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?
I like the Turner pickup for this Boston team. Agree that he adds a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball.
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Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
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?
I like the Turner pickup for this Boston team. Agree that he adds a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball.
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
Pistons are my playoff sleeper this year too. I have a feeling we will be paying a premium early on.
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Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
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
Pistons are my playoff sleeper this year too. I have a feeling we will be paying a premium early on.
SOUTHWEST DIVISION 1. San Antonio Spurs 58-24 (62-20 last year)
Top 7 Players: Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Leonard, Splitter, Diaw, Green
Possibly the best top 7 in all of basketball right there with the Clippers. Last season proved to me that this team is beyond age. That was my biggest critique of them heading into last season was I thought that father time would finally catch up to these guys. But with Pops at the helm pulling the strings and resting them exactly when needed it just works out perfectly. They continue to pick up key players like Diaw and Green and Leonard and develop them into the next big three. They should be right there at the end as well.
Betting Angle: FADE them in the first couple months as always 2. Dallas Mavericks 52-30 (49-33 last year)
Top 7 Players: Nowitzki, Parsons, Ellis, Chandler, Harris, Nelson, Wright
Great pickup for the offseason with Parsons. I love the athleticism that he brings to this team because it's something that the Mavericks really didn't have too much of in the past couple years. They were more of a half court team with Dirk in the post and from the outside. With Parsons cutting to the hoop and with Ellis, Nelson, and Felton as three legitimate proven point guard distributing the ball I like the Mavericks to improve upon last year's record and make a strong push late in the season.
Betting Angle: Take them getting points against the West's best
3. Houston Rockets 48-34 (54-28 last year)
Top 7 Players: Beverley, Howard, Harden, Ariza, Jones, Garcia, Terry
Lost too much in the offseason in my opinion to follow up on last year's 50+ win season. Lin and Parsons cannot be replaced by Ariza alone...and they didn't add the big name they were hoping for. Harden is one of the best players in the game and one of the rare few that can create their own points at any time in the game. If Howard can stay healthy and more importantly stay focused on winning rather than having fun then this team can still be a power.
Betting Angle: Give me the UNDER if the line is 212+ 4. Memphis Grizzlies 45-37 (50-32 last year)
Top 7 Players: Conley, Randolph, Gasol, Lee, Carter, Allen, Udrih
Still a solid team, but I figure them to fall off as well. I still love their defense, but their offense didn't do enough in the offseason to improve IMO. Carter is barely holding on at the tail end of his career as is Randolph. Somebody has got to step up and take control of this team offensively...and I just don't see it happening
Betting Angle: Take them against the EAST as short faves.
5. New Orleans Hornets 39-43 (34-48 last year)
Top 7 Players: Holiday, Gordon, Davis, Asik, Evans, Anderson, Salmons
I love the offensive flexibility that this team provides, but I am absolutely not a fan of their bench. They have fantastic outside shooting and can go super small with Gordon, Holiday, Evans, Anderson, and Davis and shoot the hell out of the ball...but if there is just one key injury to the starting lineup, they will struggle. I love Anthony Davis to take the leap this year and become a serious MVP candidate. He should have no problem on this team putting up 24/12/3
Betting Angle: I like OVERS if the line is 195 or less.
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SOUTHWEST DIVISION 1. San Antonio Spurs 58-24 (62-20 last year)
Top 7 Players: Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Leonard, Splitter, Diaw, Green
Possibly the best top 7 in all of basketball right there with the Clippers. Last season proved to me that this team is beyond age. That was my biggest critique of them heading into last season was I thought that father time would finally catch up to these guys. But with Pops at the helm pulling the strings and resting them exactly when needed it just works out perfectly. They continue to pick up key players like Diaw and Green and Leonard and develop them into the next big three. They should be right there at the end as well.
