Return to Doc's Article Archive home page

Return to Doc's 2010 Article Archive home page

Previous Archive 2009 NBA Basketball Archives

Below is a listing of articles appearing on Doc’s site sorted by date.

100% bonus up to $500
at GT Bets
CLICK HERE

NBA Betting Trends: Hot and Cold Teams Against the Point Spread
by Aaron Smith - 12/27/2010

In this report of the hot and cold NBA teams we see several of the same teams from two weeks ago, but there are also some teams that haven’t been on the report all year. This bi-weekly article series is aimed to help you catch onto trends that can make you money when betting on the NBA. Let’s take a look at the hot and cold teams from the last two weeks. Note that the statistics used are for games played between Dec. 13 and Dec. 26.
Read more about NBA Betting Trends.

NBA Predictions: Updated Championship Futures Odds and Picks
by Trevor Whenham - 12/22/2010

We are, in round numbers, a third of the way into the NBA season. Some things have gone as expected so far, and others really haven’t. This is a good time to check in on the NBA Championship futures to see what is interesting and what isn’t. The timing is good for another reason - Miami and the Lakers are co-favorites according to the NBA odds with a fairly wide margin between them and third place Celtics, and those two teams meet on Christmas day in what could be a holiday classic. (odds are from BetUS)
Read more about NBA Predictions.

NBA Picks: Heat at Knicks Odds and Betting Predictions
by Aaron Smith - 12/17/2010

The two hottest teams in the NBA will square off in New York on Friday night. It should come as no surprise that the Miami Heat are on a roll right now, but most have been caught off guard by the success of the New York Knicks. Miami has won 10 straight games, while New York has won eight of their last nine. The Knicks were edged, 118-116, by the Celtics on Wednesday night. This is the perfect chance for them to prove they are for real in front of a national television audience on ESPN.
Read more about NBA Picks: Heat at Knicks.

Thursday TNT NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets Betting Odds
by Alan Matthews - 12/16/2010

All you have heard about so far this NBA season is the Big 3 of Miami, the great start of the Boston Celtics, the Lakers simply being the Lakers, a Knicks resurgence and maybe even a Carmelo Anthony trade rumor or seven. Unless you are a true NBA fan, really how many “column inches” (old newspaper term) have you seen dedicated to the San Antonio Spurs other than the entertainment Web sites when Eva Longoria and Tony Parker announced their divorce?
Read more about Thursday TNT NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets.

NBA Betting Trends: Hot and Cold Teams Against the Point Spread
by Aaron Smith - 12/13/2010

There are some major changes on this report versus the one from two weeks ago. The NBA is a league where you must follow the trends very closely. The goal of this bi-weekly article series is to help you catch trends and spot teams to play or go against. Let’s take a look at the hot and cold teams against the NBA odds from the last two weeks. Note that the statistics used are for games played between Nov. 29 and Dec. 12.
Read more about NBA Betting Trends.

NBA Picks: Lakers at Bulls Predictions and Betting Odds
by Aaron Smith - 12/10/2010

The ESPN NBA lineup on Friday starts off with a terrific battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. Anytime the Lakers and the Bulls get together it’s a must-watch, and both of these teams are having a solid start to the season. Carlos Boozer is back in the lineup for the Bulls and Chicago has won three straight. The Lakers lost four in a row, but they have since rebounded to win their last three as well. I fully expect both teams to be extra pumped up about this matchup.
Read more about NBA Picks: Lakers at Bulls.

Thursday TNT NBA Picks: Orlando Magic at Portland Trail Blazers Odds and Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 12/9/2010

Not a great doubleheader on TNT on Thursday night with two Eastern Conference powers – Boston and Orlando – facing two below-.500 teams in the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers, respectively. The Celtics-Sixers matchup looks like a blowout, so we’ll focus on the Magic-Blazers game.
Read more about Thursday TNT NBA Picks: Orlando Magic at Portland Trail Blazers.

NBA Futures Odds: MVP Award Predictions
by Trevor Whenham - 12/7/2010

We’re about a quarter of the way through the NBA season. It’s way too early to know how things will turn out, but we’ve had a good sense already of which players are standing out from the crowd. There are NBA MVP futures odds to bet on, so looking at who stands out from the crowd can be both interesting and profitable. Here’s a look t how the race shapes up (NBA odds are from Sportsbook.com):
Read more about NBA MVP Award Predictions.

NBA Picks: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Odds
by Alan Matthews - 12/2/2010

With college football season winding down, we start our weekly preview of the marquee Thursday night NBA game on TNT this week with possibly the most anticipated NBA regular-season game ever tonight when LeBron James returns to Cleveland for the first time since his “Decision” rocked the Cavaliers franchise and most of Northeast Ohio.
Read more about NBA Picks: Heat at Cavaliers.

NBA Rookie Of the Year Betting Odds and Predictions - Will Blake Griffin Dominate?
by Trevor Whenham - 12/2/2010

We are not quite a quarter of the way through the NBA season, but the Rookie of the Year race is already pretty clear - there are two guys and then the rest of the field far behind. Really, there is one guy far ahead of a second guy, with both of them far ahead of everyone else. Here’s how it breaks down, with my NBA Rookie of the Year predictions and betting odds from Sportsbook.com:
Read more about NBA Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions.

NBA Picks: Spurs at Clippers Predictions and Betting Odds
by Aaron Smith - 12/1/2010

The San Antonio Spurs were basically left for dead last year when they struggled through the season and limped into the Western Conference playoffs. They beat the Mavericks in their opening series, but then fell to the Suns in the second round. The pickup of Richard Jefferson simply didn’t work out at all last year.
Read more about NBA Picks: Spurs at Clippers.

NBA Betting Trends: Hot and Cold Teams Against the Point Spread
by Aaron Smith - 11/29/2010

The NBA season is a long one, and that leads to many hot and cold streaks for teams during the course of one year. If you are able to get ahead of the oddsmakers and catch a team that is streaking or slumping, you are likely to do very well betting on the NBA. Let’s take a closer look at which teams have been hot and cold in the last two weeks. Note that the statistics used are for games between Nov. 15 and Nov. 28.
Read more about NBA Betting Trends: Hot and Cold Teams.

Free NBA Picks on TNT: Suns at Magic; Nuggets at Blazers
by Alan Matthews - 11/18/2010

The Suns have the misfortune of doing the tough Florida swing on back-to-back nights. Phoenix had won three in a row and five of six before getting walloped in Miami on Wednesday night, 123-96. Orlando will be plenty rested, having been off since beating Memphis on Monday, 89-72, for it second win in a row.
Read more about Free NBA Picks on TNT.

NBA Betting: Biggest Surprises
by Trevor Whenham - 11/16/2010

We’re about 10 games into the NBA season. A lot will change between now and the end of the season, but we’ve seen enough action already to have at least a sense of what teams have to offer this year. Some things have happened pretty much as we would have expected them to, while others have been a total surprise.
Read more about NBA Betting: Biggest Surprises.

NBA Betting: Top Point Guards Causing Trouble for Miami Heat
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 11/16/2010

The Miami Heat are not going to finish the NBA season 82-0. They have lost four of their first 10 games and the so-called Miami ‘dream team’ is in third place in the Southeast Division. How can this be happening with all that talent down there in South Beach?
Read more about NBA Betting.

