NBA Northwest Betting Preview
By: Steve Merril
Covers.com
The Northwest Division received a kind of extreme makeover this NBA offseason. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony join MVP Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, Jimmy Butler reunites with Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota and Paul Milsap signed with an up and coming Denver squad.
Denver Nuggets (2016-17: 40-42 SU, 46-36 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +550
Season Win Total: 45.5
Why to Bet On The Nuggets: Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are two good pieces to build around. Jokic had several triple-doubles last year, leading Denver with 9.8 rebounds per game and 4.9 assists. Murray may have put up just under 10 points per contest, but he played the role of point guard well. The addition of Paul Millsap solidifies the front court with Danilo Gallinari gone.
Why Not to Bet On The Nuggets: In this division you really need a true superstar to survive and Denver lacks one. The Nuggets ranked 27th in scoring defense and 29th in field-goal percentage defense last season. Michael Malone has a losing record as head coach and might not be good enough to take this team to the next level.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 45.5
Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-17: 31-51 SU, 37-44-1 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +250
Season Win Total: 48.5
Why to Bet On The Timberwolves: It was a great offseason for Minnesota as the team added Jimmy Butler to an already great duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Butler brings a scoring mentality as well as someone who is willing to share the basketball. Towns averaged 25.1 points per game and 12.3 rebounds per contest last season, while Wiggins chipped in 23.6 ppg. Jamal Crawford will be a solid scorer off the bench even at the age of 37.
Why Not to Bet On The Timberwolves: It's not that easy to just add all these new pieces and have them gel right away. Going from Ricky Rubio to Jeff Teague at point guard isn't that much of an upgrade. Tom Thibodeau supposedly is a defensive coach, but it didn't show last season. The lack of a true perimeter shooter will hurt when opponents decide to collapse down low in the paint against Minnesota's athleticism.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 48.5
Oklahoma City Thunder (2016-17: 47-35 SU, 45-36-1 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: -140
Season Win Total: 53
Why to Bet On The Thunder: Not too many teams can roll out a trio of scorers like Oklahoma City can. The late addition of Carmelo Anthony is a big help alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George who is potentially playing for a big contract in free agency. With these stars you need solid role players and Andre Roberson and Steven Adams are two of those. Roberson is a defensive specialist, while Adams is a banger inside. The squad also has one of the strongest home courts in the league.
Why Not to Bet On The Thunder: Head coach Billy Donovan must find a way to manage all these egos in one locker room and keep everything together. Carmelo Anthony has a history of dominating the ball and that won't fly with Westbrook and George. The team's depth isn't great either and Roberson won't be able to play late in games if he continues to struggle at the free throw line. If this team starts slow, tensions might mount.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 53
Portland Trail Blazers (2016-17: 41-41 SU, 40-42 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +1500
Season Win Total: 42.5
Why to Bet On The Blazers: Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are an All-Star duo who can beat you driving the line and outside the arc. Jusuf Nurkic was a nice pickup after the deadline last year. He'll have help inside with rookie Gonzaga center Zach Collins. Terry Stotts is a good head coach and someone you can trust at the end of a ballgame.
Why Not to Bet On The Blazers: The roster needs depth and the team did very little this offseason. Outside of McCollum and Lillard there are very few players to trust when it comes to scoring. Evan Turner averaged just nine points per game in 2016-17 and is inconsistent. While the other teams in this division are improving, this team is standing still. They probably should have kept their three first-round draft picks, instead of trading two of them away.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 42.5
Utah Jazz (2016-17: 51-31 SU, 36-42-4 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +2200
Season Win Total: 40.5
Why to Bet On The Jazz: Defense will be this team's calling card now that a lot of their upper-level scoring is gone. Rudy Gobert continues to improve and he now has a better point guard in Ricky Rubio who is an upgrade over George Hill. There is also intriguing talent in Dante Exum, Rodney Hood and Donovan Mitchell. At first it seemed like an odd hire, but Quin Snyder is working well as the head coach.
