duncan228
09-26-2010, 09:22 PM
NBA Western Conference odds and projections (http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=205013&t=0)
By Ashton Grewal
Covers
It’s been a busy offseason in the NBA and all the talk, when it hasn’t involved LeBron James’ “decision” it’s been about the Eastern Conference getting stronger at the expense of the West, and for good reason.
Amar’e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer both moved to the East and Carmelo Anthony sounds like he’ll be the next to jump ship. The rocky state of the Western Conference presents value for NBA future bettors.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the heavy favorites to win the West but there are a number of teams who could get the Purple and Gold a huge challenge in the postseason.
Here’s a look at the five talented clubs and whether they’re worth a futures play:
Odds courtesy of BetUS.com
Oklahoma City Thunder (+600)
The Thunder finished eighth in the conference last season and now all of a sudden they jump to the second choice behind Kobe’s Crew to win the West. Seems like an over adjustment when you word it like that but let’s go over the reasons why OK City’s odds changed so drastically.
Kevin Durant is the big reason. The guy proved last season he’s the best pure scorer in the league. Long-range, in the post, off the dribble, hitting the glass… he does it all. He’s just a natural scorer.
Russell Westbrook is a fantastic complementary piece next to KD. His combination of speed and athleticism make him the best two-way point guard in the league.
The Thunder need more for Jeff Green this year. He looked awkward and out of place last season but he needs to be that reliable third option on offense for Oklahoma City to really challenge.
I love their youth, enthusiasm and their rowdy home crowd; I just worry about Durant and Westbrook getting tired at the end of the season because of their time with Team USA over the summer.
I don’t think you can pass up an opportunity to back the clear No. 2 team in the conference at 6-to-1 though. Sign me up on OK City.
Houston Rockets (+1800)
This really comes down to how much you expect the Yao Ming to give Houston this season. He sat out all of last season with that foot injury and, while he’s worked hard at his recovery, he’s also made noises about retiring in the near future.
That’s not a good sign.
Still, at 18-to-1 the Rockets have some value. They’ve got an All-Star caliber backcourt with Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin, an active group of swing men (Shane Battier, Courtney Lee, Chase Budinger) and depth in the pivot behind Yao (Brad Miller, Patrick Patterson, Luis Scola).
These guys might be worth a flier with the long odds. Best play might be to wait and see this team's season win total. I like the over on the Rockets if the books go 45 or lower.
Utah Jazz (+1500)
Seeing Carlos Boozer leave hurt but Wesley Matthews will probably be the toughest hole to fill. The Jazz did a nice job of replacing their All-Star big man by trading for Al Jefferson. Big Al should be able to step in and match Boozer’s offensive numbers.
Utah’s real weakness is on the wing. Matthews and long range sharpshooter Kyle Korver are both gone and the Jazz are relying on C.J. Miles, Raja Bell and rookie Gordon Hayward to play the bulk of minutes at shooting guard and small forward.
They need a big season from Hayward. If the former Butler standout can’t knock down 3-pointers consistently, the Jazz will be in big trouble.
Still, the combination of Deron Williams and Jefferson should be fun to watch.
Probably want to pass on a Utah futures play this year.
San Antonio Spurs (+1000)
They’re old, we know that. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are north of 33 but this team has done a fantastic job through free agency and the draft of injecting youth to the core.
Brazilian import Tiago Splitter sounds like the real deal. A legit center who can play behind or beside Duncan. Youngsters George Hill and DeJuan Blair contribute whenever they’re on the court and Antonio McDyess is still an effective defender, rebounder and mid-range shooter.
The X-factors for San Antonio are Richard Jefferson and Tony Parker. Jefferson seemed lost in his first year with the Spurs but played better down the stretch. He should have a better feel for the offensive system in his second year.
Parker is the real wild card. He’s a top 5 point guard in the league but he didn’t play like it a year ago. He wasn’t attacking the hoop with the same type of conviction and he lost confidence in his jump shot.
Gregg Popovich is the best coach in the league, hands down. He will sacrifice regular season wins to keep his guys fresh for the postseason.
