CNOTES 2019 NBA PRESEASON NEWS AND NOTES !

[Cnotes53]

Jazz pairing improved offense with already tough defense
October 15, 2019
By The Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Playing rugged defense has helped Utah become a consistent playoff team.

Now the Jazz seek to become a bigger postseason threat with a more versatile offense.

Utah made a flurry of offseason moves designed to bolster the team's outside shooting and give coach Quin Snyder additional shot creators. The Jazz traded for veteran point guard Mike Conley and signed small forward Bojan Bogdanovic, both of whom were leading scorers on their previous teams. Utah also added Jeff Green to give the team another versatile shooter.

The roster makeover is designed to take some of the scoring and shot creation burden away from Donovan Mitchell.

''It's no secret we want to pick-and-roll a lot,'' Mitchell said. ''It honestly makes my life easier trying to find guys. Now (opponents) have a harder decision to make on defense.''

If Mitchell takes another step forward in his third season, defensive decisions for opponents will become even more complicated. He averaged a team-high 23.8 points per game a year ago but shot just 43.2% from the field while facing relentless defensive pressure.

Utah's newest additions figure to give Mitchell easier looks at the basket and make the whole offense run smoother.

Conley averaged 21.1 points and dished out 6.4 assists per game in his final season with Memphis. Bogdanovic averaged a career-best 18 points per game for Indiana last season while shooting 49.7% from the field. Green tallied 12.3 points per game for Washington on 47.5% shooting.

These new additions have the Jazz setting some lofty goals.

''Obviously, our ultimate goal is to win the championship,'' Conley said. ''We're not fooling ourselves like we've been there, done that. We're gonna come in and work every day and try to maximize each day.''

Other things to know about the Jazz heading into the season:

CENTER OF ATTENTION

Rudy Gobert posted career highs in points (15.9) and rebounds (12.9) per game, as well as field goal percentage (.669), in his sixth NBA season. He capped it off with his second straight defensive player of the year award.

Now Gobert has set his sights on reaching his first NBA All-Star game as he enters his seventh year. He believes the Jazz have put him in a position to make an even bigger impact by plugging in players around him and Mitchell who will create more spacing on the floor.

''They can build a team around us and around our abilities to put a lot of pressure on the rim,'' Gobert said. ''It's on me to be the guy that I've been defensively, even better, and offensively keep showing I'm getting better every year.''

PERIMETER UPGRADE

Getting long-distance shots to fall ended up being a problem for Utah during a first-round playoff exit against Houston. Outside shooting could now be a strength for the Jazz going forward.

Five current players ranked in the Top 100 in 3-point shooting percentage a season ago.

Bogdanovic leads the way after ranking 10th in the league in 3-point shooting last season. The forward, who signed a four-year, $73 million contract with the Jazz in July, connected on 42.5% of his outside shots with the Pacers last year.

Utah will find ways to pair him with Joe Ingles, the team's top returning perimeter shooter. Ingles made 39.1% of his attempts last season.

TRANSITION STOPPERS

Defending well in transition was a key component of Utah's defense last season. The Jazz ranked second in the league when it came to defending transition baskets, allowing opponents to score just 11.4 fastbreak points per game.

Utah led the NBA in the same category two years ago, allowing 9.5 fastbreak points per contest. Expect it to be a point of emphasis again.

''Doesn't matter who's on the floor, we gotta get back,'' Snyder said.

SECOND CHANCE

Former lottery pick Emmanuel Mudiay signed with the Jazz on a one-year, $1.7 million deal in July. He is coming off four mostly disappointing seasons with Denver and New York. He did show some flashes of potential with the Knicks a year ago, averaging a career-best 14.8 points.

Mudiay has dealt with an injured hamstring during the preseason, complicating his bid to become the backup point guard behind Conley.

EXUM REHABBING

Injuries have limited Exum to 56 games over the last two seasons. He continues to rehab from a season-ending knee injury a year ago.

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 draft, Exum is in the second year of a three-year, $33 million deal he signed with Utah in 2018.

 

[Cnotes53]

Grizzlies ready to win now with a pair of 20-year-olds,
October 15, 2019
By The Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Veteran center Jonas Valanciunas chuckled at the idea the revamped Memphis Grizzlies are in a rebuilding process that could take a couple of seasons.

''We can make it in one year,'' Valanciunas said. ''If we're going to be successful, it's on us now to work, give everything on the court, off the court as well. Everybody talking about rebuilding and this and that, we just got to do it ourselves. We just got to play hard, do everything that we need to do, and we can go. Goal is to be good now.''