NBA Betting Trends: Hot and Cold Teams Against the Point Spread
by Aaron Smith - 11/15/2010

Successful NBA handicapping always starts with catching onto current relevant NBA betting trends. Streaks and slumps occur on a constant basis in the NBA, and they should not be ignored. The point of this article will be to let you see which teams are streaking and which are slumping over the span of the last two weeks.
Read more about NBA Betting Trends: Hot and Cold.

2010-11 Michigan State Spartans College Basketball Picks with Futures Odds and Betting Prtedictions
by Alan Matthews - 11/9/2010

In a sense, a torn Achilles’ tendon suffered early in last season’s NCAA Tournament by 2008-09 Big Ten Player of the Year Kalin Lucas was a good thing for the Michigan State Spartans. Why is that? Because Sparty made it to its second consecutive Final Four even without their star point guard, and the injury pretty much assured the Lucas wouldn’t leave for the NBA after last season.
Read more about 2010-11 Michigan State Spartans College Basketball Picks.

NBA Picks: Lakers at Kings Predictions and Betting Odds
by Aaron Smith - 11/3/2010

The Los Angeles Lakers are still the team to beat in the NBA this season, and that is exactly how they want it. The Lakers outlasted the Celtics in a terrific seven-game series in the NBA Finals last year. However, the Miami Heat received all the attention throughout the offseason even though many around the NBA know that the Lakers won’t be easy to dethrone.
Read more about NBA Picks: Lakers at Kings.

NBA Futures Props Betting: MVP Award Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 10/27/2010

The NBA season tipped off on Tuesday night, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be on most NBA futures props. And one I’d like to address today seems like a no-brainer: the regular-season NBA MVP award. The Association is a completely star-driven league, and that has been borne out when looking at previous MVP winners.
Read more about NBA MVP Award Predictions.

2010-11 Orlando Magic NBA Picks, Predictions and Futures Odds
by Alan Matthews - 10/26/2010

All Dwight Howard and Co. have done is win 59 regular-season games and reach the Eastern Finals the past two years, but it’s almost like they don’t exist in experts’ eyes – even the few who didn’t pick Miami to win the East seem to be picking Boston and not Orlando.
Read more about Orlando Magic NBA Picks.

NBA Picks: Miami Heat at Boston Celtics Predictions and Betting Odds
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/26/2010

In case the opening of the NBA regular season did not come with enough fanfare the NBA schedule makers have aligned two publicity machines, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics, to collide Tuesday night at Boston at 7:30 p.m. ET in a game that may be even more highly anticipated than LeBron James unfortunate one-hour ESPN special “The Decision.”
Read more about NBA Picks: Miami Heat at Boston Celtics.

2010-11 Miami Heat NBA Picks, Predictions and Futures Betting Odds
by Alan Matthews - 10/19/2010

Seriously, do I even need to write much in the way of previewing the 2010-11 Miami Heat? This is only the most-hyped team since Michael Jordan’s Bulls, with some even expecting the Heat to break Chicago’s record of 72 regular-season wins. Former coach and current NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy has said he thinks the Heat will get the record, but most experts believe the NBA is simply too deep and that the Heat will have too much of a bull’s-eye to even reach 70 victories.
Read more about Miami Heat NBA Picks.

2010-11 Washington Wizards NBA Picks, Predictions and Futures Betting Odds
by Alan Matthews - 10/19/2010

It seems rather amusing to even say right now, but remember that heading into last season the Washington Wizards actually thought they might be Eastern Conference contenders by adding Mike Miller and Randy Foye – for the fifth overall pick in the 2009 draft – to their “Big 3” of Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler?
Read more about Washington Wizards NBA Picks.

2010-11 Charlotte Bobcats NBA Picks, Predictions and Futures Odds
by Alan Matthews - 10/16/2010

Considering the franchise we are talking about, it was a very successful 2009-10 season for the Charlotte Bobcats. After all, they won 44 games (finishing seventh in the East, fourth in the Southeast) and reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. There the Bobcats were no match for the Orlando Magic, getting swept pretty easily.
Read more about Charlotte Bobcats NBA Picks.

2010-11 Chicago Bulls NBA Picks with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Aaron Smith - 10/13/2010

The Chicago Bulls edged their way into the playoffs last year by finishing 41-41. They were beaten in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Miami Heat received all the attention this offseason, the Bulls were also busy bringing in some high-quality talent. The young nucleus of the team is still intact, but they have added some pieces that should definitely make them a threat in the Eastern Conference this year. Expectations are high, and the Bulls appear ready to take a large step forward in 2010-11.
Read more about Chicago Bulls NBA Picks.

NBA Picks: Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Aaron Smith - 10/12/2010

The summer of 2010 was the huge NBA free agent period, and I think it is fair to say that Cleveland was the biggest loser during this offseason. LeBron James packed his bags and went to Miami, which left a whole lot of angry Cleveland fans. The team has lost its star, and they must somehow move on, though I have a feeling that might take quite a while. The guy who wore No. 23 for this team last year did everything for this team, and this year’s squad will have a whole new look.
Read more about NBA Picks: Cleveland Cavaliers.

NBA Picks: Detroit Pistons Futures Odds and Betting Predictions
by Aaron Smith - 10/12/2010

It was just 2008 when the Detroit Pistons were making their sixth straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance. However, during the 2009-10 season the Pistons finished a miserable 27-55. There’s no doubt there were a multitude of injuries, but for a franchise with as much pride as the Pistons last year was an embarrassment. They go into the 2010-11 season much healthier, but there are still plenty of question marks about how much improvement this team can make.
Read more about NBA Picks: Detroit Pistons.

2010-11 Atlanta Hawks NBA Picks, Predictions and Futures Odds
by Alan Matthews - 10/11/2010

The Atlanta Hawks will pretty much look the same this season as they did last year and that’s sort of a good news/bad news situation. Atlanta was able to keep Joe Johnson, but the Hawks had to hand him a ridiculous contract to do so: six years, $124 million.
Read more about Atlanta Hawks NBA Picks.

NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs Predictions with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/11/2010

One year the Spurs will show up for an NBA season with an entirely new-look roster. This is not that year. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan have been playing together for nine seasons now. They were a ‘Big Three’ even before LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh reached the NBA.
Read more about NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs Predictions.

2010-2011 Milwaukee Bucks NBA Picks with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Aaron Smith - 10/11/2010

The Milwaukee Bucks were probably the biggest surprise in the NBA last year. The Bucks not only got into the playoffs, but they secured the sixth seed and nearly knocked out the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. It would have been easy for this team to just rest on their laurels from last year, but the front office has been busy making this team better for 2010-11. Scott Skiles and his coaching staff have an even more talented group of players to work with, which could make this team one to watch this year.
Read more about Milwaukee Bucks NBA Picks.

2010-11 Sacramento Kings NBA Picks with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/9/2010

The Sacramento Kings have made it clear what path they are going to take to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. The path is through the NBA Draft, and the players who could possibly take them there is the potential inside-outside power combination of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins.
Read more about Sacramento Kings NBA Picks.

NBA Picks: Memphis Grizzlies Predictions with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/9/2010

The offseason is a time to incite hope amongst a fan base used to losing, but the perennial-losing Grizzlies showed why they have been stuck in a rut ever since expansion in 1995. A botched run at free agency, cheap contract negotiations, watching valuable players leave and overspending on players have left Memphis fans with an even worse-than-usual outlook of this season. When it came to throwing around money this offseason the Memphis Grizzlies could not make up their mind.
Read more about NBA Picks: Memphis Grizzlies Predictions.

