The season doesn’t start until Sunday but Al Dannity is already confident about crowning a new NBA champion. It’s going to be a sprint to the playoffs but once the post-season gets here, it will be time for the cream to rise to the top.
Short season offers mixed blessing Talented teams with aging rosters should, in theory, be pleased to have less games to play. Normally the prospect of losing a fifth of the season would be a blessing to the likes of Boston and San Antonio. The benefits of playing fewer games will however be balanced out by the short turnaround. With teams playing more back-to-backs, not to mention some back-to-back-to-backs, teams with veteran heavy line-ups will struggle to maintain consistency through the regular season. That means the Celtics and Spurs can’t rely on having well-rested line-ups before going up against younger opposition come the playoffs.
Fitness is a big concern The Nets look set to be a great play for NBA betting fans early this season. With star point guard Deron Williams and Jordan Farmar both keeping in shape in Europe, New Jersey should get off to a fast start. The rest of the NBA is a different story. With the bulk of big name players staying out of action during the lockout, there will be a lot of rust to shake off in the first month of action.
Dwight Howard could be a force of chaos The post-season chances of at least two teams could change dramatically close to the trade deadline. If Dwight Howard goes then the Magic can write off their season on the spot. His three likely landing spots are with the Lakers, Mavericks, or Nets. A move to Dallas or Los Angeles would immediately make either favorites for the West. The Nets look more capable of closing a deal before free agency but Howard wouldn’t be enough to lift New Jersey to the top of the pile in the East.
Battier is the glue guy Miami need The Heat may still lack a legitimate big man but they have improved their defense considerable with the acquisition of Shane Battier. The veteran is the more cerebral player in the game and will prove a vital asset in the playoffs. Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James can focus more on offense with the addition of Battier, making the Heat even more dangerous than last year’s edition. All the pieces are there for Miami to finally live up the hype generated by The Decision. I like the Heat to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy for the second time in franchise history.
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