That may be a tall order for a team anchored by a pair of 20-year-olds in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant and a first-year head coach.

This is a nearly a completely different roster after the Grizzlies shredded the final ties to their past during the offseason, demoting their last general manager to scout duties and firing coach J.B. Bickerstaff hours after last season ended. Zach Kleiman, the executive vice president of basketball operations, revised the roster in a flurry of deals, including seven trades with the biggest sending Mike Conley to Utah.

''We're playing to win,'' Kleiman said.

They also benefited from draft lottery luck rarely seen since this franchise relocated to Memphis. The Grizzlies went from possibly sending their first-round pick to Boston to fulfill a 2015 deal for Jeff Green to their highest selection in a decade at No. 2.

Memphis selected the Murray State point guard in Morant to replace Conley and pair with Jackson, the fourth overall selection a year ago. The Grizzlies also have a new coach in Taylor Jenkins.

''A lot of first time people around here,'' Jackson said of his second NBA coach. ''So that kind of energy is infectious ... He's straightforward. What you see is what you get. And he's a very excited person. And I'm glad he's here.''

Some other things to know about the revamped Grizzlies who open the season Oct. 23 at Miami:

NEW COACH, NEW STYLE

Jenkins is the Grizzlies' fourth head coach since Memphis reached the 2013 Western Conference finals, and he coached the team without either Jackson or Morant to the Summer League title. Jenkins was Mike Budenholzer's assistant in Milwaukee and for five seasons in Atlanta. The Grizzlies insist they are committed to Jenkins, and he wants Memphis to play a motion-style offense with pace and space, clearing everyone to take 3s.

''I really hope the fans are excited about it even though we've got a lot of new players,'' Jenkins said. ''The new style play will be something that they can really latch on to, and every night whether they're coming to games and watching at home they're excited by what they see.''

GRIZZLIES' NEW DUO

For years the Grizzlies' key players were center Marc Gasol and Conley. Now their future solidly is in the hands of Jackson and Morant, a couple of talented 20-year-olds. Grizzlies guard Dillon Brook said Morant and Jackson have so much potential, and he's already been impressed by the rookie.

''He looks amazing,'' Brooks said of Morant. ''He looks like Derrick Rose. Whatever you guys are saying in the media is exactly what he looks like. He's going to be a great player to watch.''

Jenkins has Jackson, Morant and Valanciunas as sure starters. The coach also wants Morant playing fast and aggressive, not looking over his shoulder worried that Jenkins thinks he's making too many mistakes.

''I want him to go full bore, and at the end of the day he'll figure out what kind of player he is going to be with his long career ahead of him,'' Jenkins said.

VETERAN HELP

Valanciunas isn't the only veteran on this roster. The Grizzlies also brought in guard Tyus Jones, Jae Crowder, center Miles Plumlee and Solomon Hill. Kyle Anderson also is back from shoulder surgery that ended last season after 40 starts for Memphis.

INJURED

Valanaciunas is recovering from a sore foot from training camp but is expected to be ready for the opener. Forward De'Anthony Melton could be out up to two months recovering from a stress reaction in his back in an injury announced late last month.

WHITHER IGUODALA

Yes, the Grizzlies and Andre Iguodala agreed that the veteran should stay away. He remains on the roster until the Grizzlies either receive an offer they can live with or are forced to make a roster move.

 

[Cnotes53]

Inexperienced Hornets turn to Rozier in post-Kemba era
October 15, 2019
By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Terry Rozier arrived in Charlotte with a tremendous chip on his shoulder.

The 25-year-old point guard is eager to prove he can lead an NBA team after spending four years as a backup with the Boston Celtics. He will get that opportunity this season in Charlotte where he'll replace Kemba Walker, the franchise's all-time leading scorer, and average more than 30 minutes a game.

''I don't let anything stop me from what I want to do,'' Rozier said upon his arrival. ''I'm still hungry.''

Rozier, who describes himself as ''competitive as hell,'' has a tough task ahead of him replacing an extremely popular player who developed into a three-time All-Star and became the face of the franchise before leaving to join the Celtics.

The fact that many around the league see the Hornets as a cellar dweller this season only adds fuel to Rozier's internal fire.

''I've been overlooked,'' Rozier said. ''... Us guys in that locker room have each other. We don't care about the TV or blogs. We control what we can control.''

Rozier averaged 9 points and 2.9 assists per game last season for the Celtics in 79 games. Walker averaged 25.6 points per game.

Hornets second-year coach James Borrego has made it clear he doesn't expect Rozier to take on Walker's scoring load. But Borrego does expect him to take ownership on the court and pave the way for younger players to develop.

