Andrew Hore's Suspension- A Breakdown and Critique

This weeks suspension of hooker Andrew Hore couldn't have come at a worst time for the All Blacks. His, shall we say, "ill advised" swinging forearm into the head of a Welsh player saw him banned for the next five matches. With the upcoming match against England this weekend Hore's actions have created a lot more news- to the detriment of the All Blacks. A couple of thoughts on the incident-

• Hore is lucky not to be banned for more games in my opinion. A swinging blind-side hit to the head has no place in the 21st century game of rugby, especially with concussions becoming a huge talking point in contact sports these days. Missing two Super 15 matches is a very light punishment for what he just did. Maybe the ban should have carried over to test matches only. That would be a more effective deterrent for these actions at this level perhaps?
• I think Hore's explanation that he wasn't aiming for the head is laughable. The fact that Davies, a lock, is significantly taller then him, meant he had to visibly reach up to strike him in the head. The only thing which was even more ridiculous was that the judicial panel believed his story! 
•  Those defending Hore's actions by saying he was provoked is just a condoning the small minded thinking of the yesteryears. He's a professional rugby player and should conduct himself in that manner. He is paid to play rugby within the rules of the game- not be a vigilante. 
• If he had done that off the field he could quite easily face time in prison. So why is it acceptable to people on a rugby pitch?
• Hore hasn't had a reputation in the past for being a dirty player so it is even more surprising that at the tail end of his career he would do something like this. If he was just starting out I think this incident would have damaged his reputation in NZ and would have taken years to recover from. See Keith Murdoch.
• The All Blacks management response was disappointing and the lack of conviction in the apology carries a long term tradition of arrogance when it comes to disciplinary incidents. It would be nice to see an All Black player or coach give a genuine apology for a hit for a change. 

The response from the media and opponents of the All Blacks has been predictable and disappointing for me. Journalists, pundits and fans of England especially have used this incident as a chance to ridicule the team and to question the moral fibre of the All Blacks. The fact is that every international team commits acts of thuggery on the field- it's not just one team. What has been highlighted again though is the International Rugby Board (IRB) inconsistency of the disciplining of the players guilty of such acts. What is also of note is that the All Blacks are on the receiving end of these acts more times then what they dish. Yet players have escaped with little or no punishment. Here are some examples of players who have acted with malicious intent to injure All Blacks:

South African Victor Matfield received no punishment for this late swinging arm to the head to Byron Kelleher in 2005


Englishman Dylan Hartley somehow escaped any punishment for this after the whistle forearm to Richie McCaw.(Skip to 2:12 if you just want to see the hit.)


Yet Hartley would receive a eight week ban for an alleged finger biting incident vs Ireland in which video evidence wasn't as clear.

Quade Coopers knee to McCaw's face last year also received no ban despite being blatantly malicious.

It goes both ways thought- the All Blacks have been just as guilty for illegal behaviour and getting away with it. The most famous would be Kevin Mealamu and Tana Umaga taking out Brian O'Driscoll against the Lions in 2004. Both of them didn't receive a single game for an off the ball spear tackle which ended the Irishman's tour in the first minute of the tour. The attitude of the All Blacks was hush hush and it will all go away. No official apology from either player or the team and this tradition carries on to this day. Being subject to that sort of treatment from oppositions can't be given as an excuse to do likewise. The modern sporting world is moving from an eye for an eye mentality which has been so prevalent for so long.

The problem is that the authorities have failed over time to police the game effectively however. The IRB haven't put in a rigid system for how infractions on the field should be punished. The NRL have a effective grading system which make it very clear how many weeks a player is banned for dependent on the foul and the previous history of the player. Rugby Union stills seems to be a potluck of what sorts of bans are given out. It reflects badly on the IRB and will continue to do so until they find a solution. Certainly the current system does not work and is prone to controversy. The more inconsistencies in the game the less credibility it receives unfortunately.

Photo sourced from tv3.co.nz

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NBA Season Preview Part Two- Western Conference

Here is Part Two of my NBA preview with a gambling aspect to it.Where I pick the OVER/UNDER win totals for each team.

Dallas Mavericks-44.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 7th in the Western Conference.

