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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Peace.
Photo sourced from flagship.com
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