Spurs Season Preview And Odds Of Winning Conference/Championship

[duncan228]

2008 San Antonio Spurs Season Preview & NBA Predictions (http://www.betfirms.com/2008-san-antonio-spurs-predictions/)
by Luke Knight

Tim Duncan has led the spurs to 9 straight seasons of 50-plus victories. Only one team has done it 10 times in a row and that was Magic Johnson’s Lakers. Many will say that the Spurs are too old and that they are being passed up by the Lakers and Hornets, but the Spurs beat the Hornets in 7-games in the playoffs last year and lost to the Lakers in five games. Gregg Poppovich has the third highest winning percentage in NBA history and has guided his team to six conference finals and four titles (all occurred in odd years). The Spurs are +400 odds to win the Western Conference at BetUS. (http://www.betus.com/promo/football/getmore/)

Tony Parker is an impressive point guard in a division featuring Chris Paul and Jason Kidd and a conference featuring Steve Nash, Baron Davis, and Deron Williams. Parker still manages to look good and often stands out against his contemporaries. Parker is always in control and seems to come up with the big shot, drive and tough layup in traffic or assist more often than not. Parker also led the Spurs in scoring and assists in last year’s playoffs. Jacque Vaughn, the 11-year veteran out of Kansas, is the backup for Parker, and he plays defense well and does what he is told, although his stats do not reflect that. The Spurs also drafted George Hill out of IUPUI, the first ever draft pick out of the Indiana school, who is a good scorer and defender. Hill was uneven in the summer league so Salim Stoudamire was signed to play some here also. Roger Mason, a veteran addition, can play the point, but is more of a 2-guard.

Manu Ginobili will be out 20-25 games after having off-season ankle surgery. The Spurs think they could’ve beaten the Lakers in the playoffs if Manu hadn’t been out, but they better hope they can make up for his absence or they could find themselves in a huge hole. Roger Mason hit 130 3-pointers of f the bench for the Wizards so he will provide depth, shooting, and defense. Michael Finley came into camp 15 pounds lighter than he left in May, and could get some significant playing time with Ginobili hurt. Brent Barry is gone, so Roger Mason and Michael Finley need to be the answer for at least 20-25 games.

Bruce Bowen is supposed to harass and hopefully shut down the opposition’s best player. Bowen is 37 years old, but he made the All-Defensive First-Team again last season and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. Bowen had trouble with Kobe Bryant in the playoffs last season, but that doesn’t mean Bowen doesn’t relish the challenge. Ime Udoka will come off the bench. He is a tough defender and actually a better scorer and rebounder than Bowen. The Spurs can also play Udoka at the same time as Bowen, which would allow Udoka to guard the smaller of the dominant players.

Tim Duncan is arguably the best power forward of all-time. He is still the top player at his position and still one of the best players in the league at 32 years old. Duncan is a team player first and foremost, but had another strong postseason averaging 20.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. Duncan also will benefit from the emergence of guys like Parker and Ginobili. Matt Bonner started out last season strong, but faded later in the season. Kurt Thomas could also get some time behind Duncan here.

Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas put together make a really nice center, and both complement Duncan very well. These two are willing to do the dirty work. Thomas plays physically and can hurt teams with his pick-and-pop game. Oberto is also a physical player that can come up with hustle plays. Oberto won’t wow you with his stats, but is a solid contributor. Ian Mahinmi still needs to grow, but he will be a part of the Spurs’ future, so he could see some minutes.

Final Analysis

While I’m not buying into the odd-years theory, the Spurs are still a top-notch team. I don’t expect their age to show as much as the naysayers are saying, but it could hurt them down the stretch. The Spurs will be competitive in the Southwest Division, but we have them finishing 2nd behind the Hornets and ahead of the Rockets, Mavericks, and Grizzlies. The Spurs finished 3rd in the Western Conference last season, and should finish around the same this season. The Spurs will be competitive in the Western Conference playoff race, but I expect them to fall short of the Hornets and Lakers this season. The Spurs are at +850 odds to win the NBA Championship this season. (http://www.betus.com/promo/football/getmore/)

[xtremesteven33]

good analysis.

[benefactor]

Pretty good take...except the part where he suggests we will carry 4 PG's. Stoudamire will probably be out of the equation.

[Rummpd]

For once a fair assesment that unlike Hollinger and some other ESPN "takes" is not based on either disputable "facts" or emotion.

