MVP Favorites:
Kobe Bryant +400
LeBron James +400
Chris Paul +550
Kevin Garnett +800
Pick: LeBron James
Why?: It will be hard to justify selecting Kobe Bryant as the MVP even if his and LeBron's numbers are the same as last season. Kobe was picked mainly because he had never won an award before. I expect LeBron's numbers to be out of this world.
Value pick: Dwight Howard +1000. He's the league's best big man, which means you can expect big numbers.
Betting Strategy: If you were offered the following line: One of LeBron, Kobe or Paul at +135, would you take it? I know I would. Essentially, that's what you get if you bet units on all three of those guys and one of them is bound to win MVP. I just don't see what K.G. can do to justify winning the MVP given that his numbers are deflated due to his teammates. The Celts would have to win 70 games.
NBA Scoring Title:
Kobe Bryant +120
LeBron James +200
Amare Stoudemire +400
Dwyane Wade +600
Pick: LeBron James
Why?: Kobe will have more of a supporting cast this year, which leads me to believe that his points will go down and assists will go up. Look at who LeBron has surrounding him in his starting lineup and you have to anticipate that he'll average 30+
Value Pick: Vince Carter +3500. The Nets are so thin on offense and Carter could steal the scoring title.
NBA Rebounding Title:
Dwight Howard +100
Tim Duncan +500
Tyson Chandler +500
Pick: Dwight Howard.
Why?: At even money, you may as well bet on him. He is far and away the league's best rebounder
Value Pick: Yao Ming +1000. If he plays 75+ games, I expect him to average over 11 rpg, which may not be as good as Dwight Howard is expected to perform, but big men are usually more prone to injury than other positions. If Howard gets injured and Ming is healthy, look to cash in.
NBA Assists Title:
Chris Paul +120
Steve Nash +200
Deron Williams +400
Jason Kidd +400
Pick: Steve Nash
Why?: Nash has a solid supporting cast and I expect that he will score less than usual and pass more. This offense will be a bit slower and more methodical.
Value Pick: Jose Calderon +1000. This guy is an incredible passer and I expect him to play 35-38 mpg since their backups are unestablished. He is a steal at +1000 if you can get it
First Coach Fired:
Randy Wittman, Minnesota +300
George Karl, Denver +500
Sam Mitchell, Toronto +500
Marc Iavaroni, Memphis +500
Lawrence Frank, New Jersey +600
Mike Brown, Cavaliers +700
Eddie Jordan, Washington +800
Field +250
Pick: Randy Wittman, Minnesota
Why?: Wittman has been exceptionally mediocre in his tenure as the T-Wolves coach and he could be the first to go
Value Pick: George Karl +500, If the Nuggets struggle and I expect them to with their thin front court, look for Karl to be the scapegoat
Value Picks for Division Winners:
Milwaukee Bucks +6500: With the acquisition of Richard Jefferson, GM John Hammond is making a statement that he wants the team to win right now. Scott Skiles is known to be a spectacular coach in his first year. The Pistons are on the decline and the Cavs never have great regular season records.
Portland Trailblazers +400: Deron Williams is currently battling an injury and the Blazers have turned the corner. They were so hot early last year and all of their major weaknesses have been addressed by Greg Oden being healthy.
Washington Wizards +800: No Gilbert? No Problem... It wasn't last year! This team excels with or without Gilbert Arenas. The Magic and Heat are hardly locks to have great seasons.
Win Total Best Bets:
Boston: Over 53.5
Bucks: Over 30.5
Nuggets: Under 40.5
Warriors: Under 37.5
Orville's Picks:
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics over New Orleans Hornets
NBA MVP: LeBron James
NBA Rookie of the Year: Greg Oden
NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Lamar Odom
Most Improved Player: Devin Harris
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard
Coach of the Year: Larry Brown
Posted
Oct 27 2008, 10:56 PM
by
Aaron Bronsteter