What's up everyone. Hope we are all having a great fall and a great first half of the NFL season...I know that I am for sure hitting around 60% with the NFL plays. Now however starts the real season for me...NBA!! Consistently my most profitable gambling endeavor...and the one I take the most pride and joy in.
I am bringing the Predictions & Analysis thread over from the NFL and doing it for the NBA for the 2nd straight year. Last year I was WAYYYY off on the Suns (as was everyone else) and the Spurs (underestimated their pure joy playing together).
This year we have huge free agent moves (some guy named LeBron) huge rookies (best class in a long time IMO) and some coaching/ownership moves as well.
As with most of the veterans on here...I welcome all thoughts all feedback, all praise, and all criticism. I know what I am doing here...but I also completely understand that I can always learn something new as well.
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL
0
To remove first post, remove entire topic.
What's up everyone. Hope we are all having a great fall and a great first half of the NFL season...I know that I am for sure hitting around 60% with the NFL plays. Now however starts the real season for me...NBA!! Consistently my most profitable gambling endeavor...and the one I take the most pride and joy in.
I am bringing the Predictions & Analysis thread over from the NFL and doing it for the NBA for the 2nd straight year. Last year I was WAYYYY off on the Suns (as was everyone else) and the Spurs (underestimated their pure joy playing together).
This year we have huge free agent moves (some guy named LeBron) huge rookies (best class in a long time IMO) and some coaching/ownership moves as well.
As with most of the veterans on here...I welcome all thoughts all feedback, all praise, and all criticism. I know what I am doing here...but I also completely understand that I can always learn something new as well.
ATLANTIC DIVISION 1. Toronto Raptors 49-33 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 players: Lowry, DeRozan, Johnson, Valanciunas, Hansbrough, Williams, Fields.
One of the best backcourts in the NBA with Lowry and DeRozan. Was hesitant to move them up much more than one win from their successful season last year because I'm not 100% confident that DeRozan can make the jump to the next level. I love their team intensity. I love their athletic abilities on the outside. I love the fact that they do have some big bodies on the inside to grab boards. Valanciunas needs to improve his defense, and Amir Johnson needs to be more involved on the boards. Certainly a playoff team...but not quite a true contender in the East yet (unless DeRozan becomes James Harden 2.0 and averages 26 a game)
Betting angle: Take them at home against the East @ under 4 points
2. Brooklyn Nets 41-41 (44-38 last year)
Top 7 players: Williams, Johnson, Plumlee, Garnett, Kirilenko, Lopez, Teletovic
Not an overly impressive top 7 list. Almost wanted to bump them down even farther from last year but I think Lionel Hollins will get the most out of these guys on the defensive end and have a little more respect as a coach than Jason Kidd had. Everything with this team rides on Johnson and Williams because beyond that there isn't much scoring. I'm not fully convinced that Brook Lopez can stay healthy for a full year. If he does...and if he gives them 15/7 a night which I think is his max at this point then they might fight their way higher up.
Betting angle: UNDERS all day and night.
3. Boston Celtics 39-43 (25-57 last year)
Top 7 players: Rondo, Sullinger, Bradley, Green, Olynyk, Turner, Smart
Maybe a bit of homer talk here...but this Celtics team could be sneaky good. Rondo is the healthiest he's been in a while (I don't think the hand issue is anything) and this is probably the best defensive backcourt in the league. Rondo/Smart/Bradley can D up any backcourt. Sullinger, Turner, and Green can handle a good portion of the scoring. I'm all in on Marcus Smart and James Young for this team...and most of all I love what Brad Stevens has done with these young guys. They compete and balls out every single game. Only thing that will take this prediction down is if they trade Rondo early into the season (possible) or if he gets hurt again (possible).
Betting angle: Pound the C's early on in games. 4. New York Knicks 36-46 (37-45 last year)
Top 7 Players: Calderon, Anthony, Shumpert, Smith, Hardaway, Stoudemire, Bargnani
Only way the Knicks become somewhat relevant this year is if Jose Calderon can somehow vault himself into the discussion for top level point guard. We all know Carmelo Anthony is going to get his points and stats at will. But the Knicks have next to nothing beyond that. JR Smith is going to give you the same thing he has given you every year for the past 4 years. Stoudemire was washed up 4 years ago and they are just begging for his shltshow of a contract to be up. Jason Kidd struggled big time last year in the same scenario with a veteran team trying to get motivated...I can't imagine Derek Fisher doing much of a better job with less talent.