Bottom Line Spurs were a close 2nd in W last year with a hurt star and if big three healthy can compete with anyone this year and are a serious contender for the championship.

[LEN BIAS 4EVER]

Lakers, Hornets, and Rockets are improved and we stood still. The additions of Roger Mason and George Hill aren't enough in what was quite frankly a dissapointing offseason. A healthy Manu is not the end all be all, we needed more.

[TDMVPDPOY]

we need to get 50wins if we wanna make sure we get a spot in the playoffs

[SenorSpur]

Lakers, Hornets, and Rockets are improved and we stood still. The additions of Roger Mason and George Hill aren't enough in what was quite frankly a dissapointing offseason. A healthy Manu is not the end all be all, we needed more.

When you look at the projected top four teams in the Western Conference (Fakers, Spurs, Hornets and Rockets), it's very obvious how 3 out of 4 became appreciably better.

- Fakers get Bynum back
- Hornets add Posey
- Rockets add Artest

We all know the return of a healthy Manu will mean the Spurs will be competitvely strong. However with the other teams presumed to be even better than last season, the big mystery is we don't know how or whether the low-heralded addition of Roger Mason will benefit the Spurs.

The Spurs was the kings of the "unsexy", "under-the-radar" moves. Keeping in mind, they were rebuffed by Splitter, Maggette, Pargo and Najera, I also wonder if they've done enough, this offseason, to ascend back to the top of the NBA? We'll find out in a few months.

[michaelwcho]

Don't forget the Jazz. They will be right up there.

[td4mvp21]

I think we'll be good. Maybe just not championship good. There's always a good chance with the Big Three.

[Galileo]

2008 San Antonio Spurs Season Preview & NBA Predictions (http://www.betfirms.com/2008-san-antonio-spurs-predictions/)
by Luke Knight

Tim Duncan has led the spurs to 9 straight seasons of 50-plus victories. Only one team has done it 10 times in a row and that was Magic Johnson’s Lakers. Many will say that the Spurs are too old and that they are being passed up by the Lakers and Hornets, but the Spurs beat the Hornets in 7-games in the playoffs last year and lost to the Lakers in five games. Gregg Poppovich has the third highest winning percentage in NBA history and has guided his team to six conference finals and four titles (all occurred in odd years). The Spurs are +400 odds to win the Western Conference at BetUS. (http://www.betus.com/promo/football/getmore/)

Tony Parker is an impressive point guard in a division featuring Chris Paul and Jason Kidd and a conference featuring Steve Nash, Baron Davis, and Deron Williams. Parker still manages to look good and often stands out against his contemporaries. Parker is always in control and seems to come up with the big shot, drive and tough layup in traffic or assist more often than not. Parker also led the Spurs in scoring and assists in last year’s playoffs. Jacque Vaughn, the 11-year veteran out of Kansas, is the backup for Parker, and he plays defense well and does what he is told, although his stats do not reflect that. The Spurs also drafted George Hill out of IUPUI, the first ever draft pick out of the Indiana school, who is a good scorer and defender. Hill was uneven in the summer league so Salim Stoudamire was signed to play some here also. Roger Mason, a veteran addition, can play the point, but is more of a 2-guard.

Manu Ginobili will be out 20-25 games after having off-season ankle surgery. The Spurs think they could’ve beaten the Lakers in the playoffs if Manu hadn’t been out, but they better hope they can make up for his absence or they could find themselves in a huge hole. Roger Mason hit 130 3-pointers of f the bench for the Wizards so he will provide depth, shooting, and defense. Michael Finley came into camp 15 pounds lighter than he left in May, and could get some significant playing time with Ginobili hurt. Brent Barry is gone, so Roger Mason and Michael Finley need to be the answer for at least 20-25 games.

Bruce Bowen is supposed to harass and hopefully shut down the opposition’s best player. Bowen is 37 years old, but he made the All-Defensive First-Team again last season and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. Bowen had trouble with Kobe Bryant in the playoffs last season, but that doesn’t mean Bowen doesn’t relish the challenge. Ime Udoka will come off the bench. He is a tough defender and actually a better scorer and rebounder than Bowen. The Spurs can also play Udoka at the same time as Bowen, which would allow Udoka to guard the smaller of the dominant players.