Key Acquisitions:  PG Darren Collison, SG OJ Mayo, PF Elton Brand, C Chris Kaman.

Key Losses: PG Jason Kidd, SG Jason Terry.

Best Players: PF Dirk Nowitzki

Things to like: They have acquired a bunch of intriguing players on one year contracts. Collison and Mayo are both explosive while Kaman is a solid center when healthy. Coach Rick Carlisle is one of the best in the business.

Things to be concerned about: Nowitzki is out for the first month with a knee injury. The lack of cohesion in the squad may mean this team may start slow.

My Pick: UNDER. Nowitzki out for the foreseeable future is not a good sign for a team which is starting to show its age. If he's out for any significant time this team might as well tank for next year.

Denver Nuggets-49.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 6th in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions:  SF Andre Igoudala

Key Losses: SG Arron Afflalo.

Best Players: PG Ty Lawson, Iguodala, PF Kenneth Faried.

Things to like: Perhaps the deepest team in the league, they go ten players deep. Iguodala provides a defensive presence they missed last year. This team's fast paced play is going to make them a difficult matchup.

Things to be concerned about: They don't have consistently good shooters in the team. Will be undersized against teams with centers.

My Pick: OVER. I really rate this team this year with their exciting style of play and depth. I project them to win over 55 wins and be one of the top 4 teams in the West.

Golden State Warriors-36.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 13th in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions:  PF Carl Landry, PG Jarret Jack

Key Losses: SF Brandon Wright

Best Players: PG Stephen Curry, C Andrew Bogut, SG Klay Thompson.

Things to like: A healthy Bogut and Curry would make this team very good. Bogut is one of the best defensive players in the league something this team has struggled with recently.

Things to be concerned about: Bogut is still recovering from injuries and Curry's ankles are the weakest in the league.

My Pick: UNDER. A promising team for the future. Young promising players like Thompson and Harrison Barnes need time to develop. Still a year away from competing for the playoffs. Looks like a 32-35 win team.

Houston Rockets-30.5 OVER/UNDER WINS (pre Harden trade)

Previous years record: 9th in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions:  SG James Harden, PG Jeremy Lin, C Omer Asik

Key Losses: PG Kyle Lowry, PF Luis Scola, SG Kevin Martin.

Best Players: Harden, Asik, PF Chandler Parsons.

Things to like: Harden is a top 20 player and makes this team relevant. Defensively this team will be one of the best especially in rebounding.
Things to be concerned about: Their is a lack of consistent scoring outside of Harden, Asik especially is a liability on the offensive end.

My Pick: OVER. The line has inevitably gone up since the Harden trade to maybe 35-36 wins. Before the trade this team was looking like the worst team in the Western Conference. Harden is an elite player and will help push this team to the edge of the playoffs.

Los Angeles Clippers-50.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 5th in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions: SG Jamal Crawford, SF Grant Hill, PF Lamar Odom

Key Losses: PG Mo Williams, SG Nick Young, F Reggie Evans.

Best Players: PG Chris Paul, PF Blake Griffin, C DeAndre Jordan, PG Eric Bledsoe.

Things to like: A deep team especially in the shooting department. Chris Paul is still one of the best PG's in the NBA.
Things to be concerned about: Blake Griffin has to show he can do more then just dunk to warrant the hype surrounding him. Rebounding is a weakness, Griffin and Jordan aren't that good at it. Coach Vinny Del Negro has the knack of making questionable moves during games, he is always on the hot seat. It remains to be seen whether Odom has anything left to contribute to basketball after a disastrous season with the Mavs last year.

My Pick: OVER. Another year of Griffin and Paul working together should mean better results. Crawford maybe a sneaky add on and Grant Hill will provide the professional veteran leadership. This team will get into the mid fifties.

Los Angeles Lakers-59.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 3rd in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions: C Dwight Howard, PG Steve Nash, PF Antawn Jamison

Key Losses: SF Matt Barnes.

Best Players: SG Kobe Bryant, PF Pau Gasol, Howard, Nash.

