While the Spurs expect to take a big step up this season, it doesn't always turn out that way. The NBA, and the Western Conference in particular, is a harrowing gauntlet of powerful squads. It most definitely won't be easy.
While I hate to be negative, sometimes you have to face reality. There are numerous factors in the Spurs' season that, if they lean towards the opposite side, could completely flip their positive expectations upside down. Not every team reaches its goals, and in this world, the Spurs struggle on all fronts. If the Spurs did, in fact, miss the playoffs, these would be the biggest reasons.