Tim Duncan is arguably the best power forward of all-time. He is still the top player at his position and still one of the best players in the league at 32 years old. Duncan is a team player first and foremost, but had another strong postseason averaging 20.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. Duncan also will benefit from the emergence of guys like Parker and Ginobili. Matt Bonner started out last season strong, but faded later in the season. Kurt Thomas could also get some time behind Duncan here.

Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas put together make a really nice center, and both complement Duncan very well. These two are willing to do the dirty work. Thomas plays physically and can hurt teams with his pick-and-pop game. Oberto is also a physical player that can come up with hustle plays. Oberto won’t wow you with his stats, but is a solid contributor. Ian Mahinmi still needs to grow, but he will be a part of the Spurs’ future, so he could see some minutes.

Final Analysis

While I’m not buying into the odd-years theory, the Spurs are still a top-notch team. I don’t expect their age to show as much as the naysayers are saying, but it could hurt them down the stretch. The Spurs will be competitive in the Southwest Division, but we have them finishing 2nd behind the Hornets and ahead of the Rockets, Mavericks, and Grizzlies. The Spurs finished 3rd in the Western Conference last season, and should finish around the same this season. The Spurs will be competitive in the Western Conference playoff race, but I expect them to fall short of the Hornets and Lakers this season. The Spurs are at +850 odds to win the NBA Championship this season. (http://www.betus.com/promo/football/getmore/)

"Tim Duncan has led the spurs to 9 straight seasons of 50-plus victories. Only one team has done it 10 times in a row and that was Magic Johnson’s Lakers."

This is BS. The Spurs projected to 61 wins in the strike year, so Duncan is 11 for 11 over 50 wins, with # 12 this year.

Not only 50 wins, but the Spurs have won at least 2/3 of their games (55+ wins) in 10 of 11 years, with only one season at 53 wins falling just short. No other team in history has been this consistently good in NBA history.

"Duncan is a team player first and foremost, but had another strong postseason averaging 20.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks."

These numbers are basically equivalent to Duncan's career playoff numbers, witht he scoring and blocks a little low, but the rebounds near a career best.

And this was done over 17 playoff games.

Do not count the Spurs out.

Last season was the best playoff year for Duncan/Spurs next to the 4 ring years. The Spurs won one game in the conference finals, making it their 5th best season out of 11 with Duncan, above average.

This was also the best season ever for the Spurs in an even numbered year, winning a conference final game.

The Spurs have never won a conference final game in an even numbered year, even in the Gervin or Robinson years, until last year.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Mason and Udoka are the keys - if Mason can come in and score 10-12 a game while playing good D, and Udoka finds his feet and plays at least as well as he did in January last year, and against the Hornets, then we're in with a shot. Otherwise, we're going to see a lot of Finley and that could be a disaster.

The unknown is Mahinmi. Can he step up and provide a weakside defensive presence (ie. send some shots into the 6th row), and go to the glass hard at both ends, for 10-15 minutes a game? Or will the "rookie foul" phenomenon stifle his game and leave us all wondering whether he is the player we hope he is?

I say Udoka becomes a rock we can rely on, Mason is better than expected and surprises everyone, but Mahinmi is patchy.

(Of course, Ginobili is the other X-factor. He needs to play no more than 1/2 a game until March to keep him healthy, and then stay healthy throughout the playoffs for us to have any real hope of another ring... like you didn't know that already! :lol )

[barbacoataco]

This is a good preview.
1. The Rockets still have two injury prone superstars who choke even when healthy in the playoffs. Now they also have a psycho crack head.
2. The Hornets do not have much depth, and I think Davis West peaked last year. Also, CP3 and West are hot heads who might not have the mental makeup to win a championship. They will be tough, but I don't think they are unbeatable. After all, the Spurs beat them last year, even with the Hornets having a good series and on a roll.
3. The Lakers I guess are the team to beat in the Western Conference. But they have issues too. How will Bynum and Gasol play together? I also think they are mentally weak, as they kind of gave up against the Celtics. If Bynum plays up to potential and is a superstar quality center, they will be tough.

The Spurs have as good a chance as anyone.