Why Not to Bet On The Jazz: You do not lose the likes of Gordon Hayward and expect to have the same success. If a star player can leave the franchise, you have to wonder if others will consider doing so as well once their contracts are up. Someone will need to step up and take the big shots in close games. The Jazz do not have many snipers on the perimeter which means Utah will have to rely on their defense to win low-scoring contests.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 40.5
NBA Atlantic Betting Preview
By: Steve Merril
Covers.com
There are plenty of storylines in the NBA's Atlantic division with the retooled Boston Celtics expected to dominate at the top of the standings. Other than the C's the Raptors are possibly a team in transition, the 76ers are trending up, and the Nets and Knicks are...well...the Nets and Knicks.
Boston Celtics (2016-17: 53-29 SU; 40-40-2 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: -500
Season Win Total: 53.5
Why to Bet On The Celtics: The addition of Kyrie Irving makes their starting lineup top notch. Irving will pair nicely with Gordon Hayward who does more then just score. The team has solid depth all over, and players who fill their role nicely, including rookie Jayson Tatum who could be the best player from this draft class. Al Horford bangs down low, but also has some ability from the outside. To top it off, Brad Stevens is one of the best coaches in the league.
Why not bet the Celtics: The team could take some time to gel with so many new pieces. They are also relatively undersized inside with Horford and Aron Baynes being their tallest players. Interior defense is suspect without a good rim protector down low. Boston is also a young team overall.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 53.5
Brooklyn Nets (2016-17: 20-62 SU; 41-38-3 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +17500
Season Win Total: 27.5
Why to Bet On The Nets: The additions of D'Angelo Russell and Allen Crabbe make the backcourt passable in the NBA. This team tried hard last year at times, despite a talent difference with most of their opponents. Kenny Atkinson will get the best out of his squad. There are some other options in Jeremy Lin, Timofey Mozgov and DeMarre Carroll.
Why Not to Bet On The Nets: There are no go-to scoring option on this team and no one to stop long runs by their opponents. The squad is pretty awful defensively, yet they aren't capable of winning a lot of high scoring affairs. The frontcourt is bad and doesn't have a ton of size either. The lack of high draft picks the past few seasons is going to hurt this roster's future. They'll have to hope they get some help from their free agent acquisitions.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 27.5
New York Knicks (2016-17: 31-51 SU; 42-40 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +8500
Season Win Total: 30
Why to Bet On The Knicks: Carmelo Anthony is gone and that means more sharing of the ball on offense. It also means that Kristaps Porzingis is the go-to guy and he should be able to handle it. With the Zinger and Enes Kanter up front, you've got size and scoring from the forward and center positions. For the money they paid Tim Hardaway Jr, the former Michigan star is going to be a big part of the offense.
Why Not to Bet On The Knicks: Carmelo Anthony averaged 22.4 points per game. Frank Ntilikina has got a solid future in this league, but being a point guard for this team is asking a lot. At least Derrick Rose last year was able to run the offense when he was healthy. There is just not a lot of star power in New York and few consistent scorers. Defense will be an issue as well.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 30
Philadelphia 76ers (2016-17: 28-54 SU; 49-33 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +1000
Season Win Total: 39.5
Why to Bet On The Sixers: Joel Embiid is a megastar in the making and he's supposedly healthy entering this season. The center has a long range shot and is the juice and electricity for this roster. Ben Simmons provides excitement at the guard position and has become tough to stop when driving the ball to the rim. Robert Covington is an underrated defender, while JJ Redick is the long-range shooter that this team has desperately needed.
Why Not to Bet On The Sixers: It's not going to be easy integrating all these new pieces and there will be growing pains with such a young roster. Markelle Fultz looked lost at times during the preseason and may not be able to help right away. Embiid will probably sit out back-to-back games and that makes the team weaker. We'll also find out if Brett Brown is a good coach. So far, he's put up bad numbers with bad rosters. He now has a group that has playoff potential. Can he get them there?
