Predicting Scoring Averages for NBA Players in the Upcoming Season
Introduction
As the new NBA season approaches, basketball enthusiasts are eager to predict how their favorite players will perform and, more importantly, how many points they will score. In this article, we will analyze several prominent players and provide insights into whether we expect their scoring averages to exceed or fall short of the set over/under lines. From LeBron James and Joel Embiid to Luka Doncic and Trae Young, let’s dive into the analysis and make some educated predictions.
LeBron James: 28.2 o/u (OVER)
LeBron James, a living legend of the game, is undeniably one of the most captivating players to watch. With just a mere 1,325 points away from tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, LeBron has a momentous achievement within reach. If he maintains an average of 27 points per game next season, he will surpass Abdul-Jabbar in 50 games. However, if he ups his scoring output to 30 points per game, he could achieve this feat in just 45 games. Of course, his scoring potential will heavily depend on the health status of his teammate, Anthony Davis, as well as the impact of the Russell Westbrook drama on the team’s dynamics.
Joel Embiid: 30.1 o/u (UNDER)
Joel Embiid, the talented center of the Philadelphia 76ers, faces an intriguing dilemma. Should he prioritize winning a championship or striving for the coveted MVP title? After finishing as the runner-up in a tightly contested MVP race last season, Embiid seeks redemption. However, as the 76ers’ championship window narrows and with the returning duo of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. strengthening the Denver Nuggets, we believe Embiid’s scoring average might dip slightly from his previous season’s high of 30.6 points per game. Ultimately, his focus may shift towards team success rather than individual accolades.
James Harden: 21.7 o/u (OVER)
James Harden’s commitment to capturing an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers is evident. Sacrificing a significant portion of his salary, adhering to strict fitness routines, and showing a disciplined approach to nutrition, Harden’s determination is palpable. While he might not replicate his extraordinary 36.1 points per game from the 2018-19 season, which he achieved with the Houston Rockets, we anticipate a significant improvement from his previous season’s average of 21 points per game. As he becomes more familiar with his new team and offensive system, an average surpassing 22 points per game appears achievable for Harden.
Nikola Jokic: 27.0 o/u (UNDER)
Nikola Jokic’s back-to-back MVP victories underscore his immense talent and impact on the Denver Nuggets. However, with the return of key players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., both of whom missed significant time due to injuries last season, Jokic’s scoring responsibilities are likely to diminish. While Jokic remains an exceptional player and playmaker, we anticipate his scoring average to fall below his previous season’s impressive 27.1 points per game.
Luka Doncic: 28.9 o/u (OVER)
Luka Doncic, the young Slovenian prodigy, continues to captivate basketball fans worldwide with his skills and court vision. After leading his national team to back-to-back EuroBasket titles, Doncic enters the NBA season with renewed confidence. With teammates like Kristaps Porzingis no longer in the starting lineup, we expect head coach Jason Kidd to rely heavily on Doncic’s scoring abilities within the Dallas Mavericks’ offensive system. Consequently, we are optimistic that Doncic can surpass the set over/under line of 28.9 points per game this upcoming season.
Trae Young: 28.3 o/u (UNDER)
The Atlanta Hawks’ acquisition of Dejounte Murray adds an intriguing dynamic to their backcourt, pairing him with Trae Young. Both players possess impressive scoring and playmaking abilities, marking a historic occurrence in NBA history with a starting backcourt that boasts players averaging at least 20 points and 8 assists per game. However, the challenge lies in how Young and Murray will find a balance and synergy within the team. Considering Young’s tendency to dominate the ball, it is reasonable to expect his scoring average to hover slightly under the set line of 28.3 points per game.
Dejounte Murray: 20.1 o/u (UNDER)
Dejounte Murray’s arrival at the Atlanta Hawks brings excitement for their defensive aspirations. However, on the offensive end, we anticipate Murray to take a secondary role to Trae Young. With Young’s well-established ball-dominant style, Murray is likely to contribute in the high teens in terms of scoring average, with occasional standout performances in games where opposing teams heavily focus on Young’s playmaking or on nights when Young struggles with his shooting accuracy.
Bradley Beal: 25.5 o/u (OVER)
Bradley Beal, a dynamic scorer for the Washington Wizards, strives to bounce back from a wrist injury that disrupted his previous season. Prior to the injury, Beal consistently maintained scoring averages exceeding 25.5 points per game. With a scoring title narrowly eluding him in the past, Beal’s aspirations remain high. His determination to join the elite group of players who have averaged 30 points or more in multiple seasons should motivate him to exceed the set over/under line. As long as he remains healthy, we anticipate Beal returning to his scoring prowess and surpassing the expectations placed upon him.
Ja Morant: 27.5 o/u (OVER)
Ja Morant, the electrifying point guard of the