[T Park]

:lol

People continue to assume the Hornets will have ANOTHER healthy season.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

We're fucked, brehhh

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

This is a good preview.
1. The Rockets still have two injury prone superstars who choke even when healthy in the playoffs. Now they also have a psycho crack head.
2. The Hornets do not have much depth, and I think Davis West peaked last year. Also, CP3 and West are hot heads who might not have the mental makeup to win a championship. They will be tough, but I don't think they are unbeatable. After all, the Spurs beat them last year, even with the Hornets having a good series and on a roll.
3. The Lakers I guess are the team to beat in the Western Conference. But they have issues too. How will Bynum and Gasol play together? I also think they are mentally weak, as they kind of gave up against the Celtics. If Bynum plays up to potential and is a superstar quality center, they will be tough.

The Spurs have as good a chance as anyone.

Sure, we have a chance, but you are dead wrong about the Hornets.

West peaked? He's 28, in his 5th year, this is the prime of his career, and last season he was injured (ankles, back) much of the time. He'll be 20/10 for another 2 years at the very least. As for CP3, he'll win the MVP or go very close to it. Behind that they have a nice swing rotation in Peja, Mo Pete and Posey, Chandler has matured as a centre, and Julian Wright will emerge as a beast this year. These guys will win the division again IMHO, and are a real chance for the Finals.

The Lakers will be tough (no surprises there), and the Rockets... well, who knows? Last roll of the dice before that team gets blown up, and they are relying on Ron Ron to make it all work. Longshot, but it could happen. That team really lacks a leader though... who will keep Ron in check? T-Mac? Yao? I doubt it.

[T Park]

I think the Spurs really improved against the Hornets over the offseason in adding Mason in this.

They now have someone who can guard Paul, not shut him down, better than Bowen due to his quickness in Mason.

Thats the one thing alot of people are forgetting.

Mason scored last year this and that, but Mason is a DAMN DAMN good defender in that he can guard the other team's really good third scorer and keep him in check.


I still will have to see it to believe it with the Hornets and their health this coming year.

[SenorSpur]

We'll also need Mason to guard that secret weapon of a PG, that the Suns will unleash on the rest of the league - the Great Dragic.

[duncan228]

NBA Betting Preview - Celtics on Top but the West is Loaded with Key Teams (http://www.betus.com/sports-betting/nba-basketball/betting-trends/nba-betting-preview-celtics-on-top-but-the-west-is-loaded-with-key-teams/)
by D.S. Williamson

NBA betting fans are readying their bankrolls for what is sure to be an exciting year in the BetUS online sportsbook. The first NBA pre-season games of the year occurred just this Tuesday.

There wasn’t much to gather from these pre-season games and there haven’t been as many huge changes to NBA teams this season as last season. The Boston Celtics went out and acquired two of the best players in the NBA last year. It garnered them an NBA Championship as well as a terrific record versus the BetUS online wagering spread.

Will that happen again this season? It may, but once you start covering versus the BetUS online betting spread with regularity, odds makers raise expectations. Sometimes, those expectations are just too much for an NBA team to overcome.

Let’s take a look at some of the key teams in both the Eastern and Western Conference that online basketball betting fans need to keep an eye on!

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics - - The Champs were 52-28-1 versus the BetUS online sportsbook betting spread last season. Hey, I’ve got an idea for the United States Federal Government, instead of bailing out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, make online bets on the Celtics! Okay, maybe that would put some of us out of business, but it sure beats watching your 401K go down the tubes! The Celtics could approach those numbers, but the word is out on this team. I doubt they are awarded online betting spreads that they will cover with ease this season. A year under Ray Allen’s belt, a year for the somewhat goofy Paul Pierce get goofier and this team doesn’t cover nearly as many games this season as last year. Still, they’re a key team for online betting fans.

Miami Heat - - Last year they were 35-46-1 versus the BetUS online wagering spread, but you want to know something? I’m digging this team, man! Dwayne Wade is healthy, Shawn Marion should return to form, and rookie Michael Beasley is the only guy drafted during the off season that should make an immediate impact. They will improve versus the online betting spread. By how many games is going to be the question.

Orlando Magic - - Against the BetUS online wagering spread, these guys were terrific last season going 50-29-3. That’s 21 games in the win column against the spread. They should be close to that again this season, but the difference, like the Celtics, is the BetUS odds makers who know doubt will be expecting the Magic to cover online wagering spreads in games this season. That means they have a larger hill to climb.

