The simulation has begun!!! You can check out how the simulator runs here, as commissioner Matt explains the simulation in detail. The video shows the first 30 games played, but now we're over 100 games in -- that's right, all October games have been simulated! Of course, with teams starting play at the backend of the month, that means most teams are only 6 games into the season, but we've already had some fun results.
Now, let's get to the (early) standings!
POST-OCTOBER STANDINGS
Immediately, what jumped out to me was the lack of ANY unbeaten teams. We thought this league would be very evenly matched, and the early games have me confident that'll ring true. That said, the Celtics and Suns look extremely potent thanks to an offensively powerful big three. Especially Boston getting nearly 90 points per game from their big three: Kyrie (26.8 ppg), Pierce (27.8 ppg) and Tatum (30.7 ppg). I don't know how sustainable that is, but I believe those scoring machines can carry them to 60+ wins.
However, the Sixers seem like the most deadly team in the east to me thanks to the wild rebounding efforts of C Embiid, PF/SF Barkley and PG(!!) Ben Simmons. All that said, the Knicks are rolling out the best point differential through six games... showing that the "Atlantic" division truly is the toughest in the league!
I don't want to focus too much on W-L early on (as you can see, the vast majority of teams are extremely tightly bunched up) and I think these standings will be very fluid. Case in point -- the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs started 0-3 and were getting smacked down... all because David Robinson, who should easily score at least 24 ppg, was dreadfully underperforming. Low and behold, he starts rolling well and they go on a four game tear, putting them back at 4-3 and with a positive win differential again.
POST-OCTOBER PLAYER STATISTICS
Now let's look at some of the individual leaders in points, assists and rebound.... But I have to note, right now Russell Westbrook is averaging a triple double (26.1 ppg, 12 apg, 10.4 rpg). Definitely going to be exciting to track his attempt at the "triple double average" across this whole season! Now, let's check out some statistical leaderboards:
Ok, there's your brief update -- the season is VERY early still! Stay tuned for more thorough updates and analysis as the seasons develops!
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