Season Win Total Pick: Under 39.5
Toronto Raptors (2016-17: 51-31 SU; 45-36-1 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +500
Season Win Total: 48.5
Why to Bet On The Raptors: Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are one of the best duos in the league as they averaged nearly 50 points per game last season. Serge Ibaka is a perfect complement as he provides long range shooting. Jonas Valanciunas has solid size inside and can only get better. CJ Miles is underrated and put up 10.7 ppg last year.
Why Not to Bet On The Raptors: Beyond the starting lineup, there's not much depth. They probably needed to split up Lowry or DeRozan as this roster just doesn't have enough in the Eastern Conference to get past Cleveland or Boston now. Toronto needs to share the ball more and get more players tallying assists. It has become routine for Toronto to make the playoffs, but then bow out against a better opponent.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 48.5
NBA Southeast Betting Preview
By: Power Sports
Covers.com
There might not be a better collection of mismanaged teams in the Association than four of the five teams residing in the Southeast Division. Covers Expert Power Sports gives a rundown of each team in our NBA betting preview of the Southeast Division.
Atlanta Hawks (2016-17: 43-39 SU, 39-43 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +1200
Season Win Total: 25.5
Why to bet the Hawks: Well, they are going to be underdogs - at least. No team is projected to take a bigger step back than the Hawks this season. This team won 43 games a year ago, fifth most in the Eastern Conference and it was just three seasons ago when it won 60 games and finished with the best regular season record in the East.
This team has made the playoffs for 10 consecutive years. There probably is a bit of value in betting the Over on the season win total simply due to the size of the projected decline.
Why not to bet the Hawks: Dennis Schroder is their best player - by a wide margin. The playoff streak is a virtual lock to end as the team is significantly weaker on paper and every other team in the division is improved. Keep in mind that last year's team was actually outscored and this year's group will not match the 5-0 overtime record from a year ago. Atlanta isn't the worst team in the East, but the team is closer to the bottom than the playoffs.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 25.5
Charlotte Hornets (2016-17: 36-46 SU, 35-44-3 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +650
Season Win Total: 42.5
Why to bet the Hornets: This team is on my short list for most improved. Last year's record fails to reflect a lot of poor luck, namely a horrendous 0-9 straight up record in games decided by three points or fewer (were also 0-6 in OT!).
They actually outscored opponents over the course of the season and ranked in the top 10 defensively most of the way. A simple progression to the mean would have probably been enough to push the Hornets into the playoffs. But the roster looks to be improved as well. Well, that's if Dwight Howard has his head on straight. Nic Batum and Cody Zeller also need to be healthy.
Why not to bet the Hornets: Reportedly, Atlanta Hawks' players openly cheered upon learning of Howard's trade here. Batum got injured in the preseason and will be out 6-8 weeks, though the team got good news when it was learned surgery would not be required to repair the elbow ligament.
The Hornets were terrible with Zeller off the floor last year. Their net rating fell from +5.5 to -3.6 and he missed 20 games due to injury. It was a similar story when Kemba Walker didn't play or was on the bench. This is not a deep team.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 42.5
Miami Heat (2016-17: 41-41 SU, 48-33-1 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +600
Season Win Total: 43.5
Why to bet the Heat: Like Charlotte, this was a non-playoff team that was actually better than some of the actual playoff teams. The Heat's points per game differential (+1.1) was fifth best in the East. They appeared to be dead in the water after starting the season 11-30, but they finished 30-11 over the second half.
Why not to bet the Heat: Can Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and James Johnson all repeat career years? Probably not. A better question would be will any of them repeat the career years? That's not guaranteed. On a game by game basis, you're unlikely to get the Heat as well-priced as they were last year, which enabled them to finish near the top of the league's ATS (48-33-1) standings.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 43.5
Orlando Magic (2016-17: 29-53 SU, 39-42-1 ATS)
Odds To Win the Division: +1000
Season Win Total: 33.5
Why to bet the Magic: This moribund franchise has to make some sort of leap sooner or later, right? Right?
In all seriousness, this should be the best Magic team in years. With all the lottery picks in recent years, there's some decent talent on hand, even if it's all young. Frank Vogel is a good coach that preaches defense and if the Magic improve in that area, they'll be able to stay in a lot of games and cash routinely as underdogs.
