2008/2009 NBA Halftime Report
We’re just about at the midpoint of the NBA season, and the action thus far has helped define where each team is headed this season. By now, sluggish starts, brief winning streaks and other aberrations have given way to each team’s true identity as the games have played out.
TodaysPicks.net now has an idea of who has exceeded or failed to meet expectations, and these observations can come in handy when looking toward the second half of the season. So before the All-Star game hits and the games tip-off again to start the stretch run, here is a look at what we have seen so far in the NBA Halftime Report.
Eastern Conference
Best of the Best:
Boston Celtics – This year, the Celtics have caught no one by surprise, including the oddsmakers who set hefty prices for would-be Celtics backers. So it’s not a big shock that they are just 20-19 against the spread despite being 30-9 overall. They have cooled considerably since their 19-game winning streak, although that was to be expected a bit. But you should count on a team with three proven superstars and an underrated coach in Doc Rivers to come through when it matters most. Look for this team to start bringing in the cash as they hit the late part of the season and play in important games that might decide home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers – With each passing game, it seems the Cavaliers are proving their remarkable start was no fluke. The addition of capable scorer Mo Williams has been a huge addition for LeBron James, who still carries the team when needed but doesn’t have to win every game by himself. The Cavs also boast the NBA’s tops coring defense at 89 points per game. They are 25-10 ATS to go along with a 29-6 straight-up mark and, while their covering frequency has dipped a tad, there’s no question this team is one of the most solid investments for your money this season.
Orlando Magic – It’s rare that you find an NBA team that is consistently solid on the road, but the Magic are one such team. They are 12-5-1 ATS on the road to go with their 24-12-1 overall ATS mark. The Magic do it with a balanced attack, as they are one of the few NBA clubs in the Top 10 of both scoring and scoring defense. It starts with the game’s dominant center in Dwight Howard, and the Magic compliment him with the veteran leadership of Rashard Lewis and the steady play of underrated point guard Jameer Nelson. This club continues to improve and should be a consistent value for your money.
Keep an eye on:
Atlanta Hawks – The Hawks have hit a recent cold streak at the cashier’s cage, as it spears they might have hit the wall after starting the season strong and bent on proving last season’s breakout was a sign of things to come. A lack of leadership still catches up to this team at times, but if underrated star Joe Johnson embraces this role, the Hawks could be a force by season’s end.
Milwaukee Bucks – The Bucks’ 24-13-2 record ATS shows that the oddsmakers haven’t given them much respect. It won’t be long before their opponents have to start paying attention to them as well. The Bucks have a talented and improving young roster, and Scott Skiles is the type of hard-nosed coach who will make sure that their turnaround project stays on track.
Charlotte Bobcats – The Bobcats are still a player or two away from having enough talent to become a contender. But vagabond coach Larry Brown is making sure they start with the fundamentals, and they have a placed a big emphasis on defense. Their 21-17 ATS record is evidence of this effort (14-24 overall), and you can expect them to get better under Brown’s watch.
Take a pass:
Detroit Pistons – The addition of Allen Iverson has affected the chemistry of this teamwork-oriented team and the leadership lost when they shipped out Chauncey Billups was likely more than they bargained for. Although the Pistons have remained a top defensive club, they have struggled on offense, and the result shows in their inability to cover on a regular basis. Although they have rallied to 22-13 overall, Detroit is just 14-21 ATS and a turnaround appears unlikely.
New Jersey Nets – Their best player, Vince Carter, is an overrated star who is past his prime and has never won anything of significance. Their coach doesn’t seem to get the respect of his players, and the organization can’t seem to decide whether it’s in rebuilding mode. Thus, they shipped out Richard Jefferson but kept Carter. Although a recent streak of five straight covers boosted their ATS record to 21-16, it’s hard to advocate betting on this inconsistent club.
Philadelphia 76ers – For a team that showed so much promise last season, the 76ers have been a major disappointment. They pulled the trigger quickly in firing coach Maurice Cheeks, and major free-agent acquisition Elton Brand is on the shelf again with another injury. Their younger players have failed to reach the potential they showed at time last season. This team likely will take another step back before it moves forward.
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