''I expect Terry to lead,'' Borrego said. ''And sometimes that is just his effort on the floor, how he comes to work every day. This is a kid who does work hard, and we need him to step up as a leader.''

Some other things to watch with the Hornets this season...

WASHINGTON'S ROLE

Rookie PJ Washington has a chance to start right away for the Hornets at power forward. Borrego said he's impressed with Washington's feel for the game saying, ''He's been fantastic.'' Said Borrego: ''He picks things up, high IQ, plays the right way and can shoot the ball. It's been very exciting to watch him so far.'' If Washington gets the starting nod over veteran Nic Batum it would allow the team could move Miles Bridges to small forward and start a lineup that includes Rozier, Dwayne Bacon, Bridges, Washington and Zeller.

MONK'S BIG SEASON

This is an important season for shooting guard Malik Monk, who is still trying to nail down a starting job entering his third season. The knock on Monk has been his well-publicized defensive struggles, which he says are unwarranted. He's responded by adding 23 pounds this offseason, which he hopes keeps him from getting bumped off the spot on defense. ''I feel way different,'' Monk said. Borrego has already told players if they aren't going to commit to playing great defense, they won't be seeing many minutes.

ZELLER'S HEALTH

Cody Zeller said he's feeling better than he has in a long time, and the Hornets will need him to stay healthy to be competitive. The 7-foot center has missed 82 of 164 games over the last two seasons with a myriad of injuries ranging from knee problems to hand fractures to quad bruises. Zeller said he's tired of the freak injuries and hopes the worst is behind him.

PREVENTING TURNOVERS

Turnovers have been a major issue for the Hornets in the preseason, but Borrego attributes some of that to players playing together for the first time. ''This is a new group playing together for the first time, playing with more base, multiple guys touching it,'' Borrego said. ''We're going to have to clean up that area. I don't know if it will be an issue or not, but it has been in the preseason so far.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Davis, James begin Lakers partnership with sky-high hopes
October 15, 2019
By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) Anthony Davis doesn't raise a brow at the high expectations he's accepting with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 26-year-old superstar engineered his move from New Orleans to Hollywood knowing that championships are the only acceptable result to the Lakers' legions of demanding fans. After spending his entire NBA career struggling to lift the underdog Pelicans, he welcomed the chance to play for a team and in a city where every game means something big.

And Davis doesn't have to carry his new team, either. LeBron James is here to share the work.

''We're going to feed off each other tremendously,'' Davis said. ''I think we're two guys who are very selfless and just want to win. When we have two guys like that, it makes both of our jobs easier.''

James has spent his entire adult life facing championship pressure, and his chances of meeting those expectations for a fourth time got exponentially better when the Lakers put these two superstars together. James looks forward to finding chemistry with Davis to create an immediate winner - and to persuade Davis to stick around when he hits free agency next summer.

''We've got a brand-new coaching staff and brand-new players coming to our system, but we do all know how good Anthony Davis is,'' James said. ''If we're not playing through Anthony Davis while he's on the floor, then it makes no sense to have him on the floor, because he's that great.''

This 16-time championship franchise is currently mired in a record six-year postseason drought, but everything is different and everything is possible this winter. The buzz around the Lakers never truly dissipates in LA, but it hasn't been this loud since 2012.

''When your starting point of your roster is two of the best players in the universe, that's a really strong starting point,'' Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said.

Frank Vogel is spending his first few months as the Lakers' coach figuring out how to mold a cohesive team around his two superstars. He'll experiment with lineups, rotations and rest while the Lakers figure out how to play together in a season they expect to last well into the spring.

''The belief is strong in what we can be as a team,'' Vogel said. ''Everybody is looking at their teammates, and there's a healthy respect going into the season. When the belief is strong at the outset, it's just about focusing in on the work.''

Here are more things to watch in a tantalizing season in Lakerland:

KUZMA STAYS

Kyle Kuzma is the only component remaining from the Lakers' talented young core after Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart were shipped to New Orleans for Davis. Kuzma didn't participate in training camp while dealing with a stress injury in his leg, but he should be ready soon. The high-scoring forward's skill set could fit well alongside the Lakers' two superstars, and Kuzma realizes he has a golden opportunity. ''I'm looking forward to reaching the next level with my own game,'' he said. ''This is a great chance for me to reach my potential.''