2010-11 New Orleans Hornets NBA Picks with Predictions with Futures Odds
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/9/2010

Despite trade winds blowing and rumors circulating, Chris Paul is still the point guard of the New Orleans Hornets and that, at the very least, ensures the relevancy of the franchise. The team was clearly not big enough for two sensational point guards, but it was Darren Collison who was dealt away instead of Paul, the clear franchise player.
Read more about New Orleans Hornets NBA Picks.

NBA Picks: Dallas Mavericks Predictions with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/8/2010

The Mavericks are about as safe of a bet as there is to reach the postseason as they’ve done it 10 years in a row. They are also a pretty safe bet to fizzle out in the first round; they’ve done that three out of the last four years. Regardless of their postseason shortcomings since a trip to the NBA Finals in 2006, the Mavericks are once again looked at as a contender in the Western Conference for two reasons: Dirk Nowitzki’s jump shot and Mark Cuban’s wallet.
Read more about NBA Picks: Dallas Mavericks.

2010-11 Houston Rockets NBA Picks with Futures Odds and Betting Predictions
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/8/2010

This season is all about getting off on the right foot, which for the Rockets is actually the left foot of Yao Ming. The franchise has relied less on their 30-year-old, 7-foot-6, franchise center in recent years, but the team is still centered around the big man and his surgically repaired left foot.
Read more about Houston Rockets NBA Picks.

2010-11 Philadelphia 76ers NBA Picks with Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Christopher G. Shepard - 10/8/2010

The Philadelphia 76ers missed the playoffs for the first time in two years last season. The Sixers players never meshed with Head Coach Eddie Jordan’s Princeton offense and they sputtered mightily, gasping to a 27-55 record in 2009-10. This year the Sixers start the season with a new GM, Rod Thorn, who is perhaps best known for bringing Michael Jordan to the Chicago Bulls.
Read more about Philadelphia 76ers NBA Picks.

NBA Picks: 2010-11 Los Angeles Lakers Predictions and Preview with Futures Odds
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/8/2010

The media storm around the Miami Heat all offseason could not have been better news for the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. Not only are the Lakers being somehow overlooked for a team who has reached three consecutive NBA Finals, but Kobe Bryant and company are coming into the year with a chip on their collective shoulders as all the attention is on the Miami Heat trio.
Read more about NBA Picks: Los Angeles Lakers.

2010-11 New York Knicks NBA Picks with Futures Odds and Betting Predictions
by Christopher G. Shepard - 10/8/2010

The New York Knicks recorded their ninth consecutive losing season in 2009-10. As a result, General Manager Donnie Walsh cleaned house and the Knicks started the offseason with just four players under contract and tons of cap room, which they used to sign Amare Stoudemire.
Read more about New York Knicks NBA Picks.

NBA Picks: 2010-11 Phoenix Suns Futures Odds and Betting Predictions
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/8/2010

The Suns were one missing piece away from a trip to the NBA Finals last season. They reached the Western Conference Finals and pushed the Lakers to six games, but they came up short yet again. After the playoff push the Suns appeared to be a contender again this year to unseat the Lakers, but Amare Stoudemire had other plans.
Read more about NBA Picks: Phoenix Suns.

2010-11 New Jersey Nets NBA Picks: Futures Odds and Betting Preview
by Christopher G. Shepard - 10/8/2010

The New Jersey Nets have put last year’s awful season behind them and will begin their 2010-11 campaign with a new owner, a new head coach, and at some point a new arena in Brooklyn. If there is cause for optimism for the Nets it can be directly attributed to the swagger and deep pockets that Mikhail Prophorov has brought with his ownership team.
Read more about New Jersey Nets NBA Picks.

2010-11 NBA Picks: Toronto Raptors Futures Odds and Betting Predictions
by Christopher G. Shepard - 10/8/2010

The Toronto Raptors missed the playoffs by one game last year, traded their franchise player, Chris Bosh, to the Miami Heat, and brought in seven new players to start their 2010-11 season. Without the marquee star power of Bosh the Raptors have compensated with young players, and extra cap-space, in a developmental/rebuilding year.
Read more about NBA Picks: Toronto Raptors.

2010-11 Boston Celtics NBA Picks with Futures Betting Odds
by Christopher G. Shepard - 10/7/2010

Last season the Boston Celtics lost in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. As heartbreaking the loss was for Boston, it was clear that the Celtics sorely missed Kevin Garnett in the lineup. Now that KG is healthy and has a big 'Green Leprechaun' in Shaquille O’Neal to help crash the glass, there is cautious optimism in Boston that the Celtics will again return to the NBA Finals.
Read more about Boston Celtics NBA Picks.

2010-11 NBA Picks: Los Angeles Clippers Futures Odds and Betting Predictions
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/7/2010

When you finish last almost every season like the Los Angeles Clippers do, the following season always seems to hinge on the prized lottery pick. This year the Clippers have two: Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe. Griffin, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, missed all of last season with a preseason injury, but he is healthy now and joins Bledsoe as two contenders for Rookie of the Year.
Read more about NBA Picks: Los Angeles Clippers.

2010-11 NBA Picks: Golden State Warriors Basketball Futures Odds for Betting
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 10/7/2010

As years continue to pass by from Golden State’s improbable six-game upset of No. 1 seed Dallas in 2007, the feat continues to look more and more like a fluke. The Warriors have not come close to achieving anything quite like what they did in the 2006-07 postseason. Since the playoff run they have watched their win total drop from 48 to 29 and to 26 last season, their lowest in seven seasons.
Read more about NBA Picks: Golden State Warriors.

2010-11 Indiana Pacers Predictions with NBA Futures Odds and Betting Picks
by Aaron Smith - 10/6/2010

The Indiana Pacers have now gone four straight years without reaching the playoffs. The 2009-2010 Pacers finished 32-50, which was their worst record since 1989. The front office has been planning ahead for the 2011-12 season for quite some time, since they have many contracts coming off the books after this year. Fans are holding out hope that the future will be brighter. This appears to be a season where a transition to better things may begin, but the progress will likely be fairly slow.
Read more about Indiana Pacers Predictions.

2010-11 Denver Nuggets Predictions with NBA Futures Odds and Betting Picks
by Aaron Smith - 10/2/2010

The Denver Nuggets have as much uncertainty surrounding them as any team in the NBA right now. This was a very good team the past couple years, but will they be as good in 2010-11? There are many question marks that make you wonder if they can remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference. One can only hope that George Karl is able to be on the sidelines all year, as the NBA needs a solid coach like him. Karl is 278-172 in his time as head coach of the Nuggets. This team will be scrutinized more than ever this year, and the rumors are bound to continue. They must be prepared to fight through the distractions.
Read more about Denver Nuggets Predictions.

2010-11 Portland Trail Blazers Predictions with NBA Futures Odds and Betting Picks
by Aaron Smith - 9/30/2010

The Portland Trail Blazers would prefer to forget all about last year and just start out completely new in 2010-2011. It isn’t that Portland had a terrible season last year. In fact, they were able to win 50 games and make the playoffs. The forgettable part of last season was the fact that they dealt with more injuries than any other team in the Northwest Division. Only two players from their entire roster were available for all 82 games last year. Portland fans can only hope that this year’s team will be much healthier.
Read more about Portland Trail Blazers Predictions.