Things to like: Had the best offseason by acquiring the best center in the world and the two time MVP in Nash. Gasol and Howard create the best frontcourt in the league. Should relieve the pressure on Kobe to run things entirely.

Things to be concerned about: A very top heavy roster, almost no depth. Howard is still recovering from back surgery. This team needs time to gel as a team.

My Pick: UNDER. With the lack of time together I was picking the under for this team before the start of the season. Now due to the poor 1-4 start  their coach Mike Brown has been fired. This team was always going to struggle early on with Howard at 70-80% and Nash recovering from a fractured foot. The troubling thing was the fact they were running the Princeton offence which made Nash redundant. Nash is best when he has the ball in his hands and creating opportunities for team mates and himself. Why sign Nash if you aren't going to use him in the right way? With the firing of Brown this team is set for a long year of ups and downs but ultimately I think they will come together for the playoffs and be the most dangerous team in the West.

Memphis Grizzlies-49.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 4th in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions: none

Key Losses: none

Best Players: C Marc Gasol, PF Zach Randolph, SF Rudy Gay, PG Mike Conley, SG Tony Allen.

Things to like: The roster has been together for three years now and they know what works best. Gasol and Randolph can dominate the boards and score consistently. Defensively one of the soundest teams.

Things to be concerned about: Injuries are the only thing which is going to derail the team. They missed Randolph for a large proportion of the season last year. Rudy Gay has to be more consistent on the offensive end.

My Pick: OVER. This team can beat the Spurs and the Lakers and can give the Thunder a run for its money. I see this team making it to 55-58 wins and going deep into the playoffs.

Minnesota Timberwolves-39.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 12th in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions: SG Brandon Roy, PF Andrei Kirilenko, F Chase Budinger.

Key Losses: SF Michael Beasley, SG Wesley Johnson.

Best Players: PF Kevin Love, PG Ricky Rubio, Kirilenko.

Things to like: Getting Kirilenko was a great acquisition- he provides a great defensive presence. A lot more veterans on the team compared to previous years.

Things to be concerned about: Ricky Rubio is most likely out for the whole year with a knee injury. Kevin Love is out for the first two months with a broken hand.

My Pick: OVER. This team can hang around .500 until Love gets back. I see this team with a real chance of sneaking into the playoffs as the 8th seed.

New Orleans Hornets-26.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 15th in the Western Conference

Key Acquisitions: F Ryan Anderson, C Anthoney Davis

Key Losses: C Chris Kaman, C Emeka Okafor, PG Jarrett Jack, PF Carl Landry.

Best Players: Anderson, Davis, SG Eric Gordon.

Things to like: They got the right to select Davis as the No.1 pick last year. He is looking like a bona fide franchise player.

Things to be concerned about: Eric Gordan's knee is a cause for concern as he has ruled himself out despite doctors saying otherwise.

My Pick: OVER. Davis alone pushes this team to 30 wins. He is that good.

Oklahoma City Thunder-60.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 2nd in the Western Conference regular season. NBA finalists.

Key Acquisitions: SG Kevin Martin, SG Jeremy Lamb.

Key Losses: SG James Harden, SG Daequan Cook.

Best Players: PF Kevin Durant, PG Russell Westbrook, PF Serge Ibaka.

Things to like: Have one of the youngest squads in the NBA and they made the Finals last year. Durant and Westbrook are Top 10 players and are both under 25.

Things to be concerned about: Their decision to trade Harden was a difficult one as it is rare to see a team so close to being champions getting rid of such an important component of their success. Time will tell if this was the right decision to make.

My Pick: OVER. I still think they will win over 61 games in the regular season. I'm not so sure whether they will make it back to the Finals though as the Lakers, Spurs and Grizzlies have the ability to beat this team.

Phoenix Suns-33.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 10th in the Western Conference.

Key Acquisitions: PG Goran Dragic, SF Michael Beasley, PF Luis Scola.

Key Losses: PG Steve Nash, SF Grant Hill, C Robin Lopez.

Best Players: Dragic, C Marcin Gortat,

Things to like: They finally started rebuilding after Nash. Dragic and Gortat are above average at their position.

Things to be concerned about: The rest of the squad is not that good. A long season awaits for the team.

