posted August 25, 2008 at 15:15 EST in NBA Props
NBA Western Conference Forecast – Lakers To Strike Back in 2008-09
by BetUS Staff
Boston may hold the mantle in the NBA betting for now, but the Western Conference is still the premier conference when it comes to talent. Yes, the margin is smaller than in years passed; but it’s still there. The Rockets remain the most intriguing play in our futures with the acquisition of Ron Artest. The usual “powers that be” remain with the San Antonio Spurs and the LA Lakers emerging as the dominant teams to win the Western Conference Championship. Then there’s the other guys in LA, who suffered a ten minute span where they went from “next in line” to – well – back to the Clippers.
So who’s on top, who’s on the bottom and who we are we worried about? Let’s sort through the West and see who’s wild, and who’s sliding.
LA Lakers (+125 to win Western Conference)
The Lakers were run out of the building when they ran in to the momentum train known as the Boston Celtics. The Lakers had a strong 47-34-1 ATS and were 15-7-1 ATS when they were underdogs.
With Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers boast perhaps the deadliest defensive and offensive combination of superstars in the West. It’s a reason they’re such heavy favorites to win as well. In a seven game series, I don’t think that there’s a single team in the West that could touch the Lakers.
Houston Rockets (+800 to win Western Conference)
Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and…Ron Artest? You better believe it. The Rockets are a big, sexy pick coming out of the West because Artest’s addition does two things. First, it takes all the pressure off of Shane Battier and Tracy to try and guard the athletic swingmen roaming the conference. Second, it gives the team an immediate scapegoat in case they lose again. Genius!
For a team that went 47-33-2 ATS, the Rockets will suffocate teams defensively. Betting wise, they didn’t need him. Championship wise? Definitely worth the risk.
San Antonio Spurs (+300 to win Western Conference)
This team is getting older by the minute. But with great age, comes great experience. Tony Parker is emerging as one of the better point guards in the league, while Manu Ginobli was one of the best performers in the second-half of the season. Duncan continues to be one of the premier players in the league.
So why should you be down on the Spurs? First of all, everyone’s getting bigger, faster and stronger while the Spurs are staying the same. With the fourth worst offense in the league, bringing in 95.4 points per game, and an atrocious 38-44 ATS record, it’s becoming apparent that the NBA teams aren’t the only ones catch-up up to Pop’s boys; the oddsmakers are too.
Phoenix Suns (+700 to win Western Conference)
Well now that all the Shaq-hype has died down, we can gain some perspective on the Suns. Shaq is getting older and more useless by the second, and the rate of mileage on Steve Nash is starting to resemble a cheerleader at a state school. This team is going downhill faster than my Mexican lunch just went through my system.
Dallas Mavericks (+1000 to win Western Conference)
The one thing I will say about the Mavericks is that they will only go as far as Dirk can carry them. And to be honest, I don’t think that he has the leadership to take them past the second round in the playoffs. This guy had a proverbial meltdown against the Heat two years ago and now we’re expecting miracles? Not with this roster and an older Jason Kidd. Dallas was 35-43-4 ATS and I don’t expect those numbers to improve unless the oddsmakers throw this team under the bus.
Golden State Warriors (+4000 to win Western Conference)
Golden State’s Cinderella run is dead. Get over it.
Los Angeles Clippers (+3000 to win Western Conference)
“Sure! Come to LA! We’ll show Kobe a thing or two!” *wait for it* “Psyche!”
Poor Baron Davis. He went from a loveable loser in Golden State, to an outright loser in LA. Can anyone have worse luck changing teams than Baron? He’s like the anti-Robert Horry.