2010-11 Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions with NBA Futures Odds and Betting Picks
by Aaron Smith - 9/28/2010

The 2009-10 Minnesota Timberwolves were absolutely terrible. There really isn’t any other way to put it when a team finishes the season 15-67. The Timberwolves have some nice young talent on the team, but they have struggled mightily to defend against solid teams. Minnesota gave up an astonishing 107.8 points per game. That was bad enough to rank as the second worst defense in the NBA. It also isn’t a bit helpful when you lead the league in turnovers, at 16.3 per game, as the Timberwolves did last year. This is a team that has a lot of work to do if they want to contend in the Northwest Division.
Read more about Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions.

2010-11 Oklahoma City Thunder Predictions with NBA Futures Odds and Betting Picks
by Aaron Smith - 9/24/2010

The Oklahoma City Thunder were probably the biggest surprise in the entire NBA last season as they went from winning 23 games in 2008-2009 to a record of 50-32 last year. It wasn’t a surprise that this team got better, but the pace at which they improved shocked just about everyone. It all starts and ends with Kevin Durant, who is quickly becoming one of the best players in the NBA. The Thunder gave the Lakers all they could handle in their first round playoff series. It was no fluke that this team won 50 games last year.
Read more about Oklahoma City Thunder Predictions.

2010-11 Utah Jazz Predictions with NBA Futures Odds and Betting Picks
by Aaron Smith - 9/21/2010

The Utah Jazz had a nice season last year, but they just can’t get over the hump when they play the Los Angeles Lakers. Still, any team that finishes 53-29 has to consider their season quite successful. Deron Williams had a terrific postseason, and the Jazz greatly improved their play on the road, which has been a big problem for them in the past. A team coached by Jerry Sloan is always going to be fundamentally sound, and they will definitely always run the pick-and-roll as well as anyone in the league.
Read more about Utah Jazz Predictions.

Miami Heat NBA Predictions: Will Big Three Play Defense?
by Trevor Whenham - 8/5/2010

The NBA season is still a long way off, but I obviously can’t help but be intrigued by the same thing everyone else is - the bizarre collection of star power that has gathered in Miami. What makes sports betting so challenging and satisfying is that you are constantly presented with new problems and situations - puzzles really - that you haven’t seen before and have to try to decode. The big three in Miami equates to one of the bigger and most intriguing puzzles we have seen in a long, long time.
Read more about NBA Predictions: Maimi Heat.

NBA Predictions: How Miami Heat ‘Big Three’ Changed Team Win Totals
by Trevor Whenham - 7/16/2010

The contentious creation of the ‘Big Three’ in Miami has had a massive and obvious impact not just on the Heat, but also on the Cavaliers and the Raptors. Figuring out just how all the changes will impact the teams is very difficult and requires all sorts of analysis and assumptions - especially since the roster overhaul isn’t yet complete in all three cities. It’s a fun puzzle to ponder, though - especially because Bodog is offering team totals much earlier than we usually see them for the three teams involved.
Read more about NBA Season Win Totals.

NBA Miami Heat Predictions: Player Betting Props For ‘Big Three’
by Trevor Whenham - 7/15/2010

The NBA has changed dramatically since July 1. Obviously. The biggest challenge of the changes for bettors - at least in the short term - is going to be adjusting the expectations of the big name players that moved to new teams. Some players are going to see their numbers jump as a result of their new surroundings and new teammates, while others will have to learn how to share the spotlight a bit.
Read more about Miami Heat Predictions and Big Three Betting Props.

NBA Free Agency Winners and Losers
by Trevor Whenham - 7/9/2010

The initial excitement of the most hyped free agency period in history has passed after the debacle that was The Decision on ESPN on Thursday night. We saw all the twists and turns we expected, and there were a lot of hearts broken. It’s far to soon to assess the long-term impact of this unprecedented period of free agent frenzy, but it’s never too soon to get a sense of some of the winners and losers. There are too many of each to count, but here’s a few of each, and two teams that the jury is out on for a while.
Read more about NBA Free Agency Winners and Losers.

NBA Free Agent Scenarios – All Depend on LeBron James
by Trevor Whenham - 7/1/2010

We've been hearing about this impending free agent class in the NBA for at least three years. Things that cause that much anticipation rarely live up to the hype, but this frenzy is giving every indication that it will. The part that is so remarkable about what is going on is that absolutely no one has any idea how it will turn out. There are lots of reports out there, and some people claim that their reports are backed up by reputable sources, but if you believe those reports the LeBron James is simultaneously going to sign with five different teams, and bring along any one of five different players along with him.
Read more about NBA Free Agent Scenarios and LeBron James.

NBA Free Agency Begins: Where Will LeBron James and Chris Bosh Land?
by Alan Matthews - 7/1/2010

Finally, thankfully, mercifully even, the NBA’s free agent period begins Wednesday night/Thursday morning as soon as the clock strikes midnight in the East. And if you don’t think NBA executives around the league will either be working the phones or visiting potential players or their agents in person at 12:01 a.m. (or 9:01 p.m. Pacific, you get the drift), then you simply haven’t been paying attention.
Read more about Chris Bosh and LeBron James Odds and Predictions.

NBA Rookie of the Year Props: Odds and Predictions
by Trevor Whenham - 6/30/2010

Now that the NBA Draft is done and we know where the youngsters will be playing next year it's natural for our thoughts to turn towards who will win the Rookie of the Year next year. Luckily, Bodog has posted some odds so we don't have to stop at just thinking about it - we can bet on it as well if we want. Here's a look at some of the more interesting prices and some predictions.
Read more about NBA Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions.

Free NBA Picks: Lakers at Celtics Game 3 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 6/8/2010

Boston’s backcourt was totally dominant in Game 2 on Sunday. Ray Allen put on a memorable shooting display, finishing with a Finals record eight three-pointers. He hit seven of them in the first half and had 27 points at intermission (finishing with 32). By comparison, he was 0-for-2 from long range in Game 1 and had only 12 points thanks in large part to foul trouble
Read more about Free NBA Picks.

NBA Props Predictions: Odds for Amare Stoudemire’s New Team
by Alan Matthews - 6/5/2010

A few weeks ago I wrote a story about which team LeBron James will play his first game for at the start of the next NBA season, with Bodog having odds on the likely candidates. Now the site offers the same prop on Suns big man Amare Stoudemire, who calls it “50-50” on whether he will return to Phoenix.
Read more about Odds for Amare Stoudemire’s New Team.

Free NBA Picks: Celtics at Lakers, NBA Finals Game 1 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 6/3/2010

After what seemed like an eternity between games, the NBA Finals finally tip off Thursday night matching the two most storied franchises in the league, the Lakers and Celtics. Combined they have 32 championships (Boston leads 17-15) and this will be their 12th meeting in the Finals. Kobe and the Lakers are looking for revenge from their 2008 six-game loss to the Celtics, and this time L.A. has home-court advantage.
Read more about Free NBA Picks.

LeBron James Betting Props
by Vegas Sports Informer - 5/28/2010

The NBA regular season has been over for a month and the playoffs finally have some great games in the conference finals, but, still, all we hear about is LeBron James and his upcoming free agency. Las Vegas own Lucky’s oddsmaker released a prop about King James and his upcoming decision on where he will score his first point in the 2010-11 NBA season.
Read more about LeBron James Betting Props.

