Expected Points Difference for the Postseason

NBA <- read.csv("NBA_train.csv")

NBA$PTSdiff <- NBA$PTS - NBA$oppPTS

WinsReg <- lm(W ~ PTSdiff, data = NBA)

expected_PTSdiff <- (49 - coef(WinsReg)[1]) / coef(WinsReg)[2]

expected_PTSdiff

## (Intercept) 
##    245.5017

The expected points difference for a team with 49 wins is approximately 246 points. Based on the WinsReg model, a team would need to outscore its opponents by about 246 points over the course of the season to be expected to reach 49 wins and qualify for the playoffs.