Betting Angle: FADE them in the first couple months as always 2. Dallas Mavericks 52-30 (49-33 last year)
Top 7 Players: Nowitzki, Parsons, Ellis, Chandler, Harris, Nelson, Wright
Great pickup for the offseason with Parsons. I love the athleticism that he brings to this team because it's something that the Mavericks really didn't have too much of in the past couple years. They were more of a half court team with Dirk in the post and from the outside. With Parsons cutting to the hoop and with Ellis, Nelson, and Felton as three legitimate proven point guard distributing the ball I like the Mavericks to improve upon last year's record and make a strong push late in the season.
Betting Angle: Take them getting points against the West's best
3. Houston Rockets 48-34 (54-28 last year)
Top 7 Players: Beverley, Howard, Harden, Ariza, Jones, Garcia, Terry
Lost too much in the offseason in my opinion to follow up on last year's 50+ win season. Lin and Parsons cannot be replaced by Ariza alone...and they didn't add the big name they were hoping for. Harden is one of the best players in the game and one of the rare few that can create their own points at any time in the game. If Howard can stay healthy and more importantly stay focused on winning rather than having fun then this team can still be a power.
Betting Angle: Give me the UNDER if the line is 212+ 4. Memphis Grizzlies 45-37 (50-32 last year)
Top 7 Players: Conley, Randolph, Gasol, Lee, Carter, Allen, Udrih
Still a solid team, but I figure them to fall off as well. I still love their defense, but their offense didn't do enough in the offseason to improve IMO. Carter is barely holding on at the tail end of his career as is Randolph. Somebody has got to step up and take control of this team offensively...and I just don't see it happening
Betting Angle: Take them against the EAST as short faves.
5. New Orleans Hornets 39-43 (34-48 last year)
Top 7 Players: Holiday, Gordon, Davis, Asik, Evans, Anderson, Salmons
I love the offensive flexibility that this team provides, but I am absolutely not a fan of their bench. They have fantastic outside shooting and can go super small with Gordon, Holiday, Evans, Anderson, and Davis and shoot the hell out of the ball...but if there is just one key injury to the starting lineup, they will struggle. I love Anthony Davis to take the leap this year and become a serious MVP candidate. He should have no problem on this team putting up 24/12/3
Betting Angle: I like OVERS if the line is 195 or less.
Top 7 Players: Lillard, Aldridge, Batum, Matthews, Blake, Robinson, Lopez
Was going to bump them up a bit, but I think they over-achieved a little bit last year. I do think they are just as good as last year, but the West is even tougher this year. Lillard and Aldridge are one of the best duos in the league and should be able to put up close to 50 points between the two of them. I love their front court depth, but I'm not a fan of their back court depth. Terry Stotts has done a nice job with this team, but I'm not quite sure he has what it takes to take them to the next level.
Betting Angle: Take them at home vs. East
2. Oklahoma City Thunder 51-31 (59-23 last year)
Top 7 Players: Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka, Jackson, Lamb, Adams, Jones
I'm seeing the Durant injury as being the kiss of death for this team this year. Westbrook isn't the team player that he should be at this point in his career because he hasn't had to be. Durant has always been there for him to be the big brother...well now big brother is on vacation. I see them struggling for the first part of the season and then turning it on later in the season for the playoff push. McGary should be a nice addition to this team as far as big man depth...and I see him taking a lot of Perkins' minutes as the season goes on.
Betting Angle: Fade them as favorites of 6 or more early on 3. Denver Nuggets 42-40 (36-46 last year)
Top 7 Players: Lawson, Faried, Mozgov, Gallinari, Afflalo, Chandler, Robinson
Going to bump them up a good amount of wins from last year because I like the coaching choice and I think they can improve upon their putrid road record from last year. I see them being the ultimate .500 basketball team this year. They are going to be very good at home because of the home court advantage. Faried/Mozgov/Gallinari/Chandler/Nurkic should be able to do some serious damage on the boards. The problem remains that they don't have a legitimate late game finisher. A bunch of indians and no chiefs in this league means you go .500
Betting Angle: Take them at home 4. Minnesota Timberwolves 25-57 (40-42 last year)
Top 7 Players: Rubio, Martin, Pekovic, Brewer, Wiggins, Young Lavine
Going to be a hell of a fun team to watch...but they aren't going to win anything. Wiggins I think has the highest ceiling out of all the rookies this year, and Lavine will have some highlight reel dunks this year. Rubio will have just as much fun passing to these guys as he did with Love. Pekovic is one of the best centers in the game...but they just don't have the experience necessary to compete.
