NBA Betting – Atlantic Division Preview
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Before you get ready to bet World Series odds, make sure you get your picks in for the NBA season, which began on Wednesday. Here’s a look at the Atlantic Division, and all signs are pointing towards a Boston repeat.
BOSTON CELTICS
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Title – 4/1
Atlantic Division Odds – 2/9
The Celtics picked up Rasheed Wallace as backup for Kevin Garnett, who missed the second half of last season and the playoffs with a knee injury, and Garnett’s health is crucial to the Celtics’ championship odds this year. There’s also the off-court drama involving Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who will miss six weeks because of a broken thumb caused in a fight, and Rajon Rondo, who announced that he won’t re-sign with Boston. This means the Celtics will need all of their veteran experience to avoid distractions, but with Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in the mix, that shouldn’t be a problem.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Title – 60/1
Atlantic Division Odds – 7/1
Persuading Hedo Turkoglu to come to the north was a major coup for the Raptors, who now have someone who can create a shot on their own. DeMar DeRozan has looked good in the preseason, but he’s still a rookie. Jarrett Jack came from Indiana to push Jose Calderon at the point, but the biggest question for the Raptors is, can Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani be on the court at the same time? They’re very similar players, and Bosh will be out to prove to someone that he’s worth $20 million a season. How these players perform will be the key to the Raptors’ online sports betting odds.
PHILADELPHIA 76ers
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Title – 65/1
Atlantic Division Odds – 8/1
The 76ers lost Andre Miller to Portland, and no one will miss the veteran point guard more than Andre Igoudala, who now may be asked to handle the ball more. The 76ers also need Elton Brand to be healthy, as the power forward played only 29 games after signing a massive contract. Outside of these two, there aren’t many points, which means defense will be a focus, and it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes Louis Williams to grow into the point role.
NEW JERSEY NETS
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Title – 100/1
Atlantic Division Odds – 66/1
The Nets traded Vince Carter to Orlando, but they got Courtney Lee, who was starting to come into his own during the Magic’s run to the Finals, and Rafer Alston, an experienced backup to Devin Harris, who may be the league’s quickest player from baseline to baseline. Brook Lopez was great in his rookie season, and he’ll try to avoid the sophomore jinx. The Nets also have a talented and young group of small forwards, led by Chris Douglas-Roberts and first-round pick Terrance Williams. That won’t help this year, but the Nets could be a major NBA betting player for next season, especially if they snag one of this year’s prized free-agent class (ahemLeBronJamesahem)
NEW YORK KNICKS
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Title – 75/1
Atlantic Division Odds – 35/1
It’s business as usual in the Big Apple under Mike D’Antoni: lots of points being scored, and even more defensive breakdowns for the Knicks, who were third-worst in the league in terms of points allowed. Drafting gunner Toney Douglas fits into D’Antoni’s system, but the Knicks already have a small player who shoots from anywhere in Nate Robinson. Fellow rookie Jordan Hill should get some minutes, but again, the Knicks have a similar player in David Lee. Look for lots of 120-100 scorelines, with the Knicks often on the wrong side. While the Yankees will be among many World Series picks this year, stay far, far away from the Knicks.
2009 Atlantic Division Pick
The last three don’t really have a chance, the only team that can realistically push Boston is Toronto, and they have a long way to go in regards to team defense. The Celtics have more scoring options than anyone else, and they’re easily the best defensive team in the division, and even with any in-fighting (which will be squashed immediately), the Celtics should have enough to take the Atlantic again. Go with Boston in your offshore sportsbook.