Betting angle: FADE vs West on the road 5. Philadelphia 76ers 14-68 (19-63 last year)
Top 7 players: Doesn't exist
Wow. I understand their desire to build for the future and all that...but this might be the worst collection of talent in NBA history. I feel bad for Michael Carter-Williams because I do believe he has some real talent and skills but without any veteran leadership or structure to develop it...he's just thrown to the wolves. They are banking on Nerlens Noel being able to be the dominant force in the middle for them and become a defensive power like an Anthony Davis type...but his offensive game is so far behind and lacking that it's almost impossible to keep him out there at times. Hollis Thompson and KJ McDaniels can't hit the side of a barn in pre-season and they are going to be logging serious minutes!!
Betting angle: What's the highest line ever set by Vegas?
0
ATLANTIC DIVISION 1. Toronto Raptors 49-33 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 players: Lowry, DeRozan, Johnson, Valanciunas, Hansbrough, Williams, Fields.
One of the best backcourts in the NBA with Lowry and DeRozan. Was hesitant to move them up much more than one win from their successful season last year because I'm not 100% confident that DeRozan can make the jump to the next level. I love their team intensity. I love their athletic abilities on the outside. I love the fact that they do have some big bodies on the inside to grab boards. Valanciunas needs to improve his defense, and Amir Johnson needs to be more involved on the boards. Certainly a playoff team...but not quite a true contender in the East yet (unless DeRozan becomes James Harden 2.0 and averages 26 a game)
Betting angle: Take them at home against the East @ under 4 points
2. Brooklyn Nets 41-41 (44-38 last year)
Top 7 players: Williams, Johnson, Plumlee, Garnett, Kirilenko, Lopez, Teletovic
Not an overly impressive top 7 list. Almost wanted to bump them down even farther from last year but I think Lionel Hollins will get the most out of these guys on the defensive end and have a little more respect as a coach than Jason Kidd had. Everything with this team rides on Johnson and Williams because beyond that there isn't much scoring. I'm not fully convinced that Brook Lopez can stay healthy for a full year. If he does...and if he gives them 15/7 a night which I think is his max at this point then they might fight their way higher up.
Betting angle: UNDERS all day and night.
3. Boston Celtics 39-43 (25-57 last year)
Top 7 players: Rondo, Sullinger, Bradley, Green, Olynyk, Turner, Smart
Maybe a bit of homer talk here...but this Celtics team could be sneaky good. Rondo is the healthiest he's been in a while (I don't think the hand issue is anything) and this is probably the best defensive backcourt in the league. Rondo/Smart/Bradley can D up any backcourt. Sullinger, Turner, and Green can handle a good portion of the scoring. I'm all in on Marcus Smart and James Young for this team...and most of all I love what Brad Stevens has done with these young guys. They compete and balls out every single game. Only thing that will take this prediction down is if they trade Rondo early into the season (possible) or if he gets hurt again (possible).
Betting angle: Pound the C's early on in games. 4. New York Knicks 36-46 (37-45 last year)
Top 7 Players: Calderon, Anthony, Shumpert, Smith, Hardaway, Stoudemire, Bargnani
Only way the Knicks become somewhat relevant this year is if Jose Calderon can somehow vault himself into the discussion for top level point guard. We all know Carmelo Anthony is going to get his points and stats at will. But the Knicks have next to nothing beyond that. JR Smith is going to give you the same thing he has given you every year for the past 4 years. Stoudemire was washed up 4 years ago and they are just begging for his shltshow of a contract to be up. Jason Kidd struggled big time last year in the same scenario with a veteran team trying to get motivated...I can't imagine Derek Fisher doing much of a better job with less talent.
Betting angle: FADE vs West on the road 5. Philadelphia 76ers 14-68 (19-63 last year)
Top 7 players: Doesn't exist
Wow. I understand their desire to build for the future and all that...but this might be the worst collection of talent in NBA history. I feel bad for Michael Carter-Williams because I do believe he has some real talent and skills but without any veteran leadership or structure to develop it...he's just thrown to the wolves. They are banking on Nerlens Noel being able to be the dominant force in the middle for them and become a defensive power like an Anthony Davis type...but his offensive game is so far behind and lacking that it's almost impossible to keep him out there at times. Hollis Thompson and KJ McDaniels can't hit the side of a barn in pre-season and they are going to be logging serious minutes!!
Betting angle: What's the highest line ever set by Vegas?
At first, I was on the Raptors to win this Atlantic Division.
But consider the Nets here, you haven't mentionned Jarret Jack who can score at any time, Alan Anderson who is to me a very good player, he could be a starter in a weak team. Bogdanovic is also a good player (As a european I know him better than american I think).