NBA Betting Props: Next Coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers
by Alan Matthews - 5/27/2010

Has one player in NBA history ever controlled who his head coach would be more than LeBron James? Sure, Magic Johnson supposedly orchestrated Paul Westhead’s firing in the early 1980s and got him replaced with Pat Riley, but Magic was at least going to be a Laker for a while. The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t even know if James will be on their roster next year. Thus, they are basically trying to do whatever it takes to keep the most prized free agent ever in Cleveland.
Read more about Next Coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers Coach.

Free NBA Picks: Suns at Lakers, Game 5 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/27/2010

What a difference a week or so makes. Back then it appeared we were looking at possible sweeps in both conference finals. Now in the East Boston looks tired and battered and in the West the Lakers enter tonight’s Game 5 facing almost a must win or they will have to play for their postseason lives in Phoenix in Game 6.
Read more about Suns Vs. Lakers Game 5 Predictions.

free NBA Picks: Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic Game 5 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/26/2010

Well, I, like most cappers, has been dead wrong more often than not on the side in this one. What a weird series! Did Game 4 show that Boston was starting to wear down (remember that the C’s didn’t have really any time off after the Cavs series) or was it just a one-game desperation win by Orlando? We should find out tonight, because then things start getting real strange if the Magic send this back to Boston. The C’s have never gone to six games when they led a series 3-0.
Read more about Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic Game 5 Predictions.

Free NBA Picks: L.A. Lakers at Phoenix Suns, Game 4 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/25/2010

The experts always say that if the team without home-court advantage that goes home down 2-0 is ever going to win a game in a best-of-seven NBA series, it’s going to happen in Game 3 with the jolt of added intensity that comes from playing in front of the home crowd. But more often than not that disappears for Game 4.
Read more about Free NBA Picks.

Free NBA Picks: Orlando Magic Vs. Boston Celtics Game 4 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/24/2010

As far as I can tell from my research, no team has opened the playoffs with two sweeps and then found itself swept. That’s what the Orlando Magic are about to be, with whispers that the team already has quit. I haven’t been right very often in this series, I must admit, but I am off the Magic bandwagon completely now.
Read more about Free NBA Picks.

2010 NBA Mock Draft
by Robert Ferringo - 5/21/2010

A big reason why the NBA decided to ban high schools players from jumping directly to The League is that they just wanted to make things easier on everyone. They wanted the kids to go to school so that they could be better evaluated and at least feign interest in their education. They wanted the teams to have more time to scout players so they could make informed decisions on draft night.
Read more about NBA Mock Draft.

Free NBA Picks: Magic at Celtics and Lakers at Suns Game 3 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/21/2010

Is there really any reason that Boston won’t win its sixth game in a row? The Magic had won 14 straight before dropping two in a row at home to the rejuvenated Celtics (both Boston covers). Boston is 32-0 all-time when taking a 2-0 lead in a series.
Read more about Free NBA Picks.

2010 NBA Draft Order – NBA Draft Lottery Results
by Trevor Whenham - 5/19/2010

The NBA Draft Lottery took place yesterday in glorious Secaucus, New Jersey. It was a short drive for the Nets, the team with the best chance of taking the No. 1 pick, to get to the event, but it probably felt like a much longer drive to get home. The Nets fell all the way to third, and kept alive a bizarre streak - Dwight Howard in 2004 was the last first overall pick to be taken by the team with the worst record the previous season. Instead, it was Washington that moved up from fifth to grab the top spot.
Read more about NBA Draft Order.

NBA Free Picks: Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic Game 2 Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/18/2010

The Magic had won 14 games in a row (13-1 ATS) and hadn’t lost at home since March before Boston jumped on them early and held on. Of course that was Boston’s fourth impressive win in a row (all covers) after winning the last three against the Cavs.
Read more about Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic Game 2 Predictions.

Free NBA Picks: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/17/2010

Yes, the Suns and Lakers are still alive in the NBA playoffs – it just seems like their season had been completed with the ridiculous delay before they start the West Finals. To add to the silliness, the two teams play again Wednesday and then not again until Sunday. You just have to love the power of TV …
Read more about Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Game 1 Predictions.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Phoenix Suns Series Odds and Predictions
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 5/15/2010

The defending NBA champions and top-seeded Lakers bounced back from a tight first round against Oklahoma City to sweep the Jazz. Overall Los Angeles has won six straight games after being knotted with the Thunder 2-2. Phoenix has a six-game win streak of its own going after sweeping San Antonio in the second round.
Read more about Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Phoenix Suns Series Odds and Predictions.

Orlando Magic Vs. Boston Celtics Series Odds and Predictions
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 5/15/2010

The Boston Celtics ousted the favored Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the NBA playoffs, but a new favorite has emerged. Even before Cleveland was upset the Eastern Conference playoffs appeared to be Orlando’s to lose. The Magic have opened the playoffs with eight straight wins to sweep the Bobcats and the Hawks. Overall Orlando is now on a 27-3 SU run dating back to late February.
Read more about Orlando Magic Vs. Boston Celtics Series Odds and Predictions.

Free NBA Picks: Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 5/13/2010

Let’s go ahead and call tonight’s Cavs-Celtics matchup the most important game in Cleveland franchise history and one that could shape the way the NBA looks for the next decade. That’s because tonight’s game could also be one of the most important in Bulls and Knicks history as well. If the Cavs are dumped before the NBA Finals for a second straight year, then LeBron James could certainly leave for Chicago or New York as a free agent.
Read more about Free NBA Picks and Predictions.

Each Team's Chances to Win the NBA Draft Lottery
by Alan Matthews - 5/11/2010

It’s that time of year again where those teams that didn’t make the playoffs – except, as usual, the stupid Knicks who gave away their 2010 first-round pick years ago – can get a lot better a lot more quickly if they are fortunate enough to win the NBA Draft Lottery. This year’s lottery order will be determined on May 18, while the draft is June 24.
Read more about Each Team's Chances to Win the NBA Draft Lottery.

Handicapping NBA Teams Off Consecutive Sweeps
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 5/11/2010

If it was possible to play your way into a No. 1 seed during the playoffs then the Orlando Magic would be doing just that. Entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed, the defending Eastern Conference champions have played like a top seed.
Read more about Handicapping NBA Teams Off Consecutive Sweeps.

Free NBA Picks and Predictions: Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks and L.A. Lakers at Utah Jazz
by Alan Matthews - 5/10/2010

Atlanta clearly isn’t in the Magic’s class, as the Hawks have lost the first three games of this series by an average of 29 points (needless to say, all Magic covers). In fact, Orlando now holds the second-largest point differential through three games of a playoff series ever. Atlanta’s 105-75 Game 3 loss was its worst ever in the playoffs at home.
Read more about Free NBA Picks and Predictions.

NBA Predictions: Where Will LeBron James Play Next Season
by Alan Matthews - 5/7/2010

The unique thing about this NBA season is that it seems a majority of teams weren’t or aren’t paying attention to this year but were/are more interested in this summer and recruiting a top free agent in the best available class in NBA history.
Read more about Where Will LeBron James Play Next Season.

Free NBA Picks: Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs
by Alan Matthews - 5/7/2010

The Celtics stunned nearly everyone by winning in Cleveland on Monday night to even this series at one game apiece. It really wasn’t so much that Boston won but that it dominated in the 104-86 victory. The Cavs simply lacked energy, it appeared, and they were ripped by Coach Mike Brown afterward.
Read more about NBA Free Picks.

