NBA Atlantic Division Betting Preview
By Steve Merril
Covers.com
Boston Celtics (2015-16: 48-34 SU, 42-39-1 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: -110
Season Win Total: 52.5
Why Bet The Celtics: They continue to improve their win total each year, going from 25 to 40 to 48 wins each of the past three seasons. Boston has one of the best young coaches in the league with Brad Stevens and made a huge free agent addition this summer by acquiring Al Horford. He is an all-around talent and became the first player to ever have at least 60 steals, 80 three-pointers, 120 blocks and 200 assists in one season.
Why Not To Bet The Celtics: Boston is strong on defense, but they have been inconsistent on offense. The addition of Horford will help, but the Celtics are still a guard heavy team that lacks depth down low, especially if Horford misses any games this season.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 52.5 Wins
Brooklyn Nets (2015-16: 21-61 SU, 38-43-1 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +20000
Season Win Total: 21
Why Bet The Nets: A fresh start with new general manager Sean Marks and new head coach Kenny Atkinson. Brooklyn is finally starting to build for the future instead of relying on aging veterans who are past their prime. The Nets might be able to win more games than expected in the weak Eastern Conference.
Why Not To Bet The Nets: Brooklyn has been declining in each of the past three seasons going from 44 to 38 to 21 wins. The team has completely changed the coaching staff and much of the roster, so team chemistry and cohesiveness might be missing this season.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 21 Wins
New York Knicks (2015-16: 32-50 SU, 44-38 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +900
Season Win Total: 40.5
Why Bet The Knicks: New York made some big offseason moves by acquiring Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Brandon Jennings and Courtney Lee. The Knicks still have Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis and now have an overall lineup that can compete in the mediocre Eastern Conference.
Why Not To Bet The Knicks: New York has been a terrible defensive team in recent years. The addition of Noah should help, but overall it is still a weak defensive roster. Injuries will also be a major concern, especially since recent additions Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings have missed extensive time in the past.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 40.5 Wins
Philadelphia 76ers (2015-16: 10-72 SU, 37-44-1 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +10000
Season Win Total: 24.5
Why Bet The 76ers: They have some young talent, especially in the frontcourt with Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. This depth in the frontcourt may enable the team to trade and acquire some backcourt talent this season.
Why Not To Bet The 76ers: Philadelphia has won less games in each of the past three seasons, going from 19 to 18 to 10 wins. They are still very weak in the backcourt and lack experience at both shooting guard and point guard. They were the most inefficient offense in the league last season.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 24.5 Wins
Toronto Raptors (2015-16: 56-26 SU, 45-37 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +105
Season Win Total: 50.5
Why Bet The Raptors: They have won the division each of the past three seasons while setting franchise records for wins with 48, 49 and 56 victories. They return the same consistent lineup this year. Toronto has a pair of legitimate star offensive players with Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Also a strong defender in DeMarre Carroll.
Why Not To Bet The Raptors: While this team has won three division titles in a row, they have been unable to take it to the next level in the playoffs and surpass the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. Toronto did not make any major acquisitions this offseason, so depth is still an issue if any injuries occur.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 50.5 Wins