TEAMS TO BACK/FADE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE NBA SEASON
by Evan Altemus
There are several teams poised to make strong second half runs, while other teams are destined for continued problems for the rest of the year. It is critical to know the situations of teams after the all-star break. Let?s take a look at some teams to back or fade in the second half of the NBA season.
CHARLOTTE Larry Brown has done a tremendous job of turning around the Bobcats. Charlotte has made some very good trades this season, including the trade of Adam Morrison for Vladimir Radmanovic. The Bobcats were playing better and better with each passing week before the all-star break. It will take oddsmakers and the betting public until close to the end of the season to adjust properly to this team?s improved performance.
ORLANDO The Magic had a tremendous start to the season but cooled off slightly in recent weeks. Starting point guard Jameer Nelson also went down indefinitely with a torn labrum in his shoulder. Orlando really struggled in their two toughest tests without him. Look for this team to be a go against club for the rest of the season, as they will be overvalued based on their fast start to the season.
UTAH This team has been one of the most banged up in the NBA. They have been switching line-ups on almost a nightly basis due to injuries to starters. The Jazz are almost completely healthy, as Andrei Kirilenko and Carlos Boozer are due to return. Utah will be a much better team down the stretch, especially in the last two months of the regular season.
WASHINGTON This team?s veterans and best players have made it no secret that they have given up on the season. Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler have been quoted in the media that this season is basically over and that they are looking forward to next year. In addition, Gilbert Arenas will probably sit out the rest of the year in order to get healthy. Look for situations to go against this team, especially as a favorite.
PHOENIX/DETROIT These two teams are grouped together because they are very similar. Both teams suffered and will continue to suffer from poor management decisions, specifically with trades. The Suns miss Raja Bell and Boris Diaw, while the Pistons are suffering severely from a lack of a true point guard without Chauncey Billups. However, these two teams continue to be significant favorites at home against supposed weaker opponents. Look for situations to bet against these teams at home as a large favorite.
GOLDEN STATE Oddsmakers are slowly beginning to adjust to this team?s improved play, but they have some good value. The Warriors suffered through several injuries, as well as a dramatic change to the starting line-up this season. However, Golden State is now fully healthy and playing better and better. They will be an excellent selection as a large underdog and small home favorite against conference opponents.