Free NBA Picks: Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic, Game 2
by Alan Matthews - 5/6/2010

Anyone who thinks the Atlanta Hawks aren’t a bit of a group mental head case at times obviously had to change their minds after watching Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against Orlando. The Magic, who hadn’t played in more than a week, won 114-71 (we told you here at Doc’s to take Orlando and give the points) for their second-largest margin of victory in a playoff game all-time and the second-largest margin of victory in NBA history in Game 1 of a best-of-seven series.
Read more about tlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Free NBA Picks.

Value on NBA Championship Futures Odds
by Aaron Smith - 5/5/2010

Now that we’re past the first round of the NBA Playoffs, it’s time to start looking at futures betting and find some solid values. The winners won’t be crowned for quite some time, but the first round of action helps us see who might have what it takes. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers are the favorites, but there are definitely other teams capable of winning the title.
Read more about NBA Championship Futures Odds.

How To Take Advantage of NBA and NHL Series Odds
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 5/4/2010

Betting on series prices in the NBA and NHL playoffs is an investment. It’s an investment because even with the best results you are going to have to wait over a week for a payout. However, this can be a great investment because with the right strategy you can protect yourself or increase the payout as the series goes on.
Read more about NBA and NHL Series Odds.

Free NBA Picks: Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic and Utah vs. LA Lakers
by Matt Severance - 5/4/2010

You may want to give the points here because, as noted in a series preview posted on Doc’s yesterday (I will keep this preview short as you can check that out), 16 of the Hawks’ past 18 playoff games have been decided by double digits. Orlando crushed Atlanta three times this season but lost the most recent meeting on a Josh Smith dunk at the buzzer. Hawks coach Mike Woodson called that 86-84 victory "huge" for his team's confidence because Orlando has dominated this series of late.
Read more about Free NBA Picks.

NBA Series Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
by Alan Matthews - 5/3/2010

Are you in the rust or rest camp? You know, is it better for a playoff team to have a bunch of time off before a series or can too much time away cause said team to play inconsistent in the first game of a series? That is what is facing the Orlando Magic when they open their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night in central Florida.
Read more about Atlanta Hawks Vs. Orlando Magic Preview.

NBA Playoffs Betting: Teams Coming Off Best-of-Seven Series
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 5/3/2010

The NBA Playoff schedule is fan friendly, with games every night. However, this scheduling is far from player friendly. The NBA’s desire to keep its playoffs in the forefront has players playing second round series while first round series are still going on. Game 7s are the highlight of the playoffs, but teams playing in them have a steep hill to climb to continue to move on in the playoffs.
Read more about NBA Betting - Teams on Short Rest.

NBA: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Series Odds and Predictions
by Alan Matthews - 4/30/2010

Obviously oddsmakers expect a fully healthy LeBron James, who reportedly has won the NBA’s MVP award for the second year in a row. Of course LeBron memorably shot a free throw left-handed in the series-clinching win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night because his right elbow was bothering him. An MRI revealed a strain and a bone bruise.
Read more about Celtics vs. Cavaliers Series Odds and Predictions.

NBA Playoffs Totals Betting
by Aaron Smith - 4/23/2010

The National Basketball Association’s playoffs are here, and that means it’s time to adjust your betting strategies to align yourself with the typical playoff trends. The NBA regular season is such a long grind that some regular season games lose importance to teams. However, now that we are in the playoffs, everyone will be motivated to play their best. The most noticeable difference in the playoffs is probably the lower scoring games.
Read more about NBA Playoffs Totals Betting.

Free NBA Picks: Cavaliers at Bulls and Lakers at Thunder
by Matt Severance - 4/22/2010

It’s our initial TNT playoff doubleheader preview here at Doc’s, although one difference tonight is the games start an hour earlier. In addition, both road teams are desperate for a win or their first-round series is all but over.
Read more about Free NBA Picks.

NHL Playoffs Vs. NBA Playoffs
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 4/20/2010

The NBA and NHL Playoffs both start in mid-April and end in early June. Sixteen teams make each postseason and all series are decided by a best-of-seven format. The similarities end there. If you followed the first round of the NHL Playoffs you noticed that the lower-seeded road team went 5-3 in Game 1 of each series. If you followed that up by thinking, ‘hey it is one of those years, let’s see if the NBA lower-seeded road teams can have the same luck’, well then you are pretty far in the hole.
Read more about NHL Playoffs Vs. NBA Playoffs.

Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz Series Odds and Predictions
by Nolan Sinclair (with Robert Ferringo) - 4/17/2010

The Nuggets need Karl as much as he needs them and unfortunately they have not played to their capabilities without their fearless leader. This series is by far the most intriguing of any and I, for one, cannot wait for it to start. Both of these teams are nearly unbeatable at home and a bit suspect on the road. Both of these teams have numerous options in crunch time and both have true point guards that can lead their teams deep into the playoffs. If Andrei Kirilenko returns to form and Carlos Boozer can shake his injury baggage then Utah has a great shot to pull the upset.
Read more about Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz Series Odds.

Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats Series Odds and Predictions
by Nolan Sinclair (with Robert Ferringo) - 4/16/2010

Out of all the possible playoff matchups this is probably the most lopsided. Take a close look at this series and can you honestly come up with any reason that the Bobcats come out on top? The Magic are the reigning Eastern Conference Champions and Charlotte is a team that many people did not expect to see in the playoffs, but rode some savvy moves by the front office into the seventh seed.
Read more about Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats Series Odds.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Series Odds and Predictions
by Nolan Sinclair (with Robert Ferringo) - 4/16/2010

This series is going to be viewed by the common fan as Kobe vs. KD, but there is much more going on under the surface. The Lakers are playing absolutely terrible basketball and they may be without Andrew Bynum. The Thunder and young and energetic and their fans are chomping at the bit for some playoff games in Oklahoma City. L.A. has won three of four versus the Thunder this season but one was a three-point win and another went to overtime. The defending champions look like they could have their hands full and this one looks like it could be Dallas vs. Golden State all over again.
Read more about Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Series Odds.

Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs Series Odds and Predictions
by Nolan Sinclair (with Robert Ferringo) - 4/16/2010

The Mavericks are the one team out West that the Spurs did not want to see in the first round. The Mavs have had San Antonio’s number as of late and I would be surprised if this series is any different. Dallas has added some weapons this season to go along with the uber-talented Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas went 3-1 versus San Antonio this season with all of their wins in closely contested fashion. But they proved they could outlast the wily vets of San Antonio.
Read more about Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs Series Odds.

Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers Series Odds and Predictions
by Nolan Sinclair (with Robert Ferringo) - 4/16/2010

The Turtle versus the Hare is a story that many of us grew up on. We were taught at young ages that slow and steady wins the race. If that is true than Portland has a great shot at winning this series. That is if, and this is a big if, Brandon Roy suits up for the Blazers. Games in Phoenix should feature run-and-gun tempos and the exact opposite when the teams meet in the Rose Garden.
Read more about Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers Series Odds.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Series Odds and Predictions
by Nolan Sinclair with Robert Ferringo - 4/15/2010

The Cavaliers wants to make amends for not getting to the finals last year and they know that their window for having King James bring them a title is starting to close. Cleveland made some solid moves that have clearly made them the best team in the league. And the addition of Antwan Jamison was expressly done for this time of year. Time for ‘Twan to earn his money.
Read more about Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Series Odds.