Detroit Pistons - - They were 45-36-1 versus the BetUS online betting spread last season. I believe they might actually have a better record this season because the expectations are lower. That Joe Dumars is a brilliant motivator. This team should bounce back big time this season. If they do, because this is the one team where online betting spreads against them shouldn’t change that much this year, the Pistons could improve upon an already terrific against the spread record.

Cleveland Cavaliers - - I want to highlight the Cavs because to me this is a team that BetUS online sportsbook betting fans need to steer clear of. As long as they have LeBron James, they become the recipients of terrible online wagering spreads. That’s the case with this team. They aren’t a great team and they do cover online betting spreads from time to time, but they lose versus the spread way more than they cover. Their record last year was 37 and 45 against the BetUS online wagering spread. That’s not going to cut it.

Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers - - The return of Andrew Bynum means that the Lakers will be the favorites to make it to the NBA Championship this season from the West. That’s all well and good but the key with this team is predicting how the BetUS online sportsbook wagering spreads will be affected. This team was 47-33-1 versus the online betting spread last season, but nobody expected them to be good. The BetUS odds makers won’t be nearly as kind to this team this season. That number could drop dramatically as they play in the terribly difficult Western Conference and they will be expected to win.

New Orleans Hornets - - With the addition of James Posey, the Hornets will be better. But unlike the Lakers, the expectations in New Orleans from an online betting point-of-view won’t be the same. The Hornets are 50-30-1 versus the BetUS online betting spread last season. How will they do this season? I believe they could improve off of that. They won’t be favored in a lot of games this year because the Western Conference is full of good teams. That means they win some games on the road while being underdogs. NBA betting fans need to take advantage of the lack of respect shown to this team. Don’t argue about it. Accept it and make some serious online profits!

San Antonio Spurs - - The Spurs have never been good versus the BetUS online wagering spread but because of their reputation as a terrific team. The reason is simple. BetUS odds makers always expect the Spurs to cover or beat online betting spreads. That makes them a terrific play against in most situations. Their record of 37-43-1 against the spread last year is a perfect example of how expectations from online betting fans and BetUS odds makers can impact how a good straight-up team does against the spread.

Utah Jazz - - They ended up 46 and 36 versus the BetUS online wagering spread last year. If anything, the Jazz should improve on that. They have a terrific nucleus, the best coach in the NBA, and their fans are as supportive as any in the league. The only issue with the Jazz is their ability to play on the road. Jerry Sloan should have solved some of those issues. Like the Hornets, the Jazz should have ample opportunity to line the pockets of NBA betting fans with online wagering profits. I see them improving off of that record because they will be underdogs in key games this season and unlike last season I expect them to do some good things in those games.

Phoenix Suns - - How the mighty have fallen! Another bad season in Phoenix, aka, no championship, and it’s very likely general manager Steve Kerr begins to resemble the basketball equivalent of Matt Millen. Unlike Millen who inherited a football team with no real good players, the Suns are chockfull of great players. Kerr changed the culture and now he’s changing the team. Dude, what the hell were you thinking? This team had a losing record versus the BetUS online wagering spread last season at 39-40-3. This season, things might get worse.

[mrspurs]

When you look at the projected top four teams in the Western Conference (Fakers, Spurs, Hornets and Rockets), it's very obvious how 3 out of 4 became appreciably better.

- Fakers get Bynum back
- Hornets add Posey
- Rockets add Artest

We all know the return of a healthy Manu will mean the Spurs will be competitvely strong. However with the other teams presumed to be even better than last season, the big mystery is we don't know how or whether the low-heralded addition of Roger Mason will benefit the Spurs.

The Spurs was the kings of the "unsexy", "under-the-radar" moves. Keeping in mind, they were rebuffed by Splitter, Maggette, Pargo and Najera, I also wonder if they've done enough, this offseason, to ascend back to the top of the NBA? We'll find out in a few months.

Still plenty of time to make a trade. But Ill agree this offseason may not be as bad had the other teams had such success. Bottom line is if the Rockets can have all that talent as well as the Lakers. Then something tells me players dont want to come here anymore. Somewhere, someone is doing a bad job of bringing in players. Our big 4 are just as good as anyother teams big 4. But after that we turn into the D-league. We've heard Pop is changing his ways. So hopefully other players will come sooner or later, but thats only one problem imo.

[mrspurs]

Don't forget the Jazz. They will be right up there.

My first thoughts as well, how anyone can forget the Jazz is beyond me.

