Atlantic Division Preview
By Scott Rickenbach
Leading up the NBA season we will take a quick look at each team. A good way to do that is to look at their number of wins last season and compare it to what odds makers are projecting for them for this season. We start with the Atlantic Division.
Team (2008-09 Wins / 2009-10 Projected Wins)
Boston Celtics (62 / 56.5) – Why the projected decrease? Even though the Celtics added Rasheed Wallace, he is 35. Also, Kevin Garnett missed a lot of time last season and he, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen all have compiled quite a bit of wear and tear on their bodies. When healthy, this team is absolutely one of the league’s best.
New Jersey Nets (34 / 28.5) – Why the projected decrease? The Nets appear to be headed the wrong direction. They went through a late-season slide that saw them lose 21 of 31 games. Also, Vince Carter is gone. Even though they’ve picked up some players they have not added elite talent. The Nets picked up Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston, and Tony Battie. Overall, New Jersey is a young team that appears content to go through a rebuilding cycle. However, in terms of point spread value, if this teams gels quicker than most are expecting, they could end up being a “play on” team early this season.
New York Knicks (32 / 31.5) – Projected wins roughly the same. There is really no reason to expect big change here. The roster returns virtually intact with very little change from last season. That’s because the Knicks are already looking ahead to the 2010 season. New York is hoping to land one of the big free agents in the summer of 2010. As for this season, a repeat of last year would not surprise. We project there might be slight improvement here just because they have a year of coach Mike D’Antoni’s systems under their belt. This year could be better…albeit slight.
Philadelphia 76ers (41 / 40.5) – Projected wins roughly the same. But things are certainly changing in Philly. New coach Eddie Jordan did guide the Wizards to four straight post-season appearances. He also is installing a Princeton offense with the Sixers. However, how will that workout with point guard Andre Miller gone. Lou Williams is taking over as the starter at point guard but he’s use to being a shooting guard. Also, the back-up at the point is now Willie Green and he was use to being the starter at shooting guard. The Sixers are talented though with Andre Iguodala at off-guard and a very talented frontcourt. Philly could surprise some teams with a new coach and a new offense.
Toronto Raptors (33 / 41.5) – Why the projected increase? Toronto added Hedo Turkoglu and, keep in mind, the Raptors still have Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, and point guard Jose Calderon. Plus, they added point guard Jarrett Jack who had a solid season with Indiana. Additionally, they’ve got rookie DeMar DeRozan and they also added significant bench depth. With Calderon, Bosh, Bargnani, and Turkoglu this team will be able to put up points. However, will they finally figure out how to defend the perimeter. If so this team could surprise and there could be some value with the Raptors. That’s because many remember their 33-49 season last year but they previously had gone 88-65-1 ATS over the prior two seasons and a winning season is likely on the horizon again here after injuries and unrest (with Jermaine O’Neal, etc.) derailed their season last year.