Here we go again fellas! NBA Regular season. Posting this early so we could at least get the ball rolling here. I don't think there're any tools we could use yet like stats or whathave you so I'm completely basing my assessment off the Pre-Season, Matchup, Team Depth and NBA 2k13 (who doesn't? lol) .
Washington Wizards +5.5
On paper, I think both team is just about even with a really slight lean towards the Cavs because of Kyrie Irving. Outside him (and say Varejao), everyone else is inconsistent with their production. I'm excited to see Thompson's improvement and their rookies Zeller/Waiters in action. Washington have just about the similar story. Outside Jordan Crawford, I don't see anyone who'll be consistent in dropping double digit in scoring. The only saving grace is thatthey have a gritty front court (even though a bit undersized) and added veteran role players in Okafor and Ariza. In the preseason, Wizards seem to enjoy a bit of success and should translate early in the regular season. I'm going for which team will be able to control the boards here and I think that team will win. Wizards look like the one with the tougher front court plus the 5-extra points will come a long way when you see two teams that are pretty much dead even. 2K13 simulation gives the Wizard 2-1 lead over the Cavs.
Miami Heat -6.0
Boston will most likely be fielding Rondo-Lee-Pierce-Bass-KG 5. The usualy suspects will produce here. Lee and Terry are pretty much great upgrade from Ray Allen. I think the duo (plus Bradley if he returns) will give what the Green men lacks (a wee bit more scoring punch) and not sacrificing anything on defense. Heat just got better with Lewis and Allen. They are even more versatile with their player roles on the court and could really cause a lot of defensive matchup problems with how they field their players. I think Heat as they are now have matured and they'll just get better the longer they stay together. I don't think they'd have the luxury to take it easy against Boston because they know too well that this team can beat them. Heat wins 3-0 with a win average of 12 in the simulation. This line should go up to say 7 or 8 by game time with the Heattles love so get it now!
Dallas Mavericks ATS (+8.5)
It should be hella loud in LA on opening night. Thing here is that I'd love to get a whole lot more value on a makeshift team with players hungry to prove themselves than a star studded team who takes time to warm up and produce. I think the Lakers will continue their woes from the Pre-Season and make this a close one for the Mavs to cover the spread.
BOL.