Then you have Hollins, he will bring to the table defense and discipline. You have the offensive talent with Williams, JJ, Lopez. I can tell you if the team stay healthy, they can pretend to win that division IMO.
I'm not saying they will, I still give a slight edge to Toronto but I don't see an 8 wins difference!
I look forward to your next predictions CMJohnson
0
At first, I was on the Raptors to win this Atlantic Division.
But consider the Nets here, you haven't mentionned Jarret Jack who can score at any time, Alan Anderson who is to me a very good player, he could be a starter in a weak team. Bogdanovic is also a good player (As a european I know him better than american I think).
Then you have Hollins, he will bring to the table defense and discipline. You have the offensive talent with Williams, JJ, Lopez. I can tell you if the team stay healthy, they can pretend to win that division IMO.
I'm not saying they will, I still give a slight edge to Toronto but I don't see an 8 wins difference!
Really looking forward to see how Atlantic develops and I think it's all down to how Rondo, Lopez and Anthony will stay healthy / in teams (all kind of under trade threat, Anthony not so much) but definitely agree Raptors are fair favorite here simply due to their depth giving them more guns and more resistance to injuries.
Personally I'd rank Celtics (and possibly Knicks) over Nets - with a few IFs, if Rondo stays healthy / in C's & doesn't mix up their gameplay too much, Lopez not staying healthy / in Nets and Knicks finding different touch to their game but all in all I think all three should have it really close, possibly within 6 wins for places 2-4.
Depending on developments in each team the difference to Toronto should be between 0-10 wins, maybe even more if they all fall apart.
Guess we'll see, BOL for season guys
0
Really looking forward to see how Atlantic develops and I think it's all down to how Rondo, Lopez and Anthony will stay healthy / in teams (all kind of under trade threat, Anthony not so much) but definitely agree Raptors are fair favorite here simply due to their depth giving them more guns and more resistance to injuries.
Personally I'd rank Celtics (and possibly Knicks) over Nets - with a few IFs, if Rondo stays healthy / in C's & doesn't mix up their gameplay too much, Lopez not staying healthy / in Nets and Knicks finding different touch to their game but all in all I think all three should have it really close, possibly within 6 wins for places 2-4.
Depending on developments in each team the difference to Toronto should be between 0-10 wins, maybe even more if they all fall apart.
IMO the Nets lost more than they gained in the offseason...one of the only things they gained was age. Johnson and Garnett are past their primes...Williams is approaching the tail end of it...and who knows what Lopez can do. I just figured that if anything with this team it's going to be a regression.
0
IMO the Nets lost more than they gained in the offseason...one of the only things they gained was age. Johnson and Garnett are past their primes...Williams is approaching the tail end of it...and who knows what Lopez can do. I just figured that if anything with this team it's going to be a regression.
ATLANTIC DIVISION 1. Toronto Raptors 49-33 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 players: Lowry, DeRozan, Johnson, Valanciunas, Hansbrough, Williams, Fields.
I humbly disagree here. This is going to be the last season for Fields with the raptors and he would be possibly traded at the deadline. He is injury prone and he is a liability on offense. T. Ross is much better than Fields and raptors are expecting him to take the next step. Also Patrick Patterson is much better than Hansbrough.
The raptors best 7 are: DD, Lowry, Amir, Jonas, Patterson, Vasquez and one of Williams/Ross
0
Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
ATLANTIC DIVISION 1. Toronto Raptors 49-33 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 players: Lowry, DeRozan, Johnson, Valanciunas, Hansbrough, Williams, Fields.
I humbly disagree here. This is going to be the last season for Fields with the raptors and he would be possibly traded at the deadline. He is injury prone and he is a liability on offense. T. Ross is much better than Fields and raptors are expecting him to take the next step. Also Patrick Patterson is much better than Hansbrough.
The raptors best 7 are: DD, Lowry, Amir, Jonas, Patterson, Vasquez and one of Williams/Ross
IMO the Nets lost more than they gained in the offseason...one of the only things they gained was age. Johnson and Garnett are past their primes...Williams is approaching the tail end of it...and who knows what Lopez can do. I just figured that if anything with this team it's going to be a regression.
Can't really agree more here
0
Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
IMO the Nets lost more than they gained in the offseason...one of the only things they gained was age. Johnson and Garnett are past their primes...Williams is approaching the tail end of it...and who knows what Lopez can do. I just figured that if anything with this team it's going to be a regression.
