NBA 2016-2017 Betting Tips
?Rookie of the Year - Joel Embiid @4.5
This seems to be a bet on his health. Joel Embiid was a freak in college and has looked very impressive in pre season. He has shown defensive ability to switch and score on anyone. He will be the main man for a poor Sixers team and should win this
MVP - James Harden @11
This is mainly a value bet although Kevin Durant tempts me as I think he will put up 20-5-5 on the best team in the league. James Harden will be among the players who benefit if the Warriors have taken themselves out of contention. LeBron James could take the season off. That leaves it between Westbrook and Harden. They should put up similar numbers but Harden will be on a better team.
Highest Rebound Average - Andre Drummond @1.80
Drummond dominated this category last season and won quite comfortably. It is quite hard to see a change here. It may even help that they do not have Reggie Jackson but instead Ish Smith which may give Drummond more potential rebound opportunities.
NBA Eastern Conference without Cleveland - Boston Celtics @3.40
Boston were one of the best five teams in this conference last season. Atlanta and Miami have both taken steps backwards. This leaves Boston against Toronto. Toronto did not improve in the offseason and after struggling in the playoffs may struggle to get back to the regular season form. Boston have improved with Horford and big potential for a trade at the deadline.
Northwest Division - Utah Jazz @3.00
The closest division in the league. Utah, Portland, Oklahoma and Minnesota will battle for this. All should be around 40 wins. Utah and Minnesota have both improved in the offseason but Utah started from a stronger spot. Oklahoma should experience decline while Portland were lucky with health last year.
Brooklyn Nets under 20.5 wins @2.02
The Nets look like the worst team in the league. It seems a group of substitutes headlined by Brook Lopez who is likely to be traded or injured and Jeremy Lin. I do not see what 21 games they can win.
Orlando Magic over 35.5 wins @1.91
As mentioned in my preview I am not sold on the Magic. I pretty much predicted the worst case scenario for them. This is what takes my pick to over. Eight times out of ten they hit this mark. Frank Vogel is a magician! As well as that the team is primed for a trade and have basically the same pieces as last year with increased defence
Denver Nuggets over 36.5 @1.91
The Nuggets are another team that could go under but more likely is they go over. They also have a big trade in them. Improvement in the young players and the more experienced players fitting around them should be enough. They seem far likelier to be healthy than last season.
Boston Celtics over 50.5 wins @1.91
Losing Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger was a blow to the Celtics. However when they are replaced by Al Horford and Jaylen Brown, you barely even notice it. You would imagine this team only improves. They are another team that has the big trade on the table if a star becomes available.
