NBA Predictions: Checking your Power Rankings

November 3, 2009

The 2009-10 NBA season is in full swing. Now that each team has the first handful of games under their belt, I’d like to break down the early surprises thus far. As we have talked about in previous articles, making pre-season power rankings for every team is an important part of NBA handicapping. Having a preconceived notion about each team individually will allow you to have a leg up on the books when accessing a particular match-up. We all know that making NBA predictions takes an in-depth knowledge of sports handicapping. Unless you are an expert NBA handicapper, it is almost impossible for you to go into a season with an understanding of how each team will perform. If you had followed my advice, and made a pre-season power ranking guide, you should be turning profits already.

The Boston Celtics have come out of the gates smokin’! They have won and covered 4 of their first 5 games while having an average margin of victory of 21.6 points. The fact that they are back at full strength with Garnett playing well would be enough to pick them as favorites in the East. However, the addition of Rasheed Wallace has put them in a class by themselves. They have already covered 2 double-digit point spreads, and knocked off Cleveland on the road. They look to be a cover machine for the early part of the season. Be aware that the Vegas oddsmakers will make adjustments as the season wears on which will make it much more difficult for bettors.

In the West, Denver and Phoenix (both whom I gave a high power-rating to) are off to a fast start. The Suns had a scare in game 1 against the new and improved Clippers, but have rebounded with 2 huge wins and a road victory at Miami. They are clearly making an effort to get to the next level of the playoffs this year. Wins vs. Indiana and Portland on the road are a sign that the Nuggets have come to play this season. They will need to improve their road record fromlast year to compete with the Lakers. Carmelo Anthony is trying desperately to add a Championship ring to his collection. He may get it if Denver keeps up this pace.

These early season surprises shouldn’t be! Do your homework and stay on top of your power-rankings by adjusting them constantly. The key to winning NBA picks is being more diligent than the next guy.

Written by Cover The Number · Filed Under NBA

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