Betting Angle: FADE them on road vs. West 5. Utah Jazz 24-58 (25-57 last year)
Top 7 Players: Burke, Burks, Favors, Hayward, Kanter, Exum, Evans
I'm sure a lot of people might disagree with me on this one...but they just don't have the size down low to compete. Hayward IMO isn't a star player. He's a great compliment player, but not quite there. I like Exum to take over a good amount of minutes from their past couple high draft picks in the back court. I see them losing a ton of close games.
Betting Angle: Take them getting 7 or more points
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NORTHWEST DIVISION
1. Portland Blazers 52-30 (54-28 last year)
Top 7 Players: Lillard, Aldridge, Batum, Matthews, Blake, Robinson, Lopez
Was going to bump them up a bit, but I think they over-achieved a little bit last year. I do think they are just as good as last year, but the West is even tougher this year. Lillard and Aldridge are one of the best duos in the league and should be able to put up close to 50 points between the two of them. I love their front court depth, but I'm not a fan of their back court depth. Terry Stotts has done a nice job with this team, but I'm not quite sure he has what it takes to take them to the next level.
Betting Angle: Take them at home vs. East
2. Oklahoma City Thunder 51-31 (59-23 last year)
Top 7 Players: Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka, Jackson, Lamb, Adams, Jones
I'm seeing the Durant injury as being the kiss of death for this team this year. Westbrook isn't the team player that he should be at this point in his career because he hasn't had to be. Durant has always been there for him to be the big brother...well now big brother is on vacation. I see them struggling for the first part of the season and then turning it on later in the season for the playoff push. McGary should be a nice addition to this team as far as big man depth...and I see him taking a lot of Perkins' minutes as the season goes on.
Betting Angle: Fade them as favorites of 6 or more early on 3. Denver Nuggets 42-40 (36-46 last year)
Top 7 Players: Lawson, Faried, Mozgov, Gallinari, Afflalo, Chandler, Robinson
Going to bump them up a good amount of wins from last year because I like the coaching choice and I think they can improve upon their putrid road record from last year. I see them being the ultimate .500 basketball team this year. They are going to be very good at home because of the home court advantage. Faried/Mozgov/Gallinari/Chandler/Nurkic should be able to do some serious damage on the boards. The problem remains that they don't have a legitimate late game finisher. A bunch of indians and no chiefs in this league means you go .500
Betting Angle: Take them at home 4. Minnesota Timberwolves 25-57 (40-42 last year)
Top 7 Players: Rubio, Martin, Pekovic, Brewer, Wiggins, Young Lavine
Going to be a hell of a fun team to watch...but they aren't going to win anything. Wiggins I think has the highest ceiling out of all the rookies this year, and Lavine will have some highlight reel dunks this year. Rubio will have just as much fun passing to these guys as he did with Love. Pekovic is one of the best centers in the game...but they just don't have the experience necessary to compete.
Betting Angle: FADE them on road vs. West 5. Utah Jazz 24-58 (25-57 last year)
Top 7 Players: Burke, Burks, Favors, Hayward, Kanter, Exum, Evans
I'm sure a lot of people might disagree with me on this one...but they just don't have the size down low to compete. Hayward IMO isn't a star player. He's a great compliment player, but not quite there. I like Exum to take over a good amount of minutes from their past couple high draft picks in the back court. I see them losing a ton of close games.
