If you’re an NBA betting enthusiast that is fired up because of the recent free agent frenzy and you can’t wait for the 2015-16 season to get underway, then you’re in for a treat thanks to this expert betting breakdown centered on three value-packed Eastern Conference contenders that could all surprise this coming season.
BREAKING: Pierce reportedly set to sign with Clippers–on deal surprising for player his age: http://t.co/5Il9hSG9Ni pic.twitter.com/xQqFwQ6PuF
— CSN Wizards (@CSNWizards) July 1, 2015
With that said, let’s get started with this expert betting breakdown on my trio of ‘improbable’ contenders.
Toronto Raptors 65/1
Players added via draft
Delon Wright (No. 20)
Norman Powell (No. 46)
Players added via free agency
DeMarre Carroll (from Hawks)
Cory Joseph (from Spurs)
Players added via trade
Luke Ridnour (from Thunder)
Players lost via free agency
Amir Johnson (to Boston)
Lou Williams (to Lakers)
Players lost via trade
Greivis Vasquez (to Bucks)
Tomislav Zubcic (to Oklahoma City)
Players lost via trade
Greivis Vasquez (to Bucks)
Tomislav Zubcic (to Oklahoma City)
Analysis: At a stunning 65/1, I absolutely love the Toronto Raptors to make some noise in the Eastern Conference in 2015-16. The Raptors drafted a pair of players that could both contribute right away in Delon Wright at No. 20 and Norman Powell at No. 46.
More importantly, Toronto added a pair of veterans that should both make an immediate impact on the Raptors in small forward DeMarre Carroll and point guard Cory Joseph. Carroll is one of the best two-way players in the game today and Joseph could be a starter on several teams. Carroll will move right into Toronto’s starting lineup while Joseph provides more than quality relief for starter Kyle Lowry.
The Raptors did part ways with forward Amir Johnson and sixth man, Lou Williams while trading veteran guard Greivis Vasquez to Milwaukee, but overall, Toronto’s additions this offseason were more significant in my estimation.
Washington Wizards 50/1
Players added via draft
Kelly Oubre (No. 15)
Aaron White (No. 49)
Players added via free agency
Gary Neal (from Timberwolves)
Players added via trade
Jared Dudley (from Bucks)
Players lost via free agency
Paul Pierce (to Clippers)
Players lost via trade
None
Analysis: The loss of veteran Paul Pierce will hurt a bit, but Washington has a ready-made starter at small forward in Otto Porter, so that softens the loss of Pierce.
I love the Wizards’ additions of small forward Kelly Oubre with the 15th overall pick and Aaron White at No. 49, but more than those additions, I love Washington’s acquisition of veteran sharpshooter Gary Neal and wily swingman Jared Dudley in free agency.
At a whopping 50/1, I say the Wiz are worth a wager!
Milwaukee Bucks 60/1
Players added via draft
Rashad Vaughn (No. 17)
Players added via free agency
Khris Middleton (re-signed)
Greg Monroe (from Detroit)
Players added via trade
Caron Butler (from Detroit)
Shawne Williams (from Detroit)
Greivis Vasquez (from Raptors)
Players lost via free agency
None
Players lost via trade
Jared Dudley (to Wizards)
Ersan Ilyasova (to Detroit)
Waived
Caron Butler
Shawne Williams
Analysis: The Bucks were one of the surprise winners in free agency after landing veteran center Greg Monroe and they bolstered that addition by re-signing invaluable swingman Khris Middleton. I also love Milwaukee’s addition of veteran guard Greivis Vasquez, though the team did lose two players I like in Jared Dudley and Ersan Ilyasova.
Overall, I think the Bucks are going to be a dangerous team come 2015-16. Milwaukee has talent all over its roster and will get a big-time boost from the return of prized youngster Jabari Parker.
Call me crazy, but at a stunning 60/1, I think the Washington Wizards are a great bet to bring home the bacon next season.
Source:
NBA.com: http://www.nba.com/raptors/holly-blog/carroll-joseph-070915
Wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greivis_V%C3%A1squez