IMO the Nets lost more than they gained in the offseason...one of the only things they gained was age. Johnson and Garnett are past their primes...Williams is approaching the tail end of it...and who knows what Lopez can do. I just figured that if anything with this team it's going to be a regression.
I think the Nets will be better then last year if they can stay healthy. Lopez is the best player on the team when healthy. He can put up 20points+ a game no problem. He is very polished in the low post and also hits his free throws. Lopez can also hit the mid range jumper as well. The Nets will be better then a .500 team and I think they take the division this year.
0
Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
IMO the Nets lost more than they gained in the offseason...one of the only things they gained was age. Johnson and Garnett are past their primes...Williams is approaching the tail end of it...and who knows what Lopez can do. I just figured that if anything with this team it's going to be a regression.
I think the Nets will be better then last year if they can stay healthy. Lopez is the best player on the team when healthy. He can put up 20points+ a game no problem. He is very polished in the low post and also hits his free throws. Lopez can also hit the mid range jumper as well. The Nets will be better then a .500 team and I think they take the division this year.
Turner isn't an upgrade offensively? Which was their biggest struggle last year? Having Rondo back for at least part of the season isn't an upgrade offensively?
0
Turner isn't an upgrade offensively? Which was their biggest struggle last year? Having Rondo back for at least part of the season isn't an upgrade offensively?
CENTRAL DIVISION 1. Cleveland Cavaliers 61-21 (33-49 last year)
Top 7 Players: James, Love, Irving, Varejao, Waiters, Thompson, Marion
Clearly the most obvious choice for most improved team in the league in the offseason. I put them ahead of the Bulls for a few reasons. First and foremost is the greatest player in the world. Second of all is the youth. The Cavs with Irving, Love, Varejao, Thompson have better young legs and I think can out-run the Bulls defense. David Blatt has a lot of Spoelstra/Stevens in him...innovative next wave type of guy.
Betting angle: Team Total OVER 95 whenever offered
2. Chicago Bulls 57-25 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 Players: Rose, Noah, Gasol, Butler, Gibson, Hinrich, Dunleavy
You can pretty much just look at my predictions for the Cavaliers and figure out why I put the Bulls in this position. I love their defense and their team chemistry. I don't like the age with Gibson/Dunleavy/Gasol being 3 of their top players. McDermott and Mirotic should be solid players down the road...but they need a pass first point guard in order to get the wide open shots they thrive on...and Rose isn't that guy. Still the best contender to take down the Cavaliers in the race to the Finals for the East.
Betting Angle: UNDERS against the West. 3. Indiana Pacers 42-40 (56-26 last year)
Top 7 Players: West, Hibbert, Hill, Stuckey, Scola, Watson, Miles
As much as D-Rose is worth 9 wins to the Bulls...the loss of Paul George is worth at least 14 wins to the Pacers. I struggled to even put them this high...but I do like their coaching strategy and team chemistry they've built up. Biggest issues are the health of Hibbert and whether or not they trade West early on in the season. I think Rodney Stuckey has potential to surprise a lot of people on this lineup as he will be a primary offensive target for the first time in his life. They still have good rebounding and defense. It will also be interesting to see what kind of ball handling point guard George Hill becomes in this offense.
Betting Angle: UNDERS against the East
4. Detroit Pistons 37-45 (29-53 last year)
Top 7 Players: Jennings, Drummond, Smith, Monroe, Singler, Caldwell-Pope
This is my sneaky good...maybe make a crazy run for the playoff team in the East. If Drummond can make a jump and become a poor man's Dwight Howard...and if Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith can realize that they don't have to take EVERY shot available to them they can surprise some people. The reason why I have them as a potential crazy playoff run team similar to the Bobcats last year is Stan Van Gundy. He's a great coach and can possibly find a way to channel these guys emotions and get them to gel. Reason why I'm not putting them as one of the best of the best is the fact that I don't trust Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings to do the things I mentioned.
Betting Angle: FADE them in the 2nd half of games that are close 5. Milwaukee Bucks 26-56 (15-67 last year)
Top 7 Players: Antetokuounmpko, Parker, Sanders, Ilyasova, Henson, Knight, Middleton
Really interesting team here. If the Greek Freak can take a sophomore leap and if Jabari Parker can become the rookie of the year like he should be able to...this team can win a lot of close games. They do have some solid veteran help with Mayo, Dudley, and Bayless to guide these young players. Jason Kidd should have a lot more impact on these guys than he did with the old farts last year in Brooklyn. I'll only bump them up 10 games because I feel as though they are a year away from actually making waves in the East...and it's entirely possible that Larry Sanders is useless and will be dealt early on in the season.
