Season Mid-Point Predictions

[Lipoli390]

With 39 games played, we're two games short of this season's mid-point. In our preseason predictions, I don't think any of us anticipated the Wolves would lose as many games as we have thus far or look as bad as they have to date. However, there is no doubting the team's recent improvement the past several weeks. So as we approach the half-way point of the season, what is you prediction for the Wolves final W/L record this season?

Given the recent improvement in the team and assuming relatively good health going forward, I see the Wolves realistically winning 20-22 of their remaining games and finishing with 33-35 wins. What say all of you?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Well, we're 8-13 since December 2nd. Even with our improvements, we still haven't closed games out like we should as several of those losses are games that have been absolutely gifted to the opponent.

I'll remain optimistic. There's no point in going back now. I have to believe that we figure out how to slam the door shut on teams and finish games. I also know that I'll be alone with my prediction. I think the Wolves can go 27-16 to finish the season and wind up with 40 wins. I just don't see how we can continue to beat a team for 3.5 quarters and then end up with a loss. There's too much talent led by a great coach for that to keep reoccurring.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I've been burned too many times trying to predict this team! Just when I think we're turning a corner, I end up seeing the same shabby house we just drove by a few minutes earlier!

[MikkeMan]

Like I wrote in another thread, Wolves have been really unlucky this season as they have record 1-7 in close games (games with 3pts or less margin including all overtime games). With normal luck, they would have record 16-23 that would be much closer to 18-21 record that is estimated win loss record based on their point differential.

If I cherry pick last 15 games, we have seen some improvement for their play. Their record hasn't been that good 7-8 but they have net rating +2.3 (mainly because they have had top5 defense during that 15 game period) that would give estimated win loss record 24-19 for rest of the season.

So I hope that our unlucky finishes in close games won't continue and we start winning fair share of those games while continuing playing as well as in last 15 games. That would give overall record 37-45 that could be close to 8th seed playoff spot in western conference.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I think they surpass last season's win total...

So everybody gets all abuzz over the second half improvement and we start pointing to how everybody is going to improve and how another season is going to make them that much better with the same regime and principles plus all the free agent signings that will be perfect...

Rinse. Repeat.

It all sounds great. But put together a significant run of .500+ basketball first. I'm not going anywhere at this point, I've been a fan since before I could drive. I'll still be invested. I'll still hope for the best. But I'm not going to assume everything is going to work out perfectly.

Show me how that promise and potential is leading somewhere (real)... .500+ basketball... and then I'll start verbally fellating this team and regime.

[Coolbreeze44]

Let's see if the Wolves can get on a roll over the next 9 games by going 7-2. The schedule is very favorable and although seven out of nine may be unlikely, it wouldn't come as a complete shock. Our record would be 20-28 and give us legitimate hope going into February. 20-28 sounds really good right now.

[thedoper]

Like I wrote in another thread, Wolves have been really unlucky this season as they have record 1-7 in close games (games with 3pts or less margin including all overtime games). With normal luck, they would have record 16-23 that would be much closer to 18-21 record that is estimated win loss record based on their point differential.

If I cherry pick last 15 games, we have seen some improvement for their play. Their record hasn't been that good 7-8 but they have net rating +2.3 (mainly because they have had top5 defense during that 15 game period) that would give estimated win loss record 24-19 for rest of the season.

So I hope that our unlucky finishes in close games won't continue and we start winning fair share of those games while continuing playing as well as in last 15 games. That would give overall record 37-45 that could be close to 8th seed playoff spot in western conference.

I don't know if I call it unlucky. They are just really bad in pressure situations. Their game changes for the worst still due to inexperience and lack of focus. "Normal luck" never applies to Minnesota sports teams. I do think there's a lot to be excited about, but the winning mindset is the final step. I think the team still expects things to go wrong much of the time when the pressure gets ramped up.

[TAFKASP]

Like I wrote in another thread, Wolves have been really unlucky this season as they have record 1-7 in close games (games with 3pts or less margin including all overtime games). With normal luck, they would have record 16-23 that would be much closer to 18-21 record that is estimated win loss record based on their point differential.

If I cherry pick last 15 games, we have seen some improvement for their play. Their record hasn't been that good 7-8 but they have net rating +2.3 (mainly because they have had top5 defense during that 15 game period) that would give estimated win loss record 24-19 for rest of the season.

So I hope that our unlucky finishes in close games won't continue and we start winning fair share of those games while continuing playing as well as in last 15 games. That would give overall record 37-45 that could be close to 8th seed playoff spot in western conference.

I don't know if I call it unlucky. They are just really bad in pressure situations. Their game changes for the worst still due to inexperience and lack of focus. "Normal luck" never applies to Minnesota sports teams. I do think there's a lot to be excited about, but the winning mindset is the final step. I think the team still expects things to go wrong much of the time when the pressure gets ramped up.

I agree with Doper, luck hasn't been their problem!

[Coolbreeze44]

That's 1-0 in this key 9 game stretch. Just need to go 6-2 now.

[Monster]

Like I wrote in another thread, Wolves have been really unlucky this season as they have record 1-7 in close games (games with 3pts or less margin including all overtime games). With normal luck, they would have record 16-23 that would be much closer to 18-21 record that is estimated win loss record based on their point differential.

If I cherry pick last 15 games, we have seen some improvement for their play. Their record hasn't been that good 7-8 but they have net rating +2.3 (mainly because they have had top5 defense during that 15 game period) that would give estimated win loss record 24-19 for rest of the season.

So I hope that our unlucky finishes in close games won't continue and we start winning fair share of those games while continuing playing as well as in last 15 games. That would give overall record 37-45 that could be close to 8th seed playoff spot in western conference.

I don't know if I call it unlucky. They are just really bad in pressure situations. Their game changes for the worst still due to inexperience and lack of focus. "Normal luck" never applies to Minnesota sports teams. I do think there's a lot to be excited about, but the winning mindset is the final step. I think the team still expects things to go wrong much of the time when the pressure gets ramped up.

I agree with Doper, luck hasn't been their problem!

The Wolves have been pretty lucky in staying healthy.