[mrspurs]

"Tim Duncan has led the spurs to 9 straight seasons of 50-plus victories. Only one team has done it 10 times in a row and that was Magic Johnson’s Lakers."

This is BS. The Spurs projected to 61 wins in the strike year, so Duncan is 11 for 11 over 50 wins, with # 12 this year.

Not only 50 wins, but the Spurs have won at least 2/3 of their games (55+ wins) in 10 of 11 years, with only one season at 53 wins falling just short. No other team in history has been this consistently good in NBA history.

"Duncan is a team player first and foremost, but had another strong postseason averaging 20.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks."

These numbers are basically equivalent to Duncan's career playoff numbers, witht he scoring and blocks a little low, but the rebounds near a career best.

And this was done over 17 playoff games.

Do not count the Spurs out.

Last season was the best playoff year for Duncan/Spurs next to the 4 ring years. The Spurs won one game in the conference finals, making it their 5th best season out of 11 with Duncan, above average.

This was also the best season ever for the Spurs in an even numbered year, winning a conference final game.

The Spurs have never won a conference final game in an even numbered year, even in the Gervin or Robinson years, until last year.

Only Tim? And this even odd thing is ridiculous. Last season we were doing fine until they made a trade towards the end of the season. We wasted games teaching mighty mouse and kurt our system. It had nothing todo with odd or even or Tim. Mighty mouse was as dumb a trade or pickup we've made in sometime. And bringing Kurt was for playing against the suns. Kurt didnt help last season and he wont this one either. Still plenty of time to make a trade but as we saw noone wants to come here. Wonder why.

[duncan228]

BetUS.com Releases NBA Season Preview Odds and Expectations (http://www.betus.com/ats/11892)

NEW YORK, NY- The NBA off-season saw odd behavior, proclamations, franchise discord, player acquisitions and trades as well as an influx of new talent from this year's rookie class. Fans have gotten a chance to see their teams in action during the pre-season and with the regular season just weeks away, speculation is on the rise and fans are looking for answers.

This being the case, the largest most successful sportsbook on the web, BetUS.com once again beat everyone to the punch and posted odds and predictions for the upcoming season

"NBA fans are as passionate as they come in professional sports," stated BetUS.com spokesman Reed Richards.
"And with odd off-season behavior from stars like Josh Howard, an influx of new talent, and previously injured players ready to suit up – fans across the country are wondering how their teams will perform, and what kind of drama will unfold. Our analysts and oddsmakers make it a priority to get them the answers they're looking for, when they're looking for it – as a result, they keep coming back."

Analysts at BetUS.com posted the following odds and predictions on the upcoming NBA season:
(Please scroll all the way down to view all scenarios, including in-market team and player specifics)

MVP
Al Jefferson 28/1
Allen Iverson 15/1
Amare Stoudemire 10/1
Brandon Roy 40/1
Baron Davis 12/1
Carmelo Anthony 10/1
Carlos Boozer 10/1
Chauncey Billups 25/1
Chris Bosh 15/1
Chris Paul 4/1
David West 25/1
Deron Williams 15/1
Dirk Nowitzki 9/1
Dwight Howard 15/2
Dwyane Wade 10/1
Elton Brand 20/1
Jason Richardson 30/1
Joe Johnson 30/1
Josh Howard 45/1
Kevin Durant 30/1
Kevin Garnett 10/1
Kevin Martin 30/1
Kobe Bryant 5/2
LeBron James 5/2
Michael Redd 20/1
Paul Pierce 15/1
Richard Hamilton 40/1
Shaquille ONeal 15/1
Steve Nash 9/1
Tim Duncan 15/2
Tony Parker 16/1
Tracy McGrady 12/1
Vince Carter 25/1
Yao Ming 10/1

NBA Championship
Atlanta Hawks 80/1
Boston Celtics 3/1
Charlotte Bobcats 100/1
Chicago Bulls 25/1
Cleveland Cavaliers 16/1
Dallas Mavericks 22/1
Denver Nuggets 50/1
Detroit Pistons 10/1
Golden State Warriors 80/1
Houston Rockets 10/1
Indiana Pacers 125/1
Los Angeles Clippers 50/1
Los Angeles Lakers 13/4
Memphis Grizzlies 250/1
Miami Heat 40/1
Milwaukee Bucks 150/1
Minnesota Timberwolves 150/1
New Jersey Nets 100/1
New Orleans Hornets 10/1
New York Knicks 100/1
Orlando Magic 22/1
Philadelphia 76ers 30/1
Phoenix Suns 20/1
Portland Trail Blazers 30/1
Sacramento Kings 200/1
San Antonio Spurs 17/2
Oklahoma City 200/1
Toronto Raptors 40/1
Utah Jazz 12/1
Washington Wizards 40/1