Why not to bet the Magic: When Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon are your best players, there are still question marks. This team was outscored last year by a number similar to 20-game winner Brooklyn. There's a new front office, so that means some of the players they inherited could be dealt. Last year, the Magic ranked 24th in points per possession and 29th in points allowed.
Washington Wizards (2016-17: 49-33 SU, 42-39-1 ATS)
Odds to Win The Division: -125
Season Win Total: 47.5
Why to bet the Wizards: As indicated by the odds, this is a heavy favorite to repeat at Southeast Division champs. The nucleus from last year's 49-win team is back. Bradley Beal and John Wall form one of the league's best backcourts. Otto Porter, Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat make it a strong starting five overall. They look like a 50-win team on paper.
Why to bet the Wizards: As indicated by the odds, this is a heavy favorite to repeat at Southeast Division champs. The nucleus from last year's 49-win team is back. Bradley Beal and John Wall form one of the league's best backcourts. Otto Porter, Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat make it a strong starting five overall. They look like a 50-win team on paper.
Why not to bet the Wizards: Can they improve again after jumping from 41 to 49 wins a year ago? An injury to Wall or Beal, particularly the former, would be devastating. While the Wiz did clean up against losing teams (27-9 SU record), they went just 22-24 SU against foes that were .500 or better. They had one of the worst bench units in the league a year ago and haven’t done anything to address the problem.
Season Win Total: Over 47.5
NBA Southwest Betting Preview
By: Matt Fargo
Covers.com
Chris Paul is teaming up with James Harden in Houston with hopes of knocking Golden State from its throne, but the Rockets can't overlook the Spurs, who have won 50-plus games in 18 straight seasons and the division title in six of the last seven years. Covers Expert Matt Fargo breaks down the whole Southwest division, including season win total picks for each team.
Houston Rockets (2016-17: 55-27 SU, 42-40 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: -120
Season Win Total: Over 55.5 -132/Under 55.5 +113
Why TO bet the Rockets: James Harden carried his team to 55 wins last season, up from 41 wins the season before when he was paired with Dwight Howard, and now he gets a huge upgrade with the addition of Chris Paul. The Rockets were ranked No. 2 in scoring offense so they could run with anyone but they finished No. 26 in scoring defense. Houston picked up P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah A Moute to help shore up that defense so if all the parts gel, this is a team to contend with the Warriors.
Why NOT to bet the Rockets: The addition of Paul adds another star to the team but as effective as the offense was last season, he cannot just be inserted and expect it to get better. The Rockets relied on threes and dunks but Paul is a mid-range player so the offense will have to be adjusted to fit around the parts. That could be a problem on both ends of the floor so early on, Houston could struggle. While the Rockets got better with key additions, the Western Conference got better as a whole as well.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 55.5 -132
San Antonio Spurs (2016-17: 61-21 SU, 41-39-2 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +130
Season Win Total: Over 54.5 -130/Under 54.5 +110
Why TO bet the Spurs: Year in and year out, the Spurs are the best coached team in the NBA and Greg Popovich brings the best out of his team in his system. After winning 61 games last season, the Spurs did not do much in the offseason but it was not necessary as they were No. 2 in the West last year. San Antonio signed Rudy Gay to add some solid depth off the bench and I still possesses one of the most underrated players in the NBA in Kawhi Leonard and it showed after he went down in the playoffs.
Why NOT to bet the Spurs: Even though we say it every year and it backfires, San Antonio is not getting any younger. Tony Parker is hurt, Manu Ginobili is coming back for his 16th season and Pau Gasol is 37. As we saw in the playoffs, the Spurs are a Leonard injury away of calling it a season as there is no one on the roster that can carry this team. That includes LaMarcus Aldridge who has averaged 17.6 ppg in two seasons after averaging over 22 ppg in his last five seasons in Portland.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 54.5 +110
New Orleans Pelicans (2016-17: 34-48 SU, 39-42-1 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +1400
Season Win Total: Over 39.5 -112/Under 39.5 -104
Why TO bet the Pelicans: The experiment to have Anthony Davis coexist with DeMarcus Cousins failed to get the Pelicans into the playoffs nut they were together for only 25 games last season. Now together for a full season, the potential is there to be one of the best frontcourts we have ever seen. Couple that with the resigning of Jrue Holiday and the signing of Rajon Rondo, and this is a legitimate playoff contender. New Orleans is in the weakest division of the Western Conference which does not hurt.
