NBA Central Division Betting Preview
By Matt Fargo
Covers.com
Cleveland Cavaliers (2015-16: 57-25 SU, 37-42-3 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: -1200
Season Win Total: 56.5
Why To Bet The Cavaliers: The reigning NBA Champions will make another run this season as long as they can stay healthy. The core group is still in place from their run last season and more importantly, Cleveland has head coach Tyronn Lue right from the start so team chemistry is in place. A hot start to last season was followed by a 5-6 stretch and they will be out not to repeat that.
Why Not To Bet The Cavaliers: While injuries to star players hurt every team, Cleveland is not overly deep so an injury to LeBron James or Kyrie Irving could spell disaster. Because they are the defending champions, every team will bring their best effort when facing Cleveland. While the Eastern Conference has always been a step below the Western Conference, a majority of teams from the east are getting better.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 56.5
Indiana Pacers (2015-16: 45-37 SU, 41-40-1 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +1200
Season Win Total: 44.5
Why To Bet The Pacers: Paul George had a great bounce back season a year ago where he averaged a career high 23.1 ppg to go along with 7.0 rpg and 4.1 apg. He can carry a team on his back as he has shown in the past. The team wants to move the ball at a faster pace so Indiana got rid of head coach Frank Vogel and hired Nate McMillan. Additionally, the Pacers added Jeff Teague to help the offense.
Why Not To Bet The Pacers: Replacing a head coach from a winning team can have its benefits, as the Cavaliers proved, but it can also have its downfalls. Team chemistry can be an issue early on with a new system. After George, no one has the ability to take this team over and while Myles Turner is on track to become a star, he is still just 20 years old and still learning the game. Defense is a liability as well.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 44.5
Detroit Pistons (2015-16: 44-38 SU, 42-38-2 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +1200
Season Win Total: 44.5
Why To Bet The Pistons: After winning just 32 games two seasons ago, the Pistons came out of nowhere to win 44 games and finish only one game behind Indiana in the division. While Detroit was swept in the first round by Cleveland, that experience will pay off huge this season. The Pistons have a coach in Stan Van Gundy who the players love and the system he has here fits the roster perfectly.
Why Not To Bet The Pistons: This team is still extremely young and they play in the toughest division in the conference. The Pistons signed Ish Smith and it is a good thing they did because they will be without Reggie Jackson, who led the team in scoring with 18.8 ppg last season, as he is out six to eight weeks with knee and thumb injuries. Additionally, Detroit will not be sneaking up on anyone this season.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 44.5
Chicago Bulls (2015-16: 42-40 SU, 36-46-0 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +2500
Season Win Total: 38.5
Why To Bet The Bulls: Chicago made some huge offseason moves with the signing of Dwayne Wade and Rajon Rondo and trading away Derrick Rose for Robin Lopez and Jerian Grant. Just this past weekend, Chicago acquired Michael Carter-Williams to help out the bench so the roster is loaded with big names. Jimmy Butler is the key and could be poised for an even bigger season.
Why Not To Bet The Bulls: Rose and Butler had their issues playing together so how will Butler, Wade and Rondo get along? It will be a true test of letting the egos not overtake the team atmosphere. In addition to losing Rose, the Bulls do not have Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol so there are a lot of new pieces in place and it could take a very long time for this team to come together.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 38.5
Milwaukee Bucks (2015-16: 33-49 SU, 38-43-1 ATS)
Odds To Win Division: +4000
Season Win Total: 34.5
Why To Bet The Bucks: The Bucks went 41-41 in 2014-15 but plummeted to 33-49 last season. It was a shocking fall considering the future star power on this team but future is the key word there. Milwaukee is very young still but Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, and Khris Middleton form a potent trio of quality players. After a disappointing season a year ago, it can be said there is nowhere to go but up.
Why Not To Bet The Bucks: While the star trio should lead this team to great things in the future, the present took a big hit after Middleton tore his hamstring and will miss six months. That is huge blow as he led the team in scoring with 18.2 ppg while also leading the starters in three-point shooting and free throw shooting. Additionally, three of the other top six scorers are no longer with the team.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 34.5