Announcement

**TheGame** · 10-16-2014, 01:21 PM

Re: NBA Betting Previews

NBA Southeast Division Betting Preview
By Will Rogers
Covers.com

Washington Wizards (2013-14: 43-38 SU, 42-38-1 ATS)

Odds to win division: +180

Season wins total: 49.5

Why To Bet The Wizards: With Bradley Beal and John Wall, the Wizards have one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Dion Waiters might think otherwise, but I think Beal hit the nail on the head in his reply to Waiters when the two had a war of words on Twitter a few weeks back: "you gotta win a playoff game first before you can talk. You gotta be a starter first." The signing of Marcin Gortat gives Washington one of the best centers in the Eastern Conference for five more years, and at 29 years old the Polish Hammer is in the prime of his career. Paul Pierce may be well past his prime, but he proved in last season's playoffs that he can still be a difference maker.

Why Not To Bet The Wizards: They lost a key defender when Trevor Ariza signed with Houston this summer. Washington was mediocre at best defensively, ranking in the middle of the pack in opponent's field goal percentage last season. At the age of 37, it's asking a lot of Paul Pierce to chase around opposing small forwards night in and night out.

Season win total pick: Over 49.5 wins

Miami Heat (2013-14: 54-27 SU, 37-42-2 ATS)

Odds to win division: +230

Season wins total: 43.5

Why To Bet The Heat: Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have a lot to prove this year, and both players have welcomed the challenge. While Luol Deng won't replace LeBron James, he still gives the Heat a formidable Big Three. The biggest thing this team might have going for it, is that they should be hungrier this year.

Why Not To Bet The Heat: Miami will be competitive if Wade can stay healthy, but that's a big if. He missed 28 games last year, and he's been plagued by knee injuries in recent seasons. The Heat didn't just lose LeBron James in the off-season, they also lost Ray Allen and Shane Battier. They are going to need Bosh to step up an carry the load as the first option on offense, while also counting on him to defend opposing centers while at a significant size disadvantage. It remains to be seen if Bosh can rise to the challenge.

Season win total pick: Over 43.5 wins.

Atlanta Hawks (2013-14: 38-44 SU, 37-43-1 ATS)

Odds to win the division: +410

Season wins total: 41.5

Why to bet the Hawks: They have been to the post-season in seven straight seasons, and they did it last year without Al Horford who went down with an injury in the first half of the season. With the acquisition of Thabo Sefolosha, and Horford back healthy, there is plenty of reason to expect improvement.

Why not to bet the Hawks: The bad news for Atlanta is that while they hope to be better, the competition in the East is going to be much tougher than it was last year, and 38 wins isn't likely going to be enough to get into the playoffs. The Hawks did little in the off-season to address their shortcomings on the boards. Altanta ranked 28th in the NBA averaging 40 rebounds per game last season.

Season wins total pick: Under 41.5

Charlotte Hornets (2013-14: 43-39 SU, 46-32-3 ATS)

Odds to win division: +335

Season wins total: 45

Why To Bet The Hornets: This appears to be a young team on the rise, coming off an inspiring post-season appearance last year. They acquired Lance Stephenson via free agency, and Noah Vonleh in the draft. Veteran Al Jefferson was a nice fit last season, averaging over 20 points and 10 boards, for his best season since 2009. He has a solid supporting cast with Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson and Cody Zeller all young players with their best years ahead of them.

Why Not To Bet The Hornets: Jefferson is as reliable as they come when healthy, but at this stage in his career it's more than likely that he will miss games with recurring plantar fasciitis, and other ailments. The loss of Josh McRoberts might leave a hole that proves difficult to fill, as his replacement Marvin Williams doesn't have the same play-making ability.

Season wins total: Over 45 wins

Orlando Magic (2013-14: 23-59 SU, 34-44-4 ATS)

Odds to win division: +5,500

Season wins total: 28

Why To Bet The Magic: It's not easy finding positive things to say about a team that finished with just 23 wins last season, and traded away it's leading scorer. That being said, they won't have to show much of an improvement to surpass expectations, simply because they have set the bar so low.

Why Not To Bet Magic: This team is clearly in a rebuilding stage, and nothing they did this summer would suggest that they have any intentions of competing this season. The plan for the future likely involves getting one of the top picks in the 2015 draft, and winning more than 28 games would put a wrinkle in that plan.

