Posted on 4/21/2008 7:28:12 PM

NBA Online Betting – Breaking Down Breakthrough Players

By Eric Williams

There is nothing like betting on the NBA online, or watching a player compete in his first postseason, no matter the sport. Some players, even seasoned veterans who haven’t reached the postseason until years into their respective careers, can crumble with the best of them under the intense glare of the postseason’s bright lights.

Others, seem to be drawn to the glare of the big lights and shine their brightest on the game’s biggest stage. Here is a look at several players competing in their first postseason for their respective teams in the BetUS Sportsbook who could be game-changers for their respective teams.

Chris Paul – All-star Point Guard, New Orleans Hornets

Paul absolutely ‘schooled’ veteran Jason Kidd in the Hornets’ playoff opener – and his first career postseason game - to the tune of 35 points, 10 assists and four steals in leading his team to a convincing 104-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Paul has established himself as a legitimate superstar.

Rajon Rondo – Point Guard, Boston Celtics

Rondo has proven time and again this season that he is a legitimate starting point guard and could literally cement his status as Boston’s starter for years to come with some exceptional postseason play. Rondo averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game this season in just 29.9 minutes per contest and has shown he has both, toughness to match his quickness.

Al Horford – Center, Atlanta Hawks

Horford has shown that he is going to be a star player at some point in the near future in averaging 10.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in just 31.4 minutes each night. Though the Hawks are going down hard and fast against the Celtics, Horford could have a big game or two against mediocre Celtics center Kendrick Perkins.

Thaddeus Young – Small Forward, Philadelphia 76ers

For those who haven’t seen Young play this season, I’ll just say the Sixers could have one of the top five players in this draft in Young when it’s all said and done. The athletic combination forward has shown big time promise for the Sixers in averaging 8.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in just 21.0 minutes per night and should be a starter for the Sixers next season.

Rodney Stuckey – Shooting Guard, Detroit Pistons

All I’m going to say is that Joe Dumars is a genius for drafting this kid. Stuckey’s maturity level and headiness instantly reminds me of Portland Blazers second-year all-star guard Brandon Roy. Including him in their backcourt rotation, along with veteran Lindsay Hunter, will give the Pistons a terrifying quartet of backcourt players.

Jamario Moon – Small Forward, Toronto Raptors

It’s crazy to admit, but Moon has already outplayed the Raptors’ number one overall pick, second-year forward Andrea Bargnani to the point where it’s already starting to look like the projected “next Dirk Nowitzki” is going to be one of the biggest busts in recent memory. Anyway, Moon has averaged a respectable 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds and a spectacular 1.4 blocks per game in just 27.8 minutes per night. The high-flying Moon has a future in front of him just as bright as his surname.

Carl Landry – Combo Forward, Houston Rockets

Landry has contributed to the Rockets in a big way this season, averaging 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in just 16.9 minutes per contest. Landry is an excellent scorer who shot a stellar 61 percent from the field during the regular season. Landry has displayed quickness and strength in his rookie season.

Louis Williams - Combo Guard, Philadelphia 76ers

Ever see a guy that was just born to put the ball in the hole? You know, kinda’ like Davidson star Stephen Curry? Well, that would be the Sixers’ Williams. Though he stands just 6-2 and weighs a scant 175 pounds soaking wet, Williams has established himself as a player that can put the ball in the hole with an uncanny ability. The third-year guard has average 11.5 points and 3.2 assists per game in just 23.3 minutes per contest. When this youngster gets hot, watch out!

Check out the BetUS Sportsbook for all the latest NBA Playoff Odds and get all the latest NBA Betting information in the BetUS Locker Room.

You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!