Betting Angle: Take them getting 7+ points in ANY game
0
CENTRAL DIVISION 1. Cleveland Cavaliers 61-21 (33-49 last year)
Top 7 Players: James, Love, Irving, Varejao, Waiters, Thompson, Marion
Clearly the most obvious choice for most improved team in the league in the offseason. I put them ahead of the Bulls for a few reasons. First and foremost is the greatest player in the world. Second of all is the youth. The Cavs with Irving, Love, Varejao, Thompson have better young legs and I think can out-run the Bulls defense. David Blatt has a lot of Spoelstra/Stevens in him...innovative next wave type of guy.
Betting angle: Team Total OVER 95 whenever offered
2. Chicago Bulls 57-25 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 Players: Rose, Noah, Gasol, Butler, Gibson, Hinrich, Dunleavy
You can pretty much just look at my predictions for the Cavaliers and figure out why I put the Bulls in this position. I love their defense and their team chemistry. I don't like the age with Gibson/Dunleavy/Gasol being 3 of their top players. McDermott and Mirotic should be solid players down the road...but they need a pass first point guard in order to get the wide open shots they thrive on...and Rose isn't that guy. Still the best contender to take down the Cavaliers in the race to the Finals for the East.
Betting Angle: UNDERS against the West. 3. Indiana Pacers 42-40 (56-26 last year)
Top 7 Players: West, Hibbert, Hill, Stuckey, Scola, Watson, Miles
As much as D-Rose is worth 9 wins to the Bulls...the loss of Paul George is worth at least 14 wins to the Pacers. I struggled to even put them this high...but I do like their coaching strategy and team chemistry they've built up. Biggest issues are the health of Hibbert and whether or not they trade West early on in the season. I think Rodney Stuckey has potential to surprise a lot of people on this lineup as he will be a primary offensive target for the first time in his life. They still have good rebounding and defense. It will also be interesting to see what kind of ball handling point guard George Hill becomes in this offense.
Betting Angle: UNDERS against the East
4. Detroit Pistons 37-45 (29-53 last year)
Top 7 Players: Jennings, Drummond, Smith, Monroe, Singler, Caldwell-Pope
This is my sneaky good...maybe make a crazy run for the playoff team in the East. If Drummond can make a jump and become a poor man's Dwight Howard...and if Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith can realize that they don't have to take EVERY shot available to them they can surprise some people. The reason why I have them as a potential crazy playoff run team similar to the Bobcats last year is Stan Van Gundy. He's a great coach and can possibly find a way to channel these guys emotions and get them to gel. Reason why I'm not putting them as one of the best of the best is the fact that I don't trust Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings to do the things I mentioned.
Betting Angle: FADE them in the 2nd half of games that are close 5. Milwaukee Bucks 26-56 (15-67 last year)
Top 7 Players: Antetokuounmpko, Parker, Sanders, Ilyasova, Henson, Knight, Middleton
Really interesting team here. If the Greek Freak can take a sophomore leap and if Jabari Parker can become the rookie of the year like he should be able to...this team can win a lot of close games. They do have some solid veteran help with Mayo, Dudley, and Bayless to guide these young players. Jason Kidd should have a lot more impact on these guys than he did with the old farts last year in Brooklyn. I'll only bump them up 10 games because I feel as though they are a year away from actually making waves in the East...and it's entirely possible that Larry Sanders is useless and will be dealt early on in the season.
Betting Angle: Take them getting 7+ points in ANY game
Top 7 Players: Wall, Beal, Gortat, Nene, Pierce, Humphries, Blair
Some nice additions for this team with the veteran Pierce and backup bangers Blair and Humphries. I don't like the loss of Ariza for the offense and I don't like Beal being hurt to start the season. It will without a doubt slow them down. I like Pierce to mentor Wall and Beal and help them grow as teammates. Same with Durant being out in OKC for a while...hopefully Wall doesn't try to do too much without Beal and forget how to average 9 assists a game like last year.
Betting Angle: FADE them early 2. Charlotte Hornets 43-39 (43-39 last year)
Top 7 Players: Walker, Stephenson, Jefferson, Kidd-Gilchrest, Zeller, Henderson
Keeping them at the same record as last year. There are a lot of expectations for this team, and I would love to see them succeed. However they are still very young and inexperienced. Throw in the volatile Lance Stephenson and there could be some bumpy times for these guys. If Vonleh can provide some great energy off the bench and Kidd-Gilchrest can improve his shot then they have a chance to make some serious noise in the East...but they don't have the offensive stud to match the Cavs and they don't have the balance inside to match the Bulls.