NBA Playoff Scenarios
by Matt Severance - 4/14/2010

Give major kudos to Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown – unless you are a Chicago Bulls fan that is. Because the NBA’s final open playoff spot will be decided Wednesday night depending on what Chicago does at Charlotte and Toronto does at home against New York, Brown said that he would be playing his guys to beat the Bulls despite the fact the Bobcats are locked in as the East’s seventh seed. He rested his guys Monday against the Nets.
Read more about NBA Playoff Scenarios.

NBA Handicapping: Hot or Cold Report
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 4/9/2010

The final week of the NBA season brings us teams with all kinds of different situations. Motivation is a major factor right now heading into the playoffs as is resting players. Some teams are jockeying for playoff position but most have their fate sealed already. Playoff teams are resting key players in games while eliminated teams all seem to take different approaches to this week. Here are three teams who could be hot bets this week based on the previously mentioned criteria and three teams who might be destined for a cold end of the regular season.
Read more about NBA Hot or Cold.

Handicapping the NBA Western Conference Playoff Race
by Trevor Whenham - 4/7/2010

At first glance the NBA playoff race just isn't that interesting right now, even if there are only four or five games left. All eight teams in the Western Conference have already secured their spot in the postseason, and the only real race in the East is between Toronto and Chicago to see which squad can get humiliated by the Cavs in the first round. Not exactly high drama.
Read more about NBA Western Conference Playoff Race.

NBA Handicapping: Hot or Cold Report
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 3/25/2010

There are three weeks left in the NBA season and the playoff pictures in both conferences are taking form. The 16 seeds that will be playing late into April have been all but determined, now the teams battle for seeding. Here’s a look at teams that could have value in the coming weeks and also a look at teams that are due to burn backer’s money.
Read more about NBA Betting: Hot or Not.

Handicapping Major NBA Injuries
by Trevor Whenham - 3/11/2010

The injury to Tony Parker last week - he's out for six weeks with a broken hand - got me thinking about injures in the NBA. It seems like a lot of big name players have been missing significant time this year. Sometimes teams have handled it fairly well - like New Orleans without Chris Paul. Other times it's been a disaster - like when Chris Bosh recently went out, and Toronto lost all of the significant momentum they had built up.
Read more about Crucial NBA Injuries.

NBA Handicapping: Referees
by Aaron Smith - 3/4/2010

Betting on the NBA is quite a bit different than betting on college basketball. In the NBA, there is a lot more data to work with because of all the information that is available about the referees. Since you can go to your computer and find the referee crew for each game before it begins, this data is extremely valuable to knowing what might be the best bet based on their tendencies.
Read more about Handicapping NBA Referees.

NBA Handicapping: How To Handle Injuries
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 3/4/2010

It is the stretch run of the NBA regular season but it is also the time when injuries begin to catch up to teams and teams voluntarily rest players who may be showing signs of wear and tear as the playoffs approach. Here is a breakdown of which teams will be hurting the most from having players out of the lineup and which teams are in store for a boost with the return of key players.
Read more about Handicapping NBA Injuries.

NBA Handicapping: Hot or Cold Report
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 2/26/2010

What makes Los Angeles hot this week may end up costing them a chance at defending their NBA Title. The Lakers are 36-7 SU against teams from outside of the Top 10 in the NBA. Against the Top 8 in the league, the Lakers are a mediocre 7-8. The Lakers only play two top teams (Denver and Orlando) from now until the end of March and that bodes well for Laker backers.
Read more about NBA Betting: Hot or Not.

NBA Handicapping: Trends Involving High Totals
by Aaron Smith - 2/25/2010

The NBA season is a long grind, which gives us plenty of chances to analyze the statistics and see where opportunities may be to profit from betting on these games. At the end of the day, the public is just like they are in other sports; they love to root for points. This brings me to the point of this article, which is to examine how NBA totals that are set quite high by the oddsmakers tend to finish.
Read more about NBA Totals Betting Trends.

NBA Handicapping: Betting On The Nets (No, Really)
by Matt Severance - 2/23/2010

WagerWeb has posted odds on the Nets’ season win/loss total, marking it at eight. The ‘under’ is the -145 favorite, while the ‘over’ is +115. New Jersey enters Tuesday’s home game with Portland at 5-51 – the NBA record for fewest wins in a season is nine set by the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers. So New Jersey has 26 games left to win five more and avoid infamy.
Read more about Nets Worst Record in NBA History.

NBA Home and Away Betting Trends
by Aaron Smith - 2/22/2010

In the National Basketball Association, teams that perform better on the road than at home are extremely difficult to find. The home court advantage is stronger than most people realize, but the oddsmakers also understand that; and sometimes, there are some teams that are very strong away from home against the spread. As an NBA handicapper, your goal should be to try and stay ahead of the curve and find home/away trends that can make you money.
Read more about NBA Home and Away Betting Trends.

NBA Playoffs Seeding Predictions
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 2/22/2010

This could end up being a banner year for the Eastern Conference. It looks like the requirements to get into the playoffs in the East have just gotten a little stricter. Currently, the top eight teams in the East are all at least .500 ball clubs. That is something that could not have been said the last few years at the end of the regular season. Teams with a losing record were routinely getting into the playoffs while teams over .500 in the West were being denied.
Read more about NBA Playoffs Seeding Predictions.

NBA Handicapping: Cavs land Jamison Instead of Stoudemire
by Trevor Whenham - 2/18/2010

We had heard for the last couple of weeks that the Cleveland Cavaliers were looking to make a significant deal to strengthen their chances of taking home the title, so it came as no surprise when they actually did it. What was very surprising, though, was that the principal player in the deal was Antawn Jamison and not Amare Stoudemire. The deal with Phoenix for Stoudemire had been talked about so long that it seemed inevitable, but for some reason - or more likely a combination of several factors - the Cavs lost patience with that deal and went with Jamison instead.
Read more about Cleveland Cavaliers Trade.

NBA Handicapping: First Half Trends
by Nolan Sinclair with Robert Ferringo - 2/16/2010

The NBA Season is a little more than half over but we still have ample opportunity to beat our local books for some late-winter cash. As All-Star weekend leads into The Stretch Run it’s time to take a close look at some of the best betting trends of the first half of the season.
Read more about First Half NBA Trends.

24 Seconds Around the NBA
by Nolan Sinclair with Robert Ferringo - 2/16/2010

The first “half” of the NBA season is in the books and now we’re into Money Time. The stretch run is quite pronounced in the NBA season and over the next couple months it’s going to be an all-out scramble as teams try to find their way into the Second Season.
Read more about 24 Seconds Around the NBA.

NBA Against The Spread First-Half Trends
by Matt Severance - 2/15/2010

It’s not really accurate to call the NBA’s pre-All-Star Break the first half of the season because teams have played about 65 percent of their NBA schedule so far, but the break is an obvious time to see what against the spread trends have developed so far.
Read more about NBA Against the Spread.

NBA Skills Competition Predictions
by Trevor Whenham - 2/12/2010

The best part of the NBA All-Star Weekend comes not on Sunday with the game, but on Saturday with the skills competition. On that day the Slam Dunk Contest is the marquee event, but the three point shootout and the point guard skills contest are often more interesting, and the team shooting challenge can have its moments as well. Here's a betting preview of the Saturday events other than the Slam Dunk Contest:
Read more about NBA Skills Competition Predictions.