Why NOT to bet the Pelicans: While 25 games is not a big sample size, it is big enough to show that the two big guys might not be able to work together. They will both stuff the boxscore but individual performances will not help as working together to be more efficient goes a long way. Holiday is being moved to the two-spot to make room for Rondo so that could take time. There is very little depth coming off the bench so Alvin Gentry could have his hands full in saving his job.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 39.5 -112
Memphis Grizzlies (2016-17: 43-39 SU, 41-41 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +2000
Season Win Total: Over 37.5 -124/Under 37.5 +106
Why TO bet the Grizzlies: The core of the Grizzlies has been together for a while now so there is no learning curve like a lot of other teams in the Western Conference have to endure. Memphis did lose Zack Randolph and Tony Allen but there is not a big dropoff especially if Chandler Parsons can stay healthy. He was a huge disappointment as he played just 34 games and averaged only 6.2 ppg because of a knee injury. If he gets back to his Rockets/Mavericks form, it will be huge for the Grizzlies.
Why NOT to bet Grizzlies: While the core is still in place, Memphis will be playing faster this season as their old system of being a slower paced team does not work in this conference. This could take time to come together. Going faster also means their defense will be hurt which was a No. 7 unit last season. The Grizzlies made no big free agent signings in the off season to close the gap and come February, they could be once again fighting for a bottom seed in the playoffs.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 37.5 +106
Dallas Mavericks (2016-17: 33-49 SU, 43-38-1 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +5000
Season Win Total: Over 35.5 Even/Under 35.5 -117
Why TO bet the Mavericks: This is a team in transition and as is the case with a lot of teams like this, there is value to be had as people are already writing them off. The Mavericks had the sixth worst record in the Western Conference but the third best record against the number which proves that. Harrison Barnes, Wes Matthews and Seth Curry form a nice nucleus and rookie Dennis Smith Jr. is expected to be the real deal. Dirk Nowitzki is back and while he is on the decline, he can still be clutch.
Why NOT to bet the Mavericks: Nowitzki is no longer the dominant player he used to be and the Mavericks are coming off their worst season in 17 years so things are not looking good for this once proud franchise. The Mavericks will be relying on a rookie to lead the team at the point and if Smith cannot adjust quickly, it will be a long season. Dallas resigned center Nerlens Noel and while he is a solid defender, his offense is not where it needs to be. A lot of questions surround the Mavericks.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 35.5 Even
NBA Central Betting Preview
By: Matt Fargo
Covers.com
The Cavaliers made some big moves this offseason, swapping point guard Kyrie Irving for Isaiah Thomas and LeBron James is getting the band back together as Dwyane Wade reunites with him in Cleveland. With little resistance in the Central, the Cavs are huge chalk to win the division. Covers Expert Matt Fargo breaks down the whole division and gives his season win total picks for each team.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2016-17: 51-31 SU, 36-43-3 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: -930
Season Win Total: Over 53.5 -155/Under 53.5 +132
Why TO bet the Cavaliers: LeBron James is a proven winner and as long as he stays healthy, his team is the team to beat. The Cavaliers went to the NBA Finals last season, the seventh straight time a James-led team won the Eastern Conference and he continues to be a force. The loss of Kyrie Irving will be felt early in the season since Isaiah Thomas will be out for a few months but the additions of Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade and Jae Crowder will keep them favorites once again
Why to NOT bet the Cavaliers: Chemistry could be a real issue with Cleveland with so many new faces plus the fact that James missed almost the entire preseason and has not been able to work with his new teammates. He knows Wade so there is no issue there but the remainder could be a problem early on. Cleveland is the biggest favorite to win a division in the Eastern Conference so there should be no issue but as has been the case the last few years, the Cavaliers will be overvalued on a nightly basis.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 53.5 -155
Milwaukee Bucks (2016-17: 42-40 SU, 36-46 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +790
Season Win Total: Over 47.5 +135/Under 47.5 -158
Why TO bet the Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo is a superstar already and one to build a franchise around. Last season, the Bucks were without Khris Middleton for 53 games to start the season and Jabari Parker for 31 games to end the season with neither being on the floor together so any significant time and the Bucks still finished above .500 and made it to the playoffs. This team is still one of the youngest in the NBA but there is enough experience to make a considerable run.
