear.
“I think the Cavs will rest LeBron on some nights and go through the motions,” Sherman said.
Dramatic changes to the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks will make the East more intriguing.
The Knicks acquired point guard Derrick Rose in a trade with the Bulls, who signed free-agent veteran Dwyane Wade to play in their backcourt with Jimmy Butler. The Bulls (38½ wins) are expected to be a sub.500 team.
Rose boldly called the Knicks a “superteam” — along with the Warriors — because of what he can accomplish with Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Joakim Noah. Rose has been mocked for the comment, and oddsmakers set a total of 38½ on the Knicks that has been bet to 39½.
“The Knicks are getting a lot of ‘over’ action,” Sherman said.
Minnesota and Utah boast rosters