Betting Angle: Take the OVER if it's less than 185 or so.
3. Miami Heat 42-40 (54-28 last year)
Top 7 Players: Wade, Bosh, Granger, Deng, Cole, Chalmers, McRoberts
Still a legitimate playoff contender despite losing the best player in the world and a good amount of supplemental parts. Wade should be as healthy as he has been in a long time, and we will finally get to see what kind of player Chris Bosh really is. Unfortunately they don't have a true ball handler and distributor. That will hurt them in key situations for sure. If Luol Deng can be what he was in Chicago more than what he was in Cleveland then they have a chance to jump over the Hornets in the division.
Betting Angle: Take the points when given. 4. Atlanta Hawks 40-42 (38-44 last year)
Top 7 Players: Horford, Teague, Korver, Millsap, Carroll, Scott, Brand
Not sure what to make of this team. If Jeff Teague can make the jump to a top level point guard they could make some moves. Horford is already one of the best big men in the game. Injuries will obviously derail this team very quickly if they come about. Overall it's a team with good balance, good coaching, not terrible defense, a guy that can score when they need points, and a guy that can orchestrate the offense. Not a ton of weak spots.
Betting Angle: OVERS early...UNDERS late
5. Orlando Magic 28-54 (23-59 last year)
Top 7 Players: Oladipo, Vucevic, Harris, Gordon, Gordon, Harkless, Ridnour
One year away IMO for these guys. They need to develop a little more cohesiveness and gain a little bit of experience before they are considered for the playoffs. I don't think they have the right coach for the situation either...I would have loved to see a veteran guy like a Van Gundy or someone like that. What the Magic are doing is assembling a team of young, athletic, no specific position type of players that will work wonderfully and give a lot of problems to a lot of teams.
Betting Angle: Take them in the 1st Quarter
0
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1. Washington Wizards 48-34 (44-38 last year)
Top 7 Players: Wall, Beal, Gortat, Nene, Pierce, Humphries, Blair
Some nice additions for this team with the veteran Pierce and backup bangers Blair and Humphries. I don't like the loss of Ariza for the offense and I don't like Beal being hurt to start the season. It will without a doubt slow them down. I like Pierce to mentor Wall and Beal and help them grow as teammates. Same with Durant being out in OKC for a while...hopefully Wall doesn't try to do too much without Beal and forget how to average 9 assists a game like last year.
Betting Angle: FADE them early 2. Charlotte Hornets 43-39 (43-39 last year)
Top 7 Players: Walker, Stephenson, Jefferson, Kidd-Gilchrest, Zeller, Henderson
Keeping them at the same record as last year. There are a lot of expectations for this team, and I would love to see them succeed. However they are still very young and inexperienced. Throw in the volatile Lance Stephenson and there could be some bumpy times for these guys. If Vonleh can provide some great energy off the bench and Kidd-Gilchrest can improve his shot then they have a chance to make some serious noise in the East...but they don't have the offensive stud to match the Cavs and they don't have the balance inside to match the Bulls.
Betting Angle: Take the OVER if it's less than 185 or so.
3. Miami Heat 42-40 (54-28 last year)
Top 7 Players: Wade, Bosh, Granger, Deng, Cole, Chalmers, McRoberts
Still a legitimate playoff contender despite losing the best player in the world and a good amount of supplemental parts. Wade should be as healthy as he has been in a long time, and we will finally get to see what kind of player Chris Bosh really is. Unfortunately they don't have a true ball handler and distributor. That will hurt them in key situations for sure. If Luol Deng can be what he was in Chicago more than what he was in Cleveland then they have a chance to jump over the Hornets in the division.
Betting Angle: Take the points when given. 4. Atlanta Hawks 40-42 (38-44 last year)
Top 7 Players: Horford, Teague, Korver, Millsap, Carroll, Scott, Brand
Not sure what to make of this team. If Jeff Teague can make the jump to a top level point guard they could make some moves. Horford is already one of the best big men in the game. Injuries will obviously derail this team very quickly if they come about. Overall it's a team with good balance, good coaching, not terrible defense, a guy that can score when they need points, and a guy that can orchestrate the offense. Not a ton of weak spots.
Betting Angle: OVERS early...UNDERS late
5. Orlando Magic 28-54 (23-59 last year)
Top 7 Players: Oladipo, Vucevic, Harris, Gordon, Gordon, Harkless, Ridnour
One year away IMO for these guys. They need to develop a little more cohesiveness and gain a little bit of experience before they are considered for the playoffs. I don't think they have the right coach for the situation either...I would have loved to see a veteran guy like a Van Gundy or someone like that. What the Magic are doing is assembling a team of young, athletic, no specific position type of players that will work wonderfully and give a lot of problems to a lot of teams.
