NBA Preview - By Nick Sharratt

As promised below is a preview of the upcoming NBA season by Nick Sharratt. Look out for more to come from Nick as the season gets underway.

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With the NBA season tipping off on the 28th October, here is one man’s guide to the coming season. There are 5 genuine contenders for the NBA title this year, with one team on the outside looking to break in to the elite group.

LA Lakers 5/2
Cleveland Cavaliers 15/4
Boston Celtics 9/2
Orlando Magic 10/1
San Antonio Spurs 12/1

Portland Trailblazers 25/1

Out of the three short priced favourites, Cleveland is the team I would want to back. Basketball is a sport where an individual can influence a team’s performance more than any other major sport. An injury to a key player can completely derail a team’s season. Boston are sweating on the fitness of all time great Kevin Garnett, who underwent off season knee surgery, so their price especially seems short. The Lakers won it all last year but have injury concerns of their own, with centre Andrew Bynum still forced to wear a knee brace after knee surgeries in consecutive seasons. They also added head case Ron Artest who is known for causing problems on every team he has played on. Cleveland have added Shaquille O’Neal, who though in the twilight of his career, still addresses one of their main weaknesses last season- being unable to defend Orlando’s Dwight Howard. They also have the best basketball player on the planet in Lebron James who is overdue to win his first title. The main issue that threatens to derail the Cav’s this year is Lebron’s impending free agency and whether he will bolt his home town for the bright lights of New York. The longer the season progresses with James still uncommitted the more speculation and pressure will accumulate. The Orlando Magic are a decent price considering they have upgraded their roster in the offseason and are fresh off a trip to the finals. San Antonio has the talent to compete with the very best, as long as they can keep their star players healthy- which has been a problem the last couple of years. At 16/1 they were an appealing bet, but at 12/1 I would wait and see how the season starts- they are notoriously slow starters and their price could drift to something more palatable. Looking at the outsiders, Portland has the best chance of gate crashing the party. They have a young squad who had got their first taste of post season action last year and the experience could prove invaluable. They have also added veteran playmaker Andre Miller who will give their weakest position a boost. In conclusion, Cleveland would be the recommendation for a straight win bet, but Orlando are a great value ew . I will also be keeping a close eye on San Antonio.

On a side note, I will personally be rooting for the Phoenix Suns ,as they are the team I support, but they have a weakened squad due to luxury tax concerns around the salary cap. They will be entertaining to watch and will play all out Run n’ Gun basketball, so I will be keeping a close eye on the total points market in their games with a view to backing the over’s.

Specials

The rookie of the year market appears to have some value, Tyreke Evans of Sacremeto looks a great price 11/1. the kid can score and is going to be the main man from day 1. He could put some very impressive numbers up in a hurry.
Portland at 11/4 to win their division looks a decent bet. Their main rivals are either having internal issues (Utah), or have been weakend in the offseason (Denver).
No prices available at moment but I will be on the lookout for scoring title and assist title prices.

Some over and under season win bets I like:
Phoenix Suns - 41.5 OVER, Sacramento Kings - 24.5 UNDER, Utah Jazz - 49.5 UNDER, New Jersey Nets - 28.5 UNDER, Minnesota Timberwolves - 25.5 OVER.