Season wins total pick: Under 28 wins

**TheGame** · 10-17-2014, 05:53 AM

Re: NBA Betting Previews

NBA Atlantic Division Betting Preview
By Sean Murphy
Covers.com

The Atlantic Division hasn't exactly been the crown jewel of the NBA in recent years. While that's unlikely to change in 2014-15, there is the potential for an entertaining race - and plenty of betting value.

Here's a quick look at all five teams and where they stand entering the new campaign.

Boston Celtics (2013-14: 25-57 SU, 39-41-2 ATS)

Odds to win division: 26-1
Season win total: 26.5

Why bet the Celtics: The Celtics did a lot of good things in year one of the Brad Stevens era. With Rajon Rondo back in the mix, there's optimism that they could even be a little ahead of schedule in their rebuild. Few bettors will be looking to back the C's, and that should help add some value, particularly early in the season. Playing in the watered-down Atlantic Division doesn't hurt their cause either.

Why not bet the Celtics: Boston is still probably at least a year or two away from contending for a playoff spot. On most nights, backing the Celtics will likely turn out to be a lesson in frustration. Avery Bradley and Jared Sullinger made positive strides a year ago, but can they live up to higher expectations in 2014? If they can't, it could be another long year in Beantown.

Season win total pick: Under

Philadelphia 76ers (2013-14: 19-63 SU, 36-46 ATS)

Odds to win division: 101-1
Season win total: 15

Why bet the 76ers: Because everyone is expecting the tank project to continue, and that will undoubtedly lead to inflated lines on a nightly basis. It's easy to forget that the Sixers had last year's Rookie of the Year in Michael Carter-Williams. He wasn't the only young talented player that emerged in Philly. The building blocks are in place for the Sixers to at least play competitive basketball, even if wins might be difficult to come by.

Why not bet the 76ers: Do you really want to back a team that may or may not be tanking? It wasn't just talk a year ago, the Sixers legitimately threw in the towel on the season and started looking toward the future no more than four games into the campaign. This is still a team that lacks the depth to win the close games, and with so much youth on the roster, the poise isn't there either.

Season win total pick: Over

Toronto Raptors (2013-14: 48-34 SU, 46-33-3 ATS)

Odds to win division: 2-1
Season win total: 48.5

Why bet the Raptors: Despite an early postseason exit, there were so many positives to talk about in Toronto last season. The Raptors were one of the hardest-working teams in the league, built in the mold of head coach Dwane Casey, and there's little reason to expect anything different this year. Thanks to residing up north the Raptors still don't get the credit they probably deserve, and that leads to consistently soft lines.

Why not bet the Raptors: Could a letdown be in order? The Raptors aren't exactly accustomed to success as a franchise, and there's some concern that we'll see a hangover from last spring's disappointing series loss to the Nets. Kyle Lowry signed a big contract in the offseason, but will he be able to live up to the lofty expectations? Simply put, Toronto could be set up to fail this season.

Season win total pick: Under

Brooklyn Nets (2013-14: 44-38 SU, 42-40 ATS)

Odds to win division: 3-1
Season win total: 41.5

Why bet the Nets: An injection of youth can't hurt a team that certainly looked old at times a year ago. New head coach Lionel Hollins is an upgrade over Jason Kidd. In fact, Hollins looks like an excellent fit to get the most out of this roster. Jarrett Jack could prove to be an underrated offseason pick-up.

Why not bet the Nets: Losing Paul Pierce hurts. While his on-court performance may have regressed, he's still one of the best leaders in the game. Deron Williams and Brook Lopez will be relied upon heavily, but both have proven fragile, not to mention streaky. Kevin Garnett is still a big part of what the Nets do at both ends of the floor, and that might not be a positive at this stage of his career.

Season win total pick: Over

New York Knicks (2013-14: 37-45 SU, 38-44 ATS)

Odds to win division: 3-1
Season win total: 40.5

Why bet the Knicks: Phil Jackson has taken over as president of basketball operations leading many to believe that the Knicks are ready to ascend the Eastern Conference and return to respectability. Carmelo Anthony is locked in, and as long as he's healthy, he's capable of carrying this team on his shoulders. Derek Fisher should provide plenty of energy in his first year as head coach.

Why not bet the Knicks: Haven't we heard all of this optimism in Manhattan before? The Knicks have disappointed year after year, and who's to say that this is the campaign that breaks the cycle. Carmelo doesn't have a standout supporting cast around him, and the Knicks still seem to get everyone's best shot at Madison Square Garden.

