http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/column...edictor-081119 [explains the model]
Based on his simulation model* he has the Spurs at 41 wins [25-16], 94% chance of making the playoffs, a
nd with about a 15% chance of making the finals and in a dogfight with two other teams to grab the 2nd seed in the West.
Factoring in the growth of the team and the better play recently of Duncan, Parker and Splitter minus Manu I think the model is off. I think they will win between 45 - 47 - looking at the schedule and assuming they will begin to do better on the road (and assuming Manu playing a key role after the ASG). Does anyone out there believe these Spurs will not win more than 41 barring another signficant injury?
Spurs have a slightly road heavy schedule going forward, but have also played the toughest SOS of any team in his top ten on his power rankings and that should also begin to even out (although most of the top SOS teams are in the West). They currently sit 7th in his power rankings and have played the 4th toughest schedule:
http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings
http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/pow...ngs/_/sort/sos
*Somehow his model gives the Blazers with both a higher chance to go the finals and win than the Thunder so take the model for what is work but it is fun to follow this through the year and right now if you are an LAL or Mavs fan this model does not predict much hope.....