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ace="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The NBA is providing some surprising
results early in the season. I am finding opportunities with big favs right now
early on, as the parity level right now is simply not there. As always with pro
sports, on any given day Team A can beat Team B, but for the most part the teams
afre playing true to form with a few surprises thrown in the mix. Thje East is a
3 horse race, and I doubt the #7 and #8 playoff teams in the East will even
have4 a winning record. The West again is full of hot teams and have the best
talent in the leauge parked there. Lets take a look at my top 5 through December
11th, with a few notes of interest.
1. Boston Celtics
(17-2): The trio of Garnett, Allen and Pierce are all averaging over 20
ppg and this team is playing defense like none other. If the role players step
up, this team could be the beast in the East this season, the star power is
paying dividends early. A solid ATS team folks! These guys are no fluke and play
hard every time out.
2. Orlando Magic
(16-5): The most impressive thing is that Orlando is 17-4 ATS! At 104
ppg right now and #1 in the NBA in rebounds with some solid play across the
board scoring, ride them while they are hot! Dwight Howard is playing the low
post extremely well. Mis-matches underneath are leading to profits and they are
playing with confidence. A cold night from the floor will hurt them, but if they
are rolling, look out.
3. San Antonio
(17-3): Getting it done without Tim Duncan as of late and using
numerous mixes in the line-up to shake things up. Tony Parker and Ginobli both
have stepped up their games. Undefeated at home at 12-0, but slightly scary on
the road ATS, and 12-7-1 ATS overall. As usual, highly ranked on total defense,
currently 3rd. Teams who struggle on offense usually are a go against team
against the Spurs.
4. Phoenix Suns
(16-5): Still trying to outscore everyone, but this starting 5 when
clicking can light it up. At #2 in scoring at 110 ppg, the Suns again must do
better on defense to contend this year, and Steve Nash has yet to really break
out. Could he be slowing down finally? Be careful laying big numbers, less than
.500 ATS right now. On Monday they allowed Chicago 117 points if that tells you
anything!
5. Detroit Pistons
(14-6): Whenever you have the Pistons ranked #2 in defense and scoring
on the average of 100 ppg, you have to consider them one of the top 5 teams in
the NBA, simply because they are from the East. I like the starting 5 and their
team chemistry, and they make minced meat out of weak sisters, while playing toe
to toe with the upper crust teams. Lack of depth in scoring is an isssue, but
still rock solid up top.
Bottom 3 Teams - You pick
the order!
The T-Wolves miss Kevin Garnett
much more than he misses them. The Wolves offense is deplorable and a bunch of
no names right now are stinking it up. This is a work in progress that will not
bear fruit in 2008.
I am throwing the NY Knicks in here
who simply are in disaray with Isiah Thomas coaching them. I would be surprised
if he makes it through the season as head coach. Going 1-8 SU on the road is a
sure fire way to get stomped out big time in the NBA, they are already 11 games
out of the division lead and they have played just over 20 games! Marybury is
hit and miss, they need him at 24+ points a night to win.
The Miami Heat are disappointing
right now, and Shaq is a shell of himself and Wade cannot carry the team
himself. 2-6 at home and only 5 wins on the year, they have the least amount of
wins in the weak Eastern conference right now. These guys were in the finals 2
years ago! How the might have fallen.
Tony Geroge is the president of Midwest Sports. His website
is www.sportsaudiowhows.com.
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