I like this play the best. Spurs at 10-to-1 seems like a solid value bet.
By Ashton Grewal
Covers
It’s been a busy offseason in the NBA and all the talk, when it hasn’t involved LeBron James’ “decision” it’s been about the Eastern Conference getting stronger at the expense of the West, and for good reason.
Amar’e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer both moved to the East and Carmelo Anthony sounds like he’ll be the next to jump ship. The rocky state of the Western Conference presents value for NBA future bettors.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the heavy favorites to win the West but there are a number of teams who could get the Purple and Gold a huge challenge in the postseason.
Here’s a look at the five talented clubs and whether they’re worth a futures play:
Odds courtesy of BetUS.com
Oklahoma City Thunder (+600)
The Thunder finished eighth in the conference last season and now all of a sudden they jump to the second choice behind Kobe’s Crew to win the West. Seems like an over adjustment when you word it like that but let’s go over the reasons why OK City’s odds changed so drastically.
Kevin Durant is the big reason. The guy proved last season he’s the best pure scorer in the league. Long-range, in the post, off the dribble, hitting the glass… he does it all. He’s just a natural scorer.
Russell Westbrook is a fantastic complementary piece next to KD. His combination of speed and athleticism make him the best two-way point guard in the league.
The Thunder need more for Jeff Green this year. He looked awkward and out of place last season but he needs to be that reliable third option on offense for Oklahoma City to really challenge.
I love their youth, enthusiasm and their rowdy home crowd; I just worry about Durant and Westbrook getting tired at the end of the season because of their time with Team USA over the summer.
I don’t think you can pass up an opportunity to back the clear No. 2 team in the conference at 6-to-1 though. Sign me up on OK City.
Houston Rockets (+1800)
This really comes down to how much you expect the Yao Ming to give Houston this season. He sat out all of last season with that foot injury and, while he’s worked hard at his recovery, he’s also made noises about retiring in the near future.
That’s not a good sign.
Still, at 18-to-1 the Rockets have some value. They’ve got an All-Star caliber backcourt with Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin, an active group of swing men (Shane Battier, Courtney Lee, Chase Budinger) and depth in the pivot behind Yao (Brad Miller, Patrick Patterson, Luis Scola).
These guys might be worth a flier with the long odds. Best play might be to wait and see this team's season win total. I like the over on the Rockets if the books go 45 or lower.
Utah Jazz (+1500)
Seeing Carlos Boozer leave hurt but Wesley Matthews will probably be the toughest hole to fill. The Jazz did a nice job of replacing their All-Star big man by trading for Al Jefferson. Big Al should be able to step in and match Boozer’s offensive numbers.
Utah’s real weakness is on the wing. Matthews and long range sharpshooter Kyle Korver are both gone and the Jazz are relying on C.J. Miles, Raja Bell and rookie Gordon Hayward to play the bulk of minutes at shooting guard and small forward.
They need a big season from Hayward. If the former Butler standout can’t knock down 3-pointers consistently, the Jazz will be in big trouble.
Still, the combination of Deron Williams and Jefferson should be fun to watch.
Probably want to pass on a Utah futures play this year.
San Antonio Spurs (+1000)
They’re old, we know that. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are north of 33 but this team has done a fantastic job through free agency and the draft of injecting youth to the core.
Brazilian import Tiago Splitter sounds like the real deal. A legit center who can play behind or beside Duncan. Youngsters George Hill and DeJuan Blair contribute whenever they’re on the court and Antonio McDyess is still an effective defender, rebounder and mid-range shooter.
The X-factors for San Antonio are Richard Jefferson and Tony Parker. Jefferson seemed lost in his first year with the Spurs but played better down the stretch. He should have a better feel for the offensive system in his second year.
Parker is the real wild card. He’s a top 5 point guard in the league but he didn’t play like it a year ago. He wasn’t attacking the hoop with the same type of conviction and he lost confidence in his jump shot.
Gregg Popovich is the best coach in the league, hands down. He will sacrifice regular season wins to keep his guys fresh for the postseason.
I like this play the best. Spurs at 10-to-1 seems like a solid value bet.