How many games will the Celtics win this year?

Time to get back into discussion questions. For today’s topic, let’s talk win totals.

Last week Vegas apparently set the over-under odds at 56.5 (That line may have changed but I don’t keep up with these things. Don’t gamble kids!).

Per SBNation

The Golden State Warriors, unsurprisingly, lead the pack of Westgate Sportsbook’s odds with 67.5 wins, followed by the Celtics (56.5), Houston Rockets (55.5), San Antonio Spurs (54.5), then the Cavaliers (53.5). Vegas is surely showing the impact the Kyrie Irving trade for Isaiah Thomas could make if it does end up going through.

A second-place finish overall is a high, and maybe an unfair, expectation for the Celtics, though. They will try to mesh two new superstars with Al Horford, and will rely on big minutes from a rookie in Jayson Tatum and second-year forward Jaylen Brown. Boston surprised many by topping the Cavs in the East last season, but expecting Irving, Horford, and Gordon Hayward to click from the start is a lot to ask.

I tend to agree that the line is probably pretty aggressive. I do feel like there’s going to be some sorting out to do on the court. In addition, Brad Stevens likes to experiment a lot early on and will have a shorter preseason to work with.

It is hard to compare the win totals to the team from last year when only 4 players are returning, but I tend to think they’ll come in around 50 wins or so. On the other hand, I don’t know how many games they can pick up simply by beating up on the weak Eastern Conference. So we’ll see.

What say you?