Season win total pick: Under

**TheGame** · 10-27-2014, 09:22 AM

Re: NBA Betting Previews

NBA Pacific Division Betting Preview
By Steve Merril
Covers.com

There may be no division in the NBA with a bigger disparity between the top and the bottom. The Warriors and Clippers are both perennial contenders, but the Lakers and Kings are looking like they are several pieces away from really competing.

Here's a quick look at all five teams and where they stand entering the new campaign.

Golden State Warriors (2013-14: 51-31 SU, 41-38-3 ATS)

Odds To Win Division: +165
Season Win Total: 51

Why Bet The Warriors: Golden State’s roster looks identical to last season when they won 51 games. The Warriors did add Shaun Livingston, Brandon Rush, and Leandro Barbosa to bolster their depth on the second unit. Golden State’s defense will be one of the best in the NBA with the hire of assistant coach Ron Adams who is a defensive wizard.

Why Not To Bet The Warriors: The team has a new head coach as Steve Kerr replaces Mark Jackson. The change took place after a difference in philosophy between Jackson and management. The players loved Jackson, and they’ve been vocal about their displeasure of the move. Kerr is also a former player in the league, so the team may come around sooner rather than later. Keep an eye on the situation.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 51 Wins

Los Angeles Clippers (2013-14: 57-25 SU, 46-35-1 ATS)

Odds To Win Division: -165
Season Win Total: 55

Why Bet The Clippers: Los Angeles is one of a handful of teams with a legitimate shot at winning the NBA championship this season. The Clippers have a formidable duo in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, and they got rid of some dead weight and brought in productive second unit players. Doc Rivers is one of the best coaches in the league, and his second year in LA should be better than the first.

Why Not To Bet The Clippers: The franchise went thru an embarrassing soap opera with former owner Donald Sterling. With former Microsoft CEO Steven Ballmer now the owner, the fiasco should be in the past. But it will likely have a lingering effect this season since the situation is still fresh on everybody’s mind. Chris Paul has a history of getting injured, and if he misses significant time, the Clippers will fade fast.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 55 Wins

Los Angeles Lakers (2013-14: 27-55 SU, 40-40-2 ATS)

Odds To Win Division: +6850
Season Win Total: 32.5

Why Bet The Lakers: Los Angeles had their worst record (27-55) in franchise history last season, so there’s plenty of motivation to improve. Kobe Bryant returns from injury along with additions Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer. The Lakers’ concerns are known, and they will be overcompensated in the pointspread. Los Angeles may be able to sneak up on teams, especially since they have proven NBA talent unlike last year when they played a slew of developmental league players.

Why Not To Bet The Lakers: This team is in desperate need of an overhaul. Los Angeles is old and slow, and the veterans are injury prone. The Lakers’ defense projects to be terrible this season, and since they do not possess an offense that can out-score opponents on a regular basis, it’s hard to envision much success this season. The Lakers will be hard-pressed to crack 30 wins overall.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 32.5 Wins

Phoenix Suns (2013-14: 48-34 SU, 52-29-1 ATS)

Odds To Win Division: +1100
Season Win Total: 44

Why Bet The Suns: The Phoenix backcourt of Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic is tremendous, and they are exciting to watch. The Suns have one of the youngest teams in the league, so being naive to their accomplishments of last season is a good thing. Head coach Jeff Hornacek has the respect of his players, so further improvement in year two isn’t far fetched.

Why Not To Bet The Suns: Phoenix was the biggest surprise team in the NBA last season when they won 48 games as their season Over/Under win total was just 19.5 games. The Suns won’t be sneaking up on opponents this season, so don’t expect a repeat of many upsets like last year. Phoenix plays with a small lineup, so they are at a major disadvantage inside the paint. The Suns’ defense is also a liability now with the departure of Channing Frye.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 44 Wins

Sacramento Kings (2013-14: 28-54 SU, 37-42-3 ATS)

Odds To Win Division: +5850
Season Win Total: 30

Why Bet The Kings: Sacramento has a tremendous head coach in Mike Malone, and with DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay, the Kings have some good pieces to work with. They underachieved last season, and they lost of a lot of close games. The Kings are better than perceived, so they may prove to be a tough out this season.

Why Not To Bet The Kings: The front office made a strange decision in letting point guard Isaiah Thomas go for nothing in return. The Kings will replace Thomas’ production with the combination of Darren Collison and Ray McCallum. On paper, that move looks twisted. Aside from Cousins and Gay, the Kings are made up of suspect role players that will be either hit or miss this season.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 30 Wins

Announcement

NBA Betting Previews

NBA Betting Previews

Comment

Comment

Comment