NBA Southwest Division: Houston Eyes Three-peat
If it was not to an outstanding 32-9 dwelling record for the San Antonio Spurs last year, the Houston Rockets would have been a runaway train from the Southwest Division. Since it was, that the Rockets won their second straight division title with a five-game lead along with a document over the Spurs. The remainder of the division finished 20 games back with records that were equivalent 33-49. Houston is once again beneath the oddsboard into three-peat.
Online sportsbook BetOnline gets got the Houston Rockets as the favorite in -280 to acquire the New Orleans Pelicans in +1200, the Dallas Mavericks in +1100, the Southwest Division followed with the San Antonio Spurs at +400 and the Memphis Grizzlies at +15000.
The Rockets put together a powerful 2018-19 effort that saw them win the division, move 53-29 and then finish fourth in the West. They were knocked off by the Warriors at six matches at the Conference Semifinals. They return the majority of their lineup with the sole change. Chris Paul is outside and Russell Westbrook is currently in, reuniting with Harden for the very first time since they played in Oklahoma City at 2011-12. I dont foresee a great deal of shift and Houston should accumulate 55 or more wins again in 2019-20.
It was Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde for the Spurs last season in their house and away splits. At home, San Antonio travelled 32-9 while on the highway it moved 16-25. Because their starting five is good but not great, what makes the Spurs an intriguing team is their depth. If they turn to their bench there isnt much of a drop off which makes them unsafe for the duration of their matches, or should they wish to rest harms or players. Look for Dejounte Murray to blossom as the point guard and more San Antonio will be a difficult squad, however I do not believe it has enough to reach Houston.
Even though that may qualify for a ribbon, dallas is probably the most improved team from the Southwest Division, it is not enough for the division??title. Already at shooting guard Luka Doncic, the preseason and electricity Kristaps Porzingis are revealing some chemistry and ought to be a duo this season. The starting five is decent overall, midst of the bunch Id say, but thickness will be an issue, particularly if there was an injury to one of their starters. Mavs are going to take a step ahead but will be on the outside looking in on the playoffs.
New Orleans is going to be a fun team to watch because the West is indeed tough this year, however, dont expect. The Pelicans added Lonzo Ball along with Brandon Ingram in the trade that saw Anthony Davis visit the Lakers. New Orleans landed the high-flying Zion Williamson out of Duke. On the bench, there are Nickeil Alexander-Walker from Virginia Tech as well as some pieces with JJ Redick Jahlil Okafor and ETwaun Moore. Interesting up and coming team but none to struggle for the division title.
They should have some excitement with pick Ja Morant at point guard, although its definitely going to be an uphill struggle for Memphis this season. Theyre though, discovering wins could be challenging to do an athletic team which wont be a walkover. Also, there are a depth players to assist when the starters are napping, especially: Jae Crowder Tyus Jones and Andre Iguodala. I anticipate watching Morant connecting with Jonas Valanciunas below the rim, but thats about it from this Memphis squad.
Odds at October 16
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