My Pick: UNDER. This team is not playoff bound this year and maybe not for another couple of years. The loss of Nash will hurt this year. 30 wins for them I project.

Portland Trail Blazers-34.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 11th in the Western Conference.

Key Acquisitions: PG Damian Lilard

Key Losses: SG Jamal Crawford, C Marcus Camby, PG Raymond Felton.

Best Players: PF LaMarcus Aldridge, Lilard, SF Nicolas Batum.

Things to like: Lilard seems to be a great draft pick. A point guard who can score and create for others. Batum finally gets a shot at the starting role and a chance to show the potential the Frenchmen has flashed at times. Aldridge is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.

Things to be concerned about: The rest of the squad is largely unproven and it remains to be seen whether they made enough changes from the forgettable season last year.

My Pick: OVER. A tough pick for me. I think they will end up with a win total around the 35-38 win total. I think Lilard and Batum will emerge to carry the team to the OVER. Not quite playoff bound but close.

Sacramento Kings-30.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 14th in the Western Conference.

Key Acquisitions: F Thomas Robinson.

Key Losses: none

Best Players: C DeMarcus Cousins, SG Tyreke Evans.

Things to like: Cousins is turning into a beast and could become a superstar.They have players who can score in bunches.

Things to be concerned about: This team is entirely made up of selfish, shoot first, players in every position. Wildly undisciplined and immature bunch of individuals.

My Pick: UNDER. This team is built like a fantasy team. A bunch of scorers and no cohesion. This team is going to struggle again this year and should be broken up at the end of this year.

San Antonio Spurs-54.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 1st in the Western Conference regular season.

Key Acquisitions: none

Key Losses: SF Richard Jefferson

Best Players: PF Tim Duncan, SG Manu Ginobli, PG Tony Parker, SF Kawhi Leonard.

Things to like: The best coached team in NBA this team defies the age of its top players by consistently winning. No exactly what they can and cannot do as a team.

Things to be concerned about: There's always a chance that Duncan's and Ginobli's bodies breakdown. Without them this team will struggle to compete with the Lakers and OKC.

My Pick: OVER. This team defies odds last year and ended up with the best record in the Western Conference. They should again be right up there as they know this maybe one of the last opportunities for this team to compete for a title. 57-59 wins I project.

Utah Jazz-42.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 8th in the Western Conference.

Key Acquisitions: SF Marvin Williams, PG Mo Williams.

Key Losses: PG Devin Harris.

Best Players: SF Gordon Hayward, F Al Jefferson, F Paul Millsap.

Things to like: They have a lot of depth in the frontcourt with Jefferson, Millsap, Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. Somehow they have to get all of them involved.

Things to be concerned about: The backcourt of Mo Williams and Foye is pretty average and doesn't scare anyone. The Jazz are the definition of an average team.

My Pick: OVER. Another tough pick as I think they will right around this win total. Ultimately I think they will be in the hunt again for the final playoff spot in the West but not much more.



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NBA Season Preview Part One- Eastern Conference

One of the most anticipated seasons in NBA history started the past week and not a moment too soon. The NBA returns to a full slate of games after a lockout shortened season which threatened to damage the reputation of the league. It turned out to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory and resulted in NBA MVP LeBron James winning his first title with the Miami Heat. Favourites to retain their title the Heat are the team to beat which has led to significant player movements around the other prime contenders. My season preview will be split into two parts: Eastern and Western Conferences. I decided to base the previews around their sport betting regular season win totals from sportsbook.ag and choosing whether they win OVER that amount of games or UNDER that amount. A fun way to look at the games as well as giving some advice to those readers who like to have a wee dabble at gambling.

Atlanta Hawks- 42.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 5th in Eastern Conference.

Key Acquisitions: PG Devin Harris, PG/SG Lou Williams.

Key Losses: SG Joe Johnson, SF Marvin Williams.

Best Players: Al Horford, Josh Smith.

Things to like: Have one of the best forward duo's in the NBA- Al Horford and Josh Smith. Better scoring depth then previous years. Brought in great scoring options off the bench in Lou Williams and Devin Harris. Got rid of Joe Johnson and his $90 million contract.

