Posted on 11/7/2007 3:21:43 PM

NBA Basketball Betting: The New Kids in Town

By Charles Jay

When an NBA team brings a new player in, it is looking for an impact. And because the presence of that player is something that wasn't there the season before, both NBA handicappers and oddsmakers have to adjust for it. Granted, we have only been through about a week of the season, but let's take an early look at a few of the more significant newcomers to NBA rosters and the effect, if any, they have had, on the court and in the NBA betting results:

KEVIN GARNETT, Boston -- The Celtics made the two huge acquisitions in the off-season - Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. But obviously, the big fish was Garnett, who had a stellar debut in green, pulling off a rare 20-20 game (20 points, 20 rebounds), with five assists and three steals as well, as Boston routed Washington 103-83. Gilbert Arenas of the Wizards had remarked that because of Boston's three over-30 starters, his team might run the Celtics ragged, but he was made to eat his words. Garnett followed with 23 points and 13 rebounds against Toronto. And he is firmly establishing himself as the leader. The Celts have covered both games and posted two unders, holding opponents to 178 total points. If Garnett is able to continue to dominate the defensive glass (28 defensive rebounds in the first two contests) his team ought to be able to keep the opponent's score down more often than not.

KEVIN DURANT, Seattle -- The 6'9" rookie has been playing both the small forward and shooting guard for the Sonics, something that will probably continue due to his versatility and P.J. Carlesimo's desire to get some matchup advantages on the opponent. On opening night against Denver he had 18 points on 7-for-22 shooting, and in 31 minutes (second on the team) had only a -8 plus-minus ratio (margin of points scored for and against the Sonics when he is on the court), compared to double-digit minus figures for the rest of the starting lineup. He came back the next night and shot better (11 for 23) in more minutes (39) while scoring 27 points. Durant had 24 points against the Clippers on Sunday but his team lost by 14. That could be an ongoing theme. The winless Sonics, who have covered one of three games ATS through Sunday, are going to play at a fast pace and allow a lot of points (nearly 114 per game in the early going). Durant is going to get the opportunity to score, something that might not have been the case if Ray Allen and/or Rashard Lewis were still around, but his lack of supporting cast (Nick Collison, Chris Wilcox, Damien Wilkins) could prevent the Sonics from bringing any real value. It remains to be seen. But they WILL love Durant in Oklahoma City.

ZACH RANDOLPH, New York -- The Knicks went after the 6'9" power forward as a compliment to Eddy Curry up front. Thus far (through Monday) Randolph has shown that he can supply some of the rebounding that Curry does not deliver. On opening night he had 21 points and 14 rebounds in a loss tot he defending Eastern Conference champion Cavaliers, then had 15 points and 10 boards against Minnesota. But Randolph shot only 39% in those games. The Knicks split the first two games ATS and covered their game as an underdog at Cleveland.

LUIS SCOLA, Houston -- The 27 year-old, 6'9" rookie out of Argentina is expected to be an important contributor off the bench for the Rockets. In his debut he was scoreless against the Lakers. But against Utah he had seven points and nine rebounds, and then followed with eight points and eight rebounds against Portland. In a game with Dallas on Monday night he was ineffective, scoring two points without a rebound in 25 minutes. The Rockets have won three of four, but covered only one of those games ATS. Scola has been praised as a real "floorburn" type, so he should add energy and some toughness to the second unit. His plus-minus figures was +33 for the back-to-back games against Utah and Portland. That was the highest on the team.

AL HORFORD, Atlanta -- The Hawks knew when they drafted Horford they were going to put him SOMEWHERE, whether it be at the power forward or center spot. Horford is going to log plenty of playing time at both positions for the Hawks, who covered their first two games ATS as Horford had ten rebounds in his NBA debut against Dallas, and 11 more two nights later against Detroit. For a team that ranked 28th in the league in defensive rebounding last season and is generally considered to lack toughness, this kind of dirty work is crucial. And it has been particularly important for Atlanta since center Zaza Pachulia, the starter last year, is out of the early going with a sprained knee. When Pachulia gets back, if he and Horford find some chemistry up front, this will be a consistently better defensive team and a better play when traveling because of it.

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(Charles Jay of TotalActionExtra.com is so old that he remembers Al Horford's father, Tito Horford, from the University of Miami. He contributes with gusto to the BetUS Locker Room)