Who will be the first NBA Coach fired this season?
Lawrence Frank 11/2
Reggie Theus 13/2
Mike Brown 6/1
Mike Woodson 7/1
Sam Mitchell 7/1
Randy Wittman 13/2
George Karl 9/1
Marc Iavaroni 8/1
PJ Carlesimo 12/1
Field 5/1

Who will score the most points in a game during the 2008/09 season?
Kobe Bryant 5/4
Lebron James 3/1
Carmelo Anthony 8/1
Allen Iverson 9/1
Dwyane Wade 9/1
Kevin Martin 11/1
Josh Howard 13/1
Manu Ginobili 15/1
Field 5/1

Most likely NY team to win Title:
Rangers 3/1
Knicks 20/1
Giants 1/3

How many 50+ point games will Kobe Bryant have?
Over 4 5/6
Under 4 5/6
(Last year he had 3 – In 2007 he had 10 and in 2006 he had 6)

How many different players will have 50+ point games this season?
Over 5 10/11
Under 5 10/13

Team with most losses (top 4)
Minnesota 2/1
NJ Nets 5/2
Memphis 4/1
OKC 5/1
NY Knicks 5/1

Team with most wins (top 4)
Celtics 2/1
Lakers 5/2
Hornets 4/1
Pistons 5/1
Spurs 11/2

What team will win the NBA lottery draft
OKC 3/1
Memphis 5/1
Minnesota 4/1
NJ Nets 8/1
NY Knicks 10/1
Field 2/1

Steve Nash average totals (Rebounds, Points, Assists)
18.1 Points
Over 5/6
Under 5/6

11.2 Assists
Over 5/6
Under 5/6

3.4 Rebounds
Over 5/6
Under 5/6

Player with most technical fouls
Rasheed Wallace 5/1
Carmelo Anthony 5/1
Kobe Bryant 11/2
Baron Davis 7/1
Shaquille O'Neal 7/1
Chris Paul 9/1
Ron Artest 9/1
Brad Miller 10/1
Kenyon Martin 12/1
Field 12/1

Longest early season win streak (who and how many)
What team will start the season with the longest win streak?
Boston Celtics 3/1
San Antonio Spurs 4/1
Detroit Pistons 5/1
LA Lakers 7/1
New Orleans Hornets 9/1
Portland Trailblazers 10/1
Dallas Mavericks 7/1
Field 8/1

What will be the most wins by a team to start the season?
Over 7 5/6
Under 7 5/6

Coach of the year
Mo Cheeks 9/2
Rick Carlisle 5/1
Nate McMillan 11/2
Doc Rivers 6/1
Stan Van Gundy 13/2
Rick Adelman 7/1
Jerry Sloan 8/1
Phil Jackson 9/1
Field 10/1

Odds on Oden's stats averages for season
Average 14½ PPG
Over 5/6
Under 5/6

Average 8½ RPG
Over 5/6
Under 5/6

How many games does Oden play in this season?
Over 64 5/6
Under 64 5/6

NY Knicks Total Regular Season Wins
Over 30½ 5/6
Under 30½ 5/6

Rookie of the year
Anthony Randolph 20/1
Brandon Rush 15/1
Brook Lopez 15/1
Chris Douglas Roberts 25/1
Darrell Arthur 30/1
DeAndre Jordan 40/1
Derrick Rose 7/2
Danilo Gallinari 17/1
DJ Augustin 12/1
Donte Greene 24/1
Eric Gordon 6/1
Jerryd Bayless 10/1
Joe Alexander 15/1
Kosta Koufos 30/1
Kevin Love 7/1
Michael Beasley 3/2
OJ Mayo 3/1
Roy Hibbert 24/1
Russell Westbrook 12/1
Greg Oden 5/2

Most likely scenario for Stephon Marbury
Traded 1/3
Stays with Knicks 2/1

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

13-1 about the Spurs to win the championship right now in Oz... tempting...