Things to be concerned about: The loss of Johnson leaves the back court weak on the defensive end. Josh Smith in a contract year could lead to more ill-advised 18 foot shots from him.

My Pick: OVER. Not sure why this team is rated so low this year by the bookies. They may actually be better this year with a stronger overall team. Horford and Smith are going to make this team competitive with almost any team. I see them reaching 50 wins again. They have already beaten the defending Western Conference champions Thunder away this season. Point guard Jeff Teague had this monster dunk over Kevin Durant in the game. This will be an exciting team to watch for a change.

Brooklyn Nets- 44.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 12th in Eastern Conference.

Key Acquisitions: SG Joe Johnson.

Best Players: Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace.

Things to like: Johnson and PG Deron Williams form perhaps the best back court in the NBA. They have cool uniforms. They have a new hi-tech stadium to play in as well.

Things to be concerned about: Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries make a very weak starting front court who will struggle against the best teams. The contracts of Williams and Johnson tie them down for the foreseeable future. If these two don't play well this team is in serious trouble.

My Pick: OVER. This team has received a boost from the move to Brooklyn from New Jersey this year from a team which has been historically bad. Both Williams and Johnson are top 5 in their respective positions and this should result in them getting around the 50 win range also. I do have reservations about the long term future of the term due to their ages and the size of their contracts however.

Boston Celtics- 51.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: Eastern Conference Runners Up.

Key Acquisitions: SG Jason Terry, SG Courtney Lee, C Jared Sullinger.

Key Losses: SG Ray Allen

Best Players: Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce.

Things to like: The acquisition of Terry is an upgrade over Allen, he's younger and he's able to create his own shot.  Deeper team then last year. Should score more this year which was their weakness last year.

Things to be concerned about: Health is the biggest issue. Garnett and Pierce aren't getting any older. Avery Bradley is coming back from a serious knee injury and Jeff Green had heart surgery.

My Pick: OVER. This team is easily the second best team in the East this year. If Garnett can continue to anchor the defensive end they will have more scoring options to combat the Heat this year.

Charlotte Bobcats-19.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: Worst record in the NBA

Key Acquisitions: SG Ben Gordon, SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, PG Ramon Sessions

Key Losses: None but they had nothing to lose in the first place.

Things to like: They will probably be in the favourite to get the No 1. pick in next years draft. Unfortunately they were in the same position last year and failed to get it.

Things to be concerned about: They are bad, really bad.

My Pick: UNDER. I'm betting this team will have the worst record again in the entire NBA, they just don't have the talent to compete. It's going to be another long year for the fan base.

Chicago Bulls-48 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: No. 1 in the Eastern Conference after regular season.

Key Acquisitions: None

Key Losses: PG CJ Watson, SG John Lucas III, C Omer Asik, SG Kyle Korver

Best Players: Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng.

Things to like: They have one of the best coaches in the NBA. Tom Thibodeau will keep them competitive until Rose gets back from his injury.

Things to be concerned about: Rose is out till January so somebody has to pick up the scoring he produces. They lost Asik, Watson and Lucas who were an effective bench. Their lack of explosiveness is a concern.

My Pick: UNDER. This team was the second best team last year in the East until Rose blew his knee out right at the end of the regular season. They are going to struggle to even make the playoffs this year with out a healthy Rose. The rest of the squad is not very good offensively. I'm expecting around 42-43 wins this year. If Rose can return healthy though I think they can get around 48 wins.

Cleveland Cavaliers-30.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 13th in the Eastern Conference

Key Acquisitions: SG Dion Waiters, C Tyler Zeller.

Key Losses: None.

Best Players: PG Kyrie Irving, C Anderson Varejao

Things to like: In Irving they have one of the up and coming superstars of the NBA. They will be one of the most exciting teams to watch.

Things to be concerned about: Very young and unlikely to make the playoffs. Waiters was a suspect pick in this years draft for such a high pick. There isn't much scoring other then Irving.

My Pick: OVER. I like this young team, there are no expectations on them as they are still a couple of years away from competing but they are talented enough to be competitive in almost every matchup. I like them winning 34-36 games this year as long as Irving stays healthy.