I agree with most of your win loss totals for the SouthEast division. I feel that the Hornets will have more then 43 wins and I also feel like the Hawks will be above a .500 team. It will be interesting to see just how good this Hornets team can be. To me I feel that they will be very solid and I will look for spots to be betting them at home.
0
I agree with most of your win loss totals for the SouthEast division. I feel that the Hornets will have more then 43 wins and I also feel like the Hawks will be above a .500 team. It will be interesting to see just how good this Hornets team can be. To me I feel that they will be very solid and I will look for spots to be betting them at home.
CM Don't underestimate Hawks team. If Horford is healthy all season this team will be monster surprise in that division. I think they even could reach 4-5 place in the whole conference. Paul Milsap is top 3 PF in Eastern conference and one of the best all-round players in the world! This guy can DO everything on the court. Korver is one of the best 3pt shooters in the league and Teague improve every next season. I can see them way above .500 if there is no important injuries in this team. Just my opinion of course but this team will be money (depend of the lines) this season remember my word. Good Luck in the next NBA marathon
0
CM Don't underestimate Hawks team. If Horford is healthy all season this team will be monster surprise in that division. I think they even could reach 4-5 place in the whole conference. Paul Milsap is top 3 PF in Eastern conference and one of the best all-round players in the world! This guy can DO everything on the court. Korver is one of the best 3pt shooters in the league and Teague improve every next season. I can see them way above .500 if there is no important injuries in this team. Just my opinion of course but this team will be money (depend of the lines) this season remember my word. Good Luck in the next NBA marathon
Top 7 Players: Paul, Griffin, Jordan, Barnes, Redick, Crawford, Hawes
Took them over the Warriors in this division because they did more in the offseason IMO than the Warriors did. Doc Rivers is one of the best coaches in the league, and these guys now have some serious playing experience together. Paul and Griffin is an incredible duo and with the size that they have down low they can push around anyone they want in the West. Could have even pushed this team to a top 9 players ranking because of Glen Davis and Hedo Turkoglu who will be solid contributors to this team. Only thing that will slow these guys down is injuries, and there have been plenty of those for the Clippers in years past.
Betting Angle: Take them against the East
2. Golden State Warriors 56-26 (51-31 last year)
Top 7 Players: Curry, Thompson, Bogut, Lee, Barnes, Iguodala, Green
Bumping the Warriors up a good amount of wins as well for the reason that Curry and Thompson have an extra year of experience under them, and I think the forced drama of the coaching situation bothered them last year. Steve Kerr should bring a sense of calm to this team where Jackson was a little more hot headed and emotional. I'm not a huge fan of Bogut/Lee and not much else down low. They can be pushed around by the Rockets/Blazers/Clippers and will struggle against them IMO.
Betting Angle: FADE against Clippers/Blazers/Rockets/Spurs 3. Phoenix Suns 45-37 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 Players: Bledsoe, Dragic, Tucker, Morris, Thomas, Green, Morris
I said before last year that the Suns would be a carnival attraction in having the Morris twins and Dionte Christmas and a bunch of foreigners with strange names. I was wrong. However, they still have the Morris twins and now this year they add to that comedy with Goran and Zoran Dragic? They have a fantastic coach that gets the most out of them. They have a fantastic backcourt with Dragic/Bledsoe/Thomas. But they don't have a go-to guy to get them crucial points late in games, and they won't sneak up on guys like they did last year.
Betting Angle: OVERS
4. Los Angeles Lakers 30-52 (27-55 last year)
Top 7 Players: Bryant, Lin, Boozer, Johnson, Young, Hill, Randle
Not ready to completely dump on this team for this year. Yes, the Kobe Bryant contract is absolutely devastating. Yes, the fact that NONE of the key free agents this offseason showed interest in them is a bad thing. Yes, Kobe is nowhere close to the defensive player he once was...but they do have some solid offensive options. The biggest reason I'm going to bump them up a little bit is Byron Scott. I think he's a huge upgrade at the coaching position and he will generate some respect from Kobe where the past couple coaches had none of that.
Betting Angle: Take them if they get 8+ points 5. Sacramento Kings 25-57 (28-54 last year)
Top 7 Players: Cousins, McLemore, Collison, happy, Thompson, Sessions Landry
Just not a good overall team IMO. Cousins is a great player who can fill the stat sheet with ease...but this team is not great defensively...and playing in the West and going up against these offenses you need to be able to play defense. What they picked up in the offseason vs what they lost is not significant enough to give them last year's record.