Why to NOT bet the Bucks: Injuries hurt the chemistry of Milwaukee but the Bucks nucleus remains stable which is a good thing. However, two years ago that same nucleus went just 33-49 and injuries were not even part of it as those three players along with Greg Monroe all played at least 76 games. Milwaukee is a sleeper pick to make a significant run and the pressure could derail them if they get off to an average start. This is another team that will be overvalued based on the hype.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 47.5 +135
Detroit Pistons (2016-17: 37-45 SU, 38-44 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +3350
Season Win Total: Over 38.5 -118/Under 38.5 +101
Why TO bet the Pistons: Last season was a big disappointment in Detroit as it was pegged as a lock to make the playoffs but ended up seven games under .500 and missed the postseason. There will be a lot of motivation after the slide and the Pistons can look to Milwaukee which was a playoff team, went in reverse and then came back strong. Reggie Jackson is the leader of the team but he struggled last year with injuries and never got in the groove. He will bounce back and the addition of Avery Bradley was huge.
Why to NOT bet the Pistons: This team cannot get over the hump it seems as there is too much talent on this team for mediocrity to settle in again. But it very well could. Whether it is coaching or just bad chemistry, there has been no consistency. Bradley is the type of player that can turn that around with the right parts but it is still unclear if the right parts are even there. There is not a whole lot of optimism and that could be a problem for Stan Van Gundy who is in his fourth season.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 38.5 +101
Indiana Pacers (2016-17: 42-40 SU, 39-42-1 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +12300
Season Win Total: Over 31.5 -117/Under 31.5 +100
Why TO bet the Pacers: The Pacers are rebuilding after trading star Paul George but with low expectations, we can buy them low. Indiana still has Myles Turner who is a player than can be built around could be out for a breakout season. The Pacers did the right thing to get something for George instead of letting him walk after this season and they got Victor Oladipo in the trade and he is no slouch who could also have a breakout season. Indiana had a very solid draft that can help right away.
Why to NOT bet the Pacers: When the talk of rebuilding is so prevalent, it is hard to look past that to find confidence. A rebuilding team in the Eastern Conference will have more success than in the Western Conference but the east is getting stronger overall which hurts teams in transition like Indiana. After Turner and Oladipo, there is not a lot of star power than can help carry the team and the bench is extremely thin and will be even more so if those draft picks do not work out.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 31.5 +100
Chicago Bulls (2016-17: 41-41 SU, 42-40 ATS)
Odds to Win the Division: +40500
Season Win Total: Over 21.5 -158/Under 21.5 +135
Why TO bet the Bulls: Chicago is going through the ultimate rebuild as it had a plan in place on draft night when it traded guard Jimmy Butler to Minnesota. Other pieces from last season have also left so this is basically a brand-new team that has no identity. The good news is that there is no pressure so playing loose could make the Bulls succeed and become more respectable than what people may think. Justin Holiday, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine, once he gets fully healthy, could be a sneaky good backcourt.
Why to NOT bet the Bulls: It is rare to see teams go from possible division contender to one of the worst teams in the conference but that is the case with the Bulls. This is a big plummet and if things go bad early, it could be a very long season even if they play with to pressure. While there has been a lot of talk about tanking in the NBA, it fits here and would make sense even if it is not good for basketball. Fred Hoiberg did little to show he is a capable NBA coach and this season is not going to suddenly change that.
Season Win Total Pick: Under 21.5 +135