Detroit Pistons-31.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 10th in the Eastern Conference.

Key Acquisitions: PF Andre Drummond.

Key Losses: SG Ben Gordon.

Best Players: PG Rodney Stuckey, C Greg Monroe.

Things to like: Drummond and Monroe have the ability to be a solid front court in the future. They got rid of Ben Gordon's atrocious contract.

Things to be concerned about: GM Joe Dumars has put together one of the most dysfunctional teams in the NBA right now. No identity as a team and not one true star.

My Pick: UNDER. This team will be one of the worst this year despite players like Monroe. They invested in the wrong players and are still a year away from being competitive. This will be a long year for the team. 23-25 wins I predict.

Indiana Pacers-50.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 3rd in the Eastern Conference

Key Acquisitions: PG DJ Augustin, C Ian Mahinmi

Key Losses: PG Darren Collison.

Best Players: SF Danny Granger, C Roy Hibbert, PF David West, SG Paul George.

Things to like: They have a deep team of above average players. Play with tenacity and won't back down to no team. Came close to beating the Heat in the playoffs last year so they have the belief that they can go all the way. Paul George and George Hill are a strong and talented backcourt.

Things to be concerned about: Centre Roy Hibbert is overated. Was given a max deal this offseason only because of the lack of centres in the league. They lose Collison is was an underrated point guard and bought in Augustin to replace him which is a significant downgrade.

My Pick: UNDER. For me this a classic over hyped team who over achieved last year and is due for a drop. I thought this even before their best player, Danny Granger was announced to have tendinitis in his knee and will be out for three months. This team is going to make the playoffs but they aren't going to win 50 games like many fans are expecting. Somewhere in the 46-48 range for me.

Miami Heat- 61.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: NBA Champions. 2nd in the Eastern Conference after the regular season.

Key Acquisitions: SG Ray Allen, PF Rashard Lewis.

Key Losses: none

Best Players: SF LeBron James, SG Dwayne Wade, PF Chris Bosh.

Things to like: Now that LeBron finally won a title I think the pressure is off them. They know who they are as a team and that will result in more confidence with in themselves. Ray Allen provides a perfect complimentary piece. He can just sit in the corners and wait for LeBron and Wade to collapse defences, leaving him open for easy 3's.

Things to be concerned about: Health would be the only issue. Wade missed a lot of time last year but seems to be healthy this year. Wing players Battier, Miller and Allen need to stay healthy otherwise this team becomes exclusively the LeBron/Wade show and that's not a good thing.

My Pick: OVER. An easy pick here, this line should be five wind higher. With Wade back healthy this year and LeBron in his absolute prime we are going to see a dominating year for this team. They are going to be incredibly hard to beat this year and are favoured to defend their title.

Milwaukee Bucks-37.5 OVER/UNDER

Previous years record: 9th in the Eastern Conference

Key Acquisitions: C Samuel Dalembert

Key Losses: none

Best Players: PG Brandon Jennings, SG Monte Ellis.

Things to like: Will be more exciting this year with Jennings and Ellis shooting. Dalembert provides a solid defensive presence in the paint.

Things to be concerned about: Both Ellis and Jennings are both shoot first and shoot second players. They need the ball in their hands to be effective. Both are in contract years so they will be fighting for the ball to show they are worth a max contract.

My Pick: UNDER. This team has the talent to be a playoff team but I think this could be one of the most dysfunctional teams in the NBA. Their two best players are selfish and erratic. Coach Scott Skiles could be one the first to be fired this season. I think they will have a so-so year with around 35 wins.

New York Knicks- 46.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record:

Key Acquisitions: PG Jason Kidd, PG Raymond Felton

Key Losses: PG Jeremy Lin

Best Players: SF Carmelo Anthony, C Tyson Chandler.

Things to like: Chandler's defence and Carmelo's scoring will keep them competitive. Jason Kidd could help change the 'me first' culture in the side.

Things to be concerned about: Melo and JR Smith are incredibly selfish. Amare Stoudamire is injured again and Jason Kidd is 60 years old. How are they going to work as a team.