Betting Angle: OVERS
0
PACIFIC DIVISION
1. Los Angeles Clippers 59-23 (57-25 last year)
Top 7 Players: Paul, Griffin, Jordan, Barnes, Redick, Crawford, Hawes
Took them over the Warriors in this division because they did more in the offseason IMO than the Warriors did. Doc Rivers is one of the best coaches in the league, and these guys now have some serious playing experience together. Paul and Griffin is an incredible duo and with the size that they have down low they can push around anyone they want in the West. Could have even pushed this team to a top 9 players ranking because of Glen Davis and Hedo Turkoglu who will be solid contributors to this team. Only thing that will slow these guys down is injuries, and there have been plenty of those for the Clippers in years past.
Betting Angle: Take them against the East
2. Golden State Warriors 56-26 (51-31 last year)
Top 7 Players: Curry, Thompson, Bogut, Lee, Barnes, Iguodala, Green
Bumping the Warriors up a good amount of wins as well for the reason that Curry and Thompson have an extra year of experience under them, and I think the forced drama of the coaching situation bothered them last year. Steve Kerr should bring a sense of calm to this team where Jackson was a little more hot headed and emotional. I'm not a huge fan of Bogut/Lee and not much else down low. They can be pushed around by the Rockets/Blazers/Clippers and will struggle against them IMO.
Betting Angle: FADE against Clippers/Blazers/Rockets/Spurs 3. Phoenix Suns 45-37 (48-34 last year)
Top 7 Players: Bledsoe, Dragic, Tucker, Morris, Thomas, Green, Morris
I said before last year that the Suns would be a carnival attraction in having the Morris twins and Dionte Christmas and a bunch of foreigners with strange names. I was wrong. However, they still have the Morris twins and now this year they add to that comedy with Goran and Zoran Dragic? They have a fantastic coach that gets the most out of them. They have a fantastic backcourt with Dragic/Bledsoe/Thomas. But they don't have a go-to guy to get them crucial points late in games, and they won't sneak up on guys like they did last year.
Betting Angle: OVERS
4. Los Angeles Lakers 30-52 (27-55 last year)
Top 7 Players: Bryant, Lin, Boozer, Johnson, Young, Hill, Randle
Not ready to completely dump on this team for this year. Yes, the Kobe Bryant contract is absolutely devastating. Yes, the fact that NONE of the key free agents this offseason showed interest in them is a bad thing. Yes, Kobe is nowhere close to the defensive player he once was...but they do have some solid offensive options. The biggest reason I'm going to bump them up a little bit is Byron Scott. I think he's a huge upgrade at the coaching position and he will generate some respect from Kobe where the past couple coaches had none of that.
Betting Angle: Take them if they get 8+ points 5. Sacramento Kings 25-57 (28-54 last year)
Top 7 Players: Cousins, McLemore, Collison, happy, Thompson, Sessions Landry
Just not a good overall team IMO. Cousins is a great player who can fill the stat sheet with ease...but this team is not great defensively...and playing in the West and going up against these offenses you need to be able to play defense. What they picked up in the offseason vs what they lost is not significant enough to give them last year's record.
CM Don't underestimate Hawks team. If Horford is healthy all season this team will be monster surprise in that division. I think they even could reach 4-5 place in the whole conference. Paul Milsap is top 3 PF in Eastern conference and one of the best all-round players in the world! This guy can DO everything on the court. Korver is one of the best 3pt shooters in the league and Teague improve every next season. I can see them way above .500 if there is no important injuries in this team. Just my opinion of course but this team will be money (depend of the lines) this season remember my word. Good Luck in the next NBA marathon
.....hawks will be better than solid if injury-free
0
Quote Originally Posted by FunkFreaker:
CM Don't underestimate Hawks team. If Horford is healthy all season this team will be monster surprise in that division. I think they even could reach 4-5 place in the whole conference. Paul Milsap is top 3 PF in Eastern conference and one of the best all-round players in the world! This guy can DO everything on the court. Korver is one of the best 3pt shooters in the league and Teague improve every next season. I can see them way above .500 if there is no important injuries in this team. Just my opinion of course but this team will be money (depend of the lines) this season remember my word. Good Luck in the next NBA marathon
.....hawks will be better than solid if injury-free
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on
this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so.It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly.Covers does not provide
any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in
your relevant locality.Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it.As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner
of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.
Hot Forum Topics