NBA All-Star Game Betting Predictions
by Trevor Whenham - 2/12/2010

All you men out there take note - I guarantee that there is absolutely nothing the special lady in your life would rather do on Valentine's Day than watch a meaningless basketball exhibition. Lucky for you there happens to be one of those on TV right there in prime time on Sunday night. She will love you forever!
Read more about NBA All-Star Game Betting Predictions.

NBA Handicapping: Hot or Cold Report
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 2/12/2010

The NBA All-Star Game is not the midway point of the season, that has already happened, but for all intents and purposes whatever happens from tip-off at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday up until the playoffs will be considered another part to the season. Who will emerge from the All-Star Break hot and poised to make a run to the playoffs and who will never snap out of the winter break?
Read more about NBA Betting: Hot or Not.

NBA Handicapping: Celtics Struggles
by Trevor Whenham - 2/5/2010

Two seasons ago the Boston Celtics were as dominant as a team can be en route to an impressive NBA title. Their big three players and the complementing pieces around them were perfectly suited to the pursuit of an NBA title. Last year wasn't quite the same as the year before, but many people clearly expected the Celtics to reclaim their past magic this year - they were 2-1 to win the NBA Championship heading into this season.
Read more about Boston Celtics Struggles.

NBA Handicapping: Offense or Defense Key to Betting Success?
by Trevor Whenham - 1/28/2010

Offense or defense? That's the question. If you spend any time at all watching the NBA then chances are that you prefer one over the other - the potential explosiveness of offense, or the strategic determination of defense. But what about from a betting perspective?
Read more about NBA Offense or Defense.

NBA Handicapping: Hot or Cold Report
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 1/28/2010

Finally playing with a sense of urgency, the Toronto Raptors have been one of the hottest teams in the league. They are in the midst of a 13-5 SU and 12-6 ATS run and have climbed to fifth in the Eastern Conference. The impressive thing about that feat is that the Raptors have done it against a challenging stretch of their schedule.
Read more about NBA Betting: Hot or Not.

Handicapping NBA Road Trips
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 1/27/2010

Rodeos, the circus or Disney on Ice can all play a factor in an NBA team’s fortunes. These events can book an arena for up to two weeks at a time and send NBA teams on the dreaded extended road trip to the other side of the country. Every sport has its road trips that send West Coast teams to the East Coast and vice versa but in the NBA these long road trips seem to make good teams bad and bad teams worse and they can often can make or break a season.
Read more about Handicapping NBA Road Trips.

NBA Trade Rumors
by Trevor Whenham - 1/27/2010

Thursday, Feb. 18 is a day that looms particularly large in the NBA this year. That's this year's trade deadline. The trade deadline isn't as significant in the NBA as it is in some sports, but with the looming 2010 free agency windfall and the impact the struggling economy is having on several teams this means that this trade deadline could be busier than normal, and could see some significant players on the move.
Read more about NBA Trade Rumors.

24 Seconds Around the NBA
by Nolan Sinclair with Robert Ferringo - 1/26/2010

Dwyane Wade threw an absolutely terrible behind-the-back pass, up one with less than 10 seconds to play, and LeBron James stole the ball. The two went flying down the floor and went crashing to the floor as Wade fouled James – hard - on the ensuing layup. As both men laid on the floor the announcers on NBA TV were swooning over how both men were down, how Wade turned an ankle, how James made such an impressive steal, and how he was hit “so” hard on the layup. Basically, it was if Rocky and Apollo had knocked each other to the mat and the ref was counting out, waiting for one man to rise and claim the victory.
Read more about 24 Seconds Around the NBA.

NBA Handicapping: Teams Better Than Record Would Indicate
by Trevor Whenham - 1/21/2010

We're pretty much halfway through the NBA season. That means that it's a good time to take a step back and assess where we are at, and what we might be able to expect for the second half of the year. One thing I like to do at this time of year is to look for teams that are playing better than their record indicates.
Read more about NBA Teams Better than Record Indicates.

24 Seconds Around the NBA
by Nolan Sinclair with Robert Ferringo - 1/19/2010

After a nice, full, healthy day of NBA basketball on Martin Luther King Jr. Day I feel like the pro league has turned the corner on the season. Most teams have already turned the halfway pole on their year. Teams are coming out of the “dog days of winter” and now they are really starting to look at where they are, where they want to be, and how they want to get there. The ballin’ and the bettin’ is about to step up a notch
Read more about 24 Seconds Around the NBA.

The "Should Be" NBA All-Star Game Roster
by Nolan Sinclair - 1/19/2010

With the NBA All-Star Game coming up soon I feel it is my duty to inform all of you what the starting line-ups for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference should look like. Of course, because the fans vote the teams I’ve listed below won’t be near what the starting lineup will be on Sunday, Feb. 14 in Dallas at Cowboys Stadium.
Read more about NBA All-Star Game Roster.

NBA Handicapping: Road Success Doesn’t Equal Betting Success
by Trevor Whenham - 1/14/2010

I'm a fan of the NBA, but it's not a sport that I follow as closely as others, and I don't handicap it very often. When there are sports that I'm not avidly following I find that I like to have little rules in my mind that I can use to quickly get a sense of how a team is performing - a snapshot of where they are at.
Read more about NBA Road Success.

NBA Handicapping: Effects of Gilbert Arenas Suspension
by Trevor Whenham - 1/14/2010

Gilbert Arenas is a talented basketball player. He's also a freaking idiot. By now you've heard all about Arenas' antics with guns, his gambling debts, and his suspension, so there isn't much to add on that front. What we do need to look at, though, is the betting impact of Arenas' long term suspension on the Washington Wizards.
Read more about Gilbert Arenas Suspension.

NBA Studs and Duds Against the Spread
by Trevor Whenham - 1/13/2010

We are almost halfway through the NBA season, so this is a good time for us to assess which teams are standing out from a betting perspective, and which ones have been particularly frustrating. Here, then, are the teams that have been studs against the spread, those that have been duds, and the biggest surprise and disappointment.
Read more about NBA Against the Spread.

Oklahoma City Thunder Among NBA’s Best ATS
by Trevor Whenham - 1/13/2010

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the most pleasant surprises of the NBA season. We knew that they were going to be a team to watch in the coming years, but even the most optimistic fan has to admit that they are ahead of schedule right now. If the playoffs were to start today the Thunder would secure the No. 7 spot in the West.
Read more about Oklahoma City Thunder Handicapping.

NBA Handicapping: Hot or Cold Report
by Nicholas Tolomeo - 1/13/2010

For a 23-13 team the Spurs have had some struggles on the road. They are 6-7 away from the AT&T Center. But at closer look the Spurs are actually 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games. The Spurs are ready to embark on a short four-game road swing. Playing in San Antonio in the often-used AT&T Center the Spurs are used to getting on the road for these road trips. Last year in their longest road trip of the season the Spurs went 5-3 SU and 6-2 ATS.
Read more about NBA Betting: Hot or Not.

24 Seconds Around the NBA
by Nolan Sinclair with Robert Ferringo - 1/6/2010

As many of you already know Gilbert Arenas has gotten himself into hot water with the NBA for his actions in a locker room tiff in which guns were involved. He has stated that the gun was for a “joke” to be played on a teammate. Wow! That Gilbert is one funny guy.
Read more about 24 Seconds Around the NBA.

Previous Archive 2009 NBA Basketball Archives