My Pick: UNDER. I just don't like the make up of this team. Their best player seems unwilling to share the ball and make his team mates better. Amare is the white elephant in the room, they just can't unload that horrendous contract of his. This team is always going to be rated because they are the Knicks but there lack of depth and cohesion will be their downfall. 45 wins looks likely to me.

Orlando Magic-24.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 6th in the Eastern Conference

Key Acquisitions: SG Arron Afflalo, PF Al Harrington, PF/C Nikola Vucevic

Key Losses: C Dwight Howard, SF Ryan Anderson

Best Players: Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu, Afflalo.

Things to like: Despite losing Howard they are still talented enough to compete. A team full of solid, but not spectacular NBA veterans.

Things to be concerned about: Losing Howard was a killer. They aren't quite bad enough to tank and be into the running for the No.1 pick in next years draft but not good enough to make the playoffs. Stuck in the middle- the worst position for an NBA team.

My Pick: OVER. Since the Howard trade occurred people automatically assumed the Magic would become the worst team in the NBA. However they have a lot of veteran talent that will see them competing regularly. It depends on how they start. If they are competitive early I see them winning over 30 games. If they start poorly though I see them trading away players and tanking to get a high pick in next years draft.

Philadelphia 76ers-47.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 8th in the Eastern Conference.

Key Acquisitions: C Andrew Bynum, SG Jason Richardson, SF Dorrell Wright.

Key Losses: SF Andre Iguodala, PG/SG Lou Williams, PF/C Nikola Vucevic

Best Players: Bynum, PG Jrue Holliday, SG Evan Turner.

Things to like: A team who realised in their current state they had reached their ceiling they made the Andrew Bynum for Iguodala trade. The 2nd best centre in the NBA gives the 76ers a real shot of competing in the East.

Things to be concerned about: Acquiring Bynum also has its risks though. The state of his knees are a big problem, he has yet to play a game. The loss of scoring guard Lou Williams is also a blow. Instead they brought in one of the most selfish shooting guards in the league in Nick Young to take his place. That can't be good.

My Pick: UNDER. This teams future depends entirely on Bynum's knees. If he is healthy then they can win over 50 games easily. But he isn't healthy and the timetable for his return is uncertain. I think this team is going to struggle to make the playoffs without him. I see 41-44 wins for the 76ers.

Toronto Raptors-32.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Key Acquisitions: PG Kyle Lowry, SF Landry Fields.

Key Losses: none

Best Players: Lowry, SF DeMar DeRozan, PF/C Andrea Bargnani.

Things to like: Acquring Lowry was a fantastic move for Toronto. He is an explosive all-round player who will make the entire team better.

Things to be concerned about: The lack of talent around Lowry is a concern. Lithuanian rookie centre Jonas Valanciunas is promising but young and may not contribute much this year. Also the fact that they gave a max contract to DeRozan in the offseason. This despite the fact that no other team would have given him close to that amount raises more questions about the management of this team.

My Pick: OVER. I think this team has the potential to fight for a playoff spot this year. Kyle Lowry is the key to this. Without him this team is very average-just like it has been for the last couple of years. I see them winning 34-36 wins.

Washington Wizards-29.5 OVER/UNDER WINS

Previous years record: 14th in the Eastern Conference.

Key Acquisitions: C Emeka Okafor, SF Trevor Ariza.

Key Losses: none

Best Players: PG John Wall, C Nene.

Things to like: On paper they look like a solid mix of young talent and veterans. Nene and Okafor would be a solid front court if healthy.

Things to be concerned about: Their may not be a team managed so poorly in the league then the Wizards. Poor signings and a losing/immature culture within the team as led to continually poor seasons. John Wall needs to translate his immense physical gifting's into wins. Injuries are probably the biggest problem though. Both Wall and Nene are struggling with nagging injuries and will be limited for the start of the season. Also Trevor Ariza is one of the worst SF's in the game.

My Pick: UNDER. John Wall is not healthy and I personally don't believe he is an All Star calibre player. Coach randy Wittman is on a short leash and maybe the first coach to be fired. Another lottery bound 20 win season awaits unfortunately.

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Peace.

Photo sourced from flagship.com