With free agency essentially finished for the summer, it’s time to start making predictions regarding how the 2018-19 regular season will shake out. ESPN’s forecast panel has the Portland Trail Blazers on the outside looking in:
Projected record: 43-39
Last season: 49-33
This projection will probably be perceived as disrespectful in the Pacific Northwest. But there’s a reason Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum tweeted their displeasure when the Trail Blazers let reserve center Ed Davis leave in free agency. Davis, a valuable, rugged role player, ranked third among the Blazers in win shares last season, behind only Portland’s high-scoring guard duo. Portland likely needs Zach Collins to improve significantly to make the playoffs for a sixth straight season in the loaded West.
The Blazers are slotted behind the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers in the forecast. Unsurprisingly, the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets top the Western Conference forecast.