Posted on
4/3/2008 7:04:28 PM
NBA Furious Focus 2008 – Eastern Conference Betting Forecast
By Tim Furious
I know you NBA bettors are jacked up about the NBA Playoffs, and are already stockpiling your hard earned betting dollars in to our futures as to who will escape the Eastern Conference. With the race becoming much clearer, here’s a forecast of the Eastern Conference.
1. Boston Celtics (60-15)
The Boston Three Party has already clinched first place in the playoffs and home court advantage throughout. With Perkins and Raging Rondo stepping up, the starting five for Boston looks much scarier than we though it ever would be. Granted, we never expected Rondo to 10-5-4 as a point guard, but crazier things have happened. Like Cassell and Garnett being reunited and the Celtics winning the Eastern Conference championship for the first time in 21 years.
Playoff Projections: Eastern Conference Champions (hey, at least the Pats lost the Superbowl)
2. Detroit Pistons (53-21)
They say nobody wants to face Detroit in the playoffs. They say the Pistons are part of the “big three” in the East. They say a lot of stupid things. Detroit is a good team, but far from great. And much farther from the team that we saw dominate the early part of decade. The Pistons have gone 40-33-1 ATS this season, which goes a long way in telling you just how high expectations have been. I love Rip, Sheed, Mr. Big Shot and Prince. But Antonio McDyess starting at center with…uh…Jason Maxiell backing him up? Not so much.
Playoff Projection: A stunning first-round loss to Philadelphia
3. Orlando Magic (47-28)
What I love about this team is the balance they possess. Jameer Nelson has become a fine set-up man, and has so many threats to dish the ball to. From Superman himself under the rim, to Rashard Lewis and the unheralded Hedo Turkoglu, the Magic have a great inside-outside threat. What they lack, however, is solid depth. After the top four, you have guys like Keyon Dooling and Adonal Foyle stepping in. Yikes. I also hate the lack of a solid slasher on this team. And that, in itself, will cause this team to stutter against teams that can get hot and ride momentum.
Playoff Projection: Second-round Exit
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (42-33)
Geez, I could write a whole column about the “great trade” that only caused them to move sideways. The Cavs are still without a serious scoring threat to compliment Lebron James. No, I don’t Wally is the answer. And yes this team is far superior with a fully healthy Boobie Williams in the fold. Yet, it’s impossible to cast any doubts about the Cavs as long as Lebron is in the game.
Playoff Projection: Eastern Conference Championship Losers
5. Washington Wizards (38-37)
It’s hard to get a good read on this team. Arenas and Tough Juice are back, but is that making them better? They just lost to the goddamn Milwaukee Bucks. A 42-32-1 ATS record so far this season was largely in part due to the oddsmakers misreading how talented this team actually is. With Agent Zero and Butler in the mix, they should be much better. But they don’t’ have much time to restore the team chemistry that makes playoff teams great. Time is running out…
Playoff Projection: First-round fodder
6. Toronto Raptors (38-37)
The record doesn’t speak so highly of this team, but the Raptors are far better than you think. They can matchup with nearly everyone…except Cleveland and Boston. Bosh has to start taking over games to prove he is a worthy All-Star despite his hilarious promotional videos. The rabid Toronto fans will have no Leafs to distract them (again) in the Spring, so it will be all Raptors, all the time.
It’s hard to knock Toronto. They’re strong from top to bottom. From El Calderon and “Runs Like A” Ford to running the point, to the $14 million man himself, Rasho Nestorvic, protecting the paint so Chris Bosh can go to work, there’s a ton of inside-outside threats. Couple that with the fact that Raptors are one of the best shooting teams in the entire league, and you have a dark horse in the making. Still, unless they can avoid Cleveland or Boston, the Eastern Conference Championship is still another season away for the Raps.
Playoff Projection: They can beat anyone that doesn’t have Lebron or KG…
7. Philadelphia 76ers (38-37)
Good for Philly. Seriously. Going from a cellar dweller to a playoff contender is no easy feat, and the athletic play of this young, dynamic team is surely the reason. But it’s hard to see a team like this faring well in a seven-game series against anyone. I love what Dalembert does on the glass, and how Andre Igoudala plays with ferocious intensity. And enough can’t be said about Andre Miller’s season. But the 76ers are streakers, and that is not the kind of mentality you need when playing NBA playoff basketball.
Playoff Projection: First-round fodder (Golden State of the East)
8. Atlanta Hawks (35-40)
No I don’t love that a team with a losing record can make the playoffs. But the Hawks have pretty much earned themselves a one-way trip to hell in facing Boston. The crazy thing is that Atlanta is a homeless man’s version of Boston. Al Horford and KG? You can’t tell me Joe Johnson can’t match Ray Allen point-for-point from the perimeter. You can’t. And Josh Smith the explosive playmaker to Paul Pierce’s unmitigated Truth? Sure. Maybe. I even like Bibby against the Rage.
But Atlanta is one more year from becoming a serious playoff team. They’re on the radar for next year. Speaking of the radar…where in the hell is Acie Law IV?
Playoff Projection: First-round heartbreaker to Boston
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