1. Los Angeles Clippers 2. San Antonio Spurs 3. Portland Trailblazers 4. Golden State Warriors 5. Dallas Mavericks 6. Oklahoma City Thunder 7. Houston Rockets 8. Phoenix Suns 1st Round:
#1 LA Clippers def #8 Phoenix Suns (4-1) #2 San Antonio Spurs def #7 Houston Rockets (4-2) #6 Oklahoma City Thunder def #3 Portland Trailblazers (4-3) #5 Dallas Mavericks def #4 Golden State Warriors (4-3)
2nd Round:
#1 LA Clippers def #5 Dallas Mavericks (4-3) #2 San Antonio Spurs def #6 Oklahoma City Thunder (4-2)
3rd Round:
#1 LA Clippers def #2 San Antonio Spurs (4-3)
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WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
1. Los Angeles Clippers 2. San Antonio Spurs 3. Portland Trailblazers 4. Golden State Warriors 5. Dallas Mavericks 6. Oklahoma City Thunder 7. Houston Rockets 8. Phoenix Suns 1st Round:
#1 LA Clippers def #8 Phoenix Suns (4-1) #2 San Antonio Spurs def #7 Houston Rockets (4-2) #6 Oklahoma City Thunder def #3 Portland Trailblazers (4-3) #5 Dallas Mavericks def #4 Golden State Warriors (4-3)
2nd Round:
#1 LA Clippers def #5 Dallas Mavericks (4-3) #2 San Antonio Spurs def #6 Oklahoma City Thunder (4-2)
Going with the two longest suffering franchises in NBA history to meet for the title. I like the Clippers over the Cavs because of the coaching advantage, and the veteran backcourt of Chris Paul/Jordan Farmar/Jamal Crawford to out-play the back court of the Cavaliers.
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Going with the two longest suffering franchises in NBA history to meet for the title. I like the Clippers over the Cavs because of the coaching advantage, and the veteran backcourt of Chris Paul/Jordan Farmar/Jamal Crawford to out-play the back court of the Cavaliers.
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
Ya I definitely call this homerism. No chance in hell that the Celtics win over 35 games. That team is god right awful and Rondo will forsure be gone by December
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Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
ATLANTIC DIVISION
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
Ya I definitely call this homerism. No chance in hell that the Celtics win over 35 games. That team is god right awful and Rondo will forsure be gone by December
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
If you consider any of those guys veteran leaders than well there team is absolutely screwed. What is Mayo going to do. Teach the young guys how to become 20 lbs. overweight and be a STRETCH 2 guard. Dudley is a very quiet guy and Bayless is barely an average NBA player. I love the Greek Freak though and will be pounding the team total wins over
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Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
CENTRAL DIVISION
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
If you consider any of those guys veteran leaders than well there team is absolutely screwed. What is Mayo going to do. Teach the young guys how to become 20 lbs. overweight and be a STRETCH 2 guard. Dudley is a very quiet guy and Bayless is barely an average NBA player. I love the Greek Freak though and will be pounding the team total wins over
Going with the two longest suffering franchises in NBA history to meet for the title. I like the Clippers over the Cavs because of the coaching advantage, and the veteran backcourt of Chris Paul/Jordan Farmar/Jamal Crawford to out-play the back court of the Cavaliers.
Hope my Cavs can finally end my suffering and all of Clevelands suffering but I agree completely with the Clippers pick. Love them this year and think they finally get over the hump. BOL this year and great job
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Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:
Going with the two longest suffering franchises in NBA history to meet for the title. I like the Clippers over the Cavs because of the coaching advantage, and the veteran backcourt of Chris Paul/Jordan Farmar/Jamal Crawford to out-play the back court of the Cavaliers.
Hope my Cavs can finally end my suffering and all of Clevelands suffering but I agree completely with the Clippers pick. Love them this year and think they finally get over the hump. BOL this year and great job
Hope my Cavs can finally end my suffering and all of Clevelands suffering but I agree completely with the Clippers pick. Love them this year and think they finally get over the hump. BOL this year and great job
Thanks for the thoughts...good luck this season as well
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Quote Originally Posted by hradekbr:
Hope my Cavs can finally end my suffering and all of Clevelands suffering but I agree completely with the Clippers pick. Love them this year and think they finally get over the hump. BOL this year and great job
Thanks for the thoughts...good luck this season as well
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