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Training camp is underway, and as such, various NBA preview information is popping up everywhere. However, the real "experts" had not weighed in until Tuesday, as our friends in Las Vegas have (finally) released their over/under win totals for the 2014-2015 NBA season. The leading sportsbook in the desert is the Westgate (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton and/or the LVH) has posted their odds, and ESPN brought that information to the masses.
In this space, we care only for the Atlanta Hawks, and the Westgate has assigned 40.5 as the number for Mike Budenholzer's club. For reference, the Hawks finished last season with a 38-44 record, and in order to wager (friendly or otherwise) on the Hawks, you would be "projecting" either 40 or fewer wins (under) or 41 or more victories (over). The Cleveland Cavaliers (58.5), Chicago Bulls (55.5), Toronto Raptors (49.5), Washington Wizards (49.5), Charlotte Hornets (45.5), Miami Heat (43.5), and Brooklyn Nets (41.5) hold higher numbers in the Eastern Conference, while the Hawks are dead-locked with the New York Knicks at 40.5 wins.
At first glance, Atlanta's number appears to be a low, especially with a healthy Al Horford preparing for the season. Atlanta was able to win 38 games despite a furious rash of injuries in 2013-2014, and while there was likely some good fortune in that number (along with extremely effective coaching), this year's group is deeper and more talented, provided that Horford can remain on the floor.
What do you think of this over/under? Are we crazy to think it is too low? Tell us in the comments below.