NBA 2012/13: Eastern Conference preview

• Posted by: csabax
• 29 October 2012
• Basketball
• Comment!

 

The 2012/13 season gets underway in a few days. Nick Shiambouros previews the Eastern Conference and looks for the best bets.

 

Miami Heat 3.3

The defending champions are worthy favourites. Ray Allen made the unpopular move to Miami after failing to agree terms with the Boston Celtics. The presence of Allen  alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade makes this rotation look more balanced. I think the price on offer is generous.

 

Chicago Bulls 21.0

Superstar point-guard Derrick Rose is not scheduled to return to action until February after tearing his ACL last season. Forward Luol Deng will have to work even  harder to keep his team in the hunt until Rose returns. The price on offer is about right.

Boston Celtics 22.0

This veteran team is ready for another crack at the championship. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce know what it takes to win, and with Doc Rivers, they have the best  coach in the business. They are well worth an investment at this price.

 

Indiana Pacers 44.0

This talented team is set for another good year. Center Roy Hibbert is an outstanding shot blocker and was most effective in the playoffs against Miami last season.  The Pacers are a legitimate threat in the East.

 

New York Knicks 44.0

The Knicks are perennial underachievers, and I believe this season will not be any different. They have a tremendous talent in Carmelo Anthony, but when the chips are  down, they just roll over. Not for me at any price.

 

Brooklyn Nets 75.0

The newly named Nets moved to Brooklyn from New Jersey at the end of last season. A lot of hype is associated with this team, but I am at loss as to why. Deron  Williams is a brilliant point-guard, but there are some serious questions to be answered on defense. Pass.

 

Philadelphia 76ers 95.0

The 76ers acquired Andrew Bynum from the Lakers during the summer. Bynum is a gifted center who should contribute heavily on both ends of the floor. This is a young  team with a future; it is playoff bound, for sure.

 

Atlanta Hawks 130.00

Josh Smith and Al Horford run the offense in Atlanta. This is a quality team with a decent mix of youth and experience. They should have a decent season.

 

Milwaukee Bucks 100.00

The Bucks added Joel Przybilla and Samuel Dalembert to beef up the frontcourt. The addition of these two big men should give the team more opportunities inside the  paint, with a chance at making it to the post-season.

 

Toronto Raptors 510.00

This is a young team with a lot of questions to answer. Not for me.

 

Orlando Magic 510.00

With the departure of Dwight Howard to Los Angeles during the summer, the Magic will almost certainly struggle. It is now up to point-guard Jameer Nelson to lead this  team.

 

Washington Wizards 620.00

This is a young team with a future. Nene is one of the best power forwards in the game and is set for another good year. Outside playoff chance.

 

Charlotte Bobcats 810.00

They will have another losing season.

 

Detroit Pistons 930.00

Tayshaun Prince is still the leader of this disappointing franchise. No chance.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers 970.00

The new anti-flopping rule is tailor made for serial offender Anderson Varejao. Coach Byron Scott may not make it through the year. A bitterly disappointing team.

 

(Source: Betfair)

 

Bet H E R E !

 

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