NBA's Biggest Surprises
By Jeff Gold
Just about every team in the NBA has played 10 games. At this point, we’re beginning to get some idea which teams were overrated and those that didn’t get quite the respect they deserved.
Here are the top 5 early season NBA surprises – some good, some bad - relative to their respective over-under totals at the start of the year:
New Jersey Nets (0-10, O/U total, 27.5)
Everyone knew the Nets would be bad...but not this bad. They could be historically bad. In an offseason salary dump, they dealt Vince Carter to the Magic for role players.
Their best player, Devin Harris, hasn’t played since the second game of the season because of a groin injury. One of their few promising youngsters, Chris Douglas Roberts missed three games with swine flu. As bad as the Nets have been with respect to the O/U, at least they are 4-6 ATS. Of course, it helps when you are typically a big underdog.
Milwaukee Bucks (5-2, O/U total, 28.5)
Not only have they been among the NBA’s biggest surprises as a team, but a quick mention of rookie Brandon Jennings’ 55 point explosion – coming on the heels of a 32-point game -- against Golden State on Nov. 14 is necessary.
He’s the early favorite for Rookie of the Year. He was considered somewhat of a project coming from Italy and his strength was definitely not scoring.
As for the team, the Bucks play solid defense, allowing 93.3 points per game, 10th best in the league. Andrew Bogut isn’t flashy but is still one of the best centers in the league. No one expected the Bucks to contend for the playoffs, much less have a winning record. Early signs are promising. The Bucks have also been a good play for betters, going 5-2 ATS.
Atlanta Hawks (8-2, O/U total, 45.5)
The Hawks have made nice strides over the past few years. But they appear to have taken a huge step forward this season, and look like they’re the one team that could seriously challenge the East’s “big three” of Boston, Orlando and Cleveland.
Their 11-point road win at Boston last week was one of the most impressive victories in the league this season. Joe Johnson might not be a top-tier superstar, but he’s close. Al Horford and Josh Smith make up one of the most athletic forward tandems in the league.
The Hawks have also been especially kind to their backers (9-1 ATS).
New Orleans Hornets (3-8, O/U total, 46.5)
It was just two years ago that the Hornets seemed on the verge of becoming one of the league’s elite teams. Chris Paul was throwing ally-opps to Tyson Chandler, David West was killing guys down low and Peja Stojakovic was the perfect veteran complement from the perimeter.
Now the Hornets (3-8 ATS) are in total disarray. Byron Scott is already out as coach, Emeka Okafor doesn’t provide enough athleticism, West has regressed and Stojakovic is old. Paul is still incredible, but he doesn't have any help.
Cleveland Cavaliers (7-3, O/U total, 61.5)
This might be a bit harsh. The Cavs haven’t been bad – hardly - and their 7-3 mark is technically only one game off their expected O/U pace.
The biggest surprise, however, has been their two home losses, equaling their entire total of home defeats from last season. They were outclassed by the Celtics on opening night and even lost a home game to the mediocre Bulls.
The Cavs don’t appear to be quite as in sync last year, still struggling to find enough of a supporting cast for LeBron James. (Paging Shaquille O’Neal.) At this point, they can’t be considered the favorite to win the East.