NBA Season Betting Preview

With the NBA pre-season already underway here is a look at some of the early value to be had in the outright markets.

When I think of the upcoming NBA season I am reminded a little of the classic game, ‘rock, scissors, paper.’ The Heat have too much talent for Thunder, who in turn have too much pace for the Lakers, who in turn have too much height for the Heat. One can beat another but not the other. If that makes sense. It makes betting a little tricky as which of the big three should you side with. If you held a gun to my head (and why you would do that I would have no idea) I would choose the Lakers. Thankfully though we can have our cake and eat it. Some bookmakers are offering the big three v the field and this looks the strangest move since Ron Artest changed his name to Metta World Peace. The 5/13 (You Win) are offering looks the way to play as these three sides are head and shoulders above the rest.

If you look at the next seven or so in the betting we can quickly dismiss their chances. Chicago have been rocked by the ongoing injury to their star Derrick Rose. If they can get him back and have Noah fit, Boozer back to somewhat near his best and Deng performing then they have a chance. That is a lot of ifs and the Bulls might decide come January that the best plan is to thrown the towel in on the season and not rush Rose back. The Spurs are 20/1 (boylesports) though the team is one year older and have made no significant movements while others have notably strengthend. You can never discount the Spurs however I feel comfortable in my opinion that they do not have enough in them to come through so many close games in succession come crunch time.

The Celtics are 28/1 (boylesports/BetVictor/You Win) though they lost to the Heat in seven last year and since then have seen key player Ray Allen make the move from Boston to Miami. The Clippers are 25/1 (general) yet after getting sweeped by the Spurs last year they have not made the necessary improvements for me. Chris Paul seems set to bolt for the exit door come this summer. I am also writing off Brooklyn at 40/1 with You Win (note You Win do not pay EW). The Nets have kept Deron Williams and added Joe Johnson though this is a side who won 22 games last season and after failing to secure Dwight are not making that huge leap to a title team.

The Mavericks are 40/1 (general) and have done a solid job of assembling a team with short term deals to keep them competitive this season though 2013 is the important year for them. As for the Knicks 40/1 (You Win) well every year they get over-rated and this is no different. This Knicks side lost in five games to the Heat and they low-balled a contract to Jeremy Lin that saw him leave for Houston. The Knicks will not be winning the title.

Over to the divisional markets and I think the best value here is in the Indiana Pacers at 6/4 (paddy Power) to win the Central division. We have already detailed the injuries to the Bills while the Pacers made the Conference semi-finals going out to the Heat in six. Take this young, balanced Pacers side at good odds.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Big Three (Heat, Lakers, Thunder) v Field, 5/13 (You Win)
SILVER: Miami Heat to win the Eastern Conference, 5/6 (Skybet/william hill).
BRONZE: Indiana Pacers to win Central Division, 6/4 (paddy Power)

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15/10/2012     © Frixo 2024