2012-2013 NBA Odds and Picks: Atlantic Division Predictions – Boston Celtics the Favorite: The Atlantic Division was arguably the best in the Eastern Conference last season, placing three teams in the playoffs. More importantly, the division had two of the four teams in the conference semifinals. With almost every team taking an active approach in free agency during the offseason, the division again figures to be one of the deepest and should send multiple teams to the postseason. Here is a look at how the teams stack up in the Atlantic Division for the 2012-13 NBA season.
2012-2013 NBA Vegas Odds and Picks: Atlantic Division Predictions
1. Boston Celtics
While Ray Allen will be missed, the defending division champs have the firepower to repeat. Catalyst Rajon Rondo can get a triple-double on any night, and the playoff-tested Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett still have some gas in the tank. Free agent signee Jason Terry is clutch perimeter scorer, and getting Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox back from health issues and Jared Sullinger in the draft will provide a nice boost of youth and athleticism. Boston allowed the fewest points per game in the NBA last year, and with a better blend of youth and experience in 2012-13, the division is the Celtics’ to lose.
2. New York Knicks
The Knicks were busy in the offseason, adding Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, Ronnie Brewer and Raymond Felton. With Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire to provide the offense and defending Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler patrolling the lane, there is more than enough talent on this team to make the playoffs. However, lingering questions about chemistry aren’t going away. The ability of Kidd and Felton to distribute the ball and keep everyone happy will ultimately determine how far this team can go.
3. Brooklyn Nets
Next to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nets made the biggest gains during free agency. They landed coveted point guard Deron Williams and shooting guard Joe Johnson, instantly creating a playoff-caliber backcourt. Adding Gerald Wallace late last season was a strong addition, as well. While the whiffed on the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, the Nets frontcourt of Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries isn’t all that bad. Meanwhile, MarShon Brooks is a young, productive scorer off the bench. Add it all up, and Brooklyn created a roster more than capable of making the playoffs this season.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Yes, getting center Andrew Bynum as part of the Dwight Howard deal was huge for the long-term prospects of this franchise. The 76ers now have the best true center in the Eastern Conference and a centerpiece to build around. However, the backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner is very young, albeit talented, and Jason Richardson, Dorell Wright and Nick Young are all high-volume scorers. Philadelphia really doesn’t have a player that can create his own shot in the clutch or a team leader now that Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand are gone. There will be some growing pains for the 76ers in 2012-13.
5. Toronto Raptors
It could be a long year in Toronto as the Raptors try to figure out their rotation. DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani are the team’s most proven scorers, but after that, little is set in stone. Free agent signee Kyle Lowry will compete with Jose Calderon for the point guard spot, 2012 first-round pick Terrence Ross will surely get minutes, and 2011 first-round pick Jonas Valanciunas will have to get worked into the frontcourt rotation after spending last year overseas. The end result won’t exactly be conducive to winning.
2012-13 Odds to Win NBA Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics +115
New York Knicks +325
Philadelphia 76ers +350
Brooklyn Nets +450
Toronto Raptors +5500
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