DWIGHT'S RETURN

The Lakers' decision to re-sign Dwight Howard might have been the most shocking development of the entire offseason. The mercurial center spent one season with the Lakers in 2012-13 before clashing with Kobe Bryant and then fleeing town as a free agent. Howard has been booed mercilessly at Staples Center ever since, but he became the Lakers' backup plan in the middle after DeMarcus Cousins tore a knee ligament shortly after signing with LA. Howard campaigned for a spot with the Lakers, and they gave him a non-guaranteed contract. If the newly humbled Howard recaptures his game, the Lakers will have an enormous asset at a minor cost.

SUPPORTING ACTORS

The Lakers supplemented their roster with an intriguing mix of veterans, including newcomers Danny Green, Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Troy Daniels and Quinn Cook. Vogel will look for perimeter scoring to complement James' drives and Davis' inside play, with Green and Daniels particularly expected to provide 3-point shooting proficiency. Every signee probably will get ample opportunity to play their way into a regular rotation spot while competing with holdovers Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso and Rajon Rondo.

VOGEL'S FLOCK

When they replaced Luke Walton after three straight losing seasons, the Lakers chose the 46-year-old Vogel over Tyronn Lue, who landed down the hallway with the Clippers instead of reteaming with James. Vogel got impressive results with limited resources in Indiana, but he has never coached stars of the Lakers' dual magnitude. He also has a coaching staff including Jason Kidd and Lionel Hollins, two former NBA head coaches. The early results from this arranged marriage are promising, with James praising Vogel's attention to detail.

LA TAKEDOWN

James wasn't joking when he labeled Staples Center as the true winner of the NBA's offseason moves. The Lakers and the Clippers both created probable title contenders, and their shared arena will be the center of basketball for much of the winter, with 82 sold-out games a distinct possibility. Out-of-towners shouldn't get it twisted about which team is preferred in their shared hometown, however: The Lakers' fan base wildly outnumbers the Clippers' faithful, to the point where Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have already been booed while attending other sports events around Los Angeles. The teams meet Tuesday in their season openers, and again on Christmas.

 

[Cnotes53]

Blazers want to take next step after playoff success
October 15, 2019
By The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Trail Blazers got a taste of playoff success last season and that's shifted their mindset. Simply making the playoffs is no longer the goal, a championship is.

Damian Lillard is once again joined in the backcourt by CJ McCollum but the supporting cast changed in the offseason with the Blazers bringing in Hassan Whiteside, Anthony Tolliver, Kent Bazemore and Pau Gasol.

''It'll be tough in the West, but it's always tough,'' McCollum said. ''A lot of teams are good, a lot of teams are deep. Obviously, injuries will play a factor in what happens this year - that's always a factor as the playoffs get closer and closer, the team that stays healthy has the best chance. Hopefully we can be one of those teams that's healthy.''

The Blazers finished 53-29 last season and clinched the third seed in the Western Conference, earning home court for the first round. Portland wrapped up their first-round series in five games, capped by Lillard's memorable walk-off 3-pointer, and went on to make the conference finals for the first time in 19 years.

And the Blazers were able to go deep despite a key injury.

Starting center Jusuf Nurkic broke his leg during a game in March and was out for the playoffs. He was averaging 15.6 points and 10.4 rebounds when he got injured.

The Blazers were able to turn to Enes Kanter, who was waived by the New York Knicks following the trade deadline and signed by Portland for the rest of the season, to get them through the playoffs. Kanter moved on in the offseason to the Celtics.

So, it makes sense the Blazers shored up their options at center while Nurkic continues to rehab, adding Whiteside and Gasol.

Whiteside was acquired from the Heat in a four-team deal that sent Meyers Leonard to Miami and Moe Harkless to the L.A. Clippers. Whiteside averaged 12.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.89 blocks per game last season in Miami, something of a dropoff from his previous three seasons with the team.

''I feel wanted. I feel like there was an urgent, urgent need at the center right now. That dominance force, coming in the paint, shot blocking, rebounding,'' Whiteside said. ''I really feel like I can help this team.''

How he gels with the team will be key to Portland's success this season.

GASOL'S STATUS: The 39-year old veteran has been limited in fall camp because of a surgery he had in February. It ended a frustrating season that started with the Spurs and ended with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is grateful to have landed in Portland and said he believes he can contribute to the team.

''I hope to add leadership on and off the court, experience, and also quality of play. I'm excited after a difficult health year, (which was) frustrating,'' he said. ''I'm excited to just work on my body and be healthy so I can do what I do on the floor and just have fun with the guys and compete and play as hard as I can.''

NURK'S RETURN?: It is uncertain when Nurkic will be able to return - and when he does it will be with a steel rod that was placed in his left leg to help repair multiple compound fractures.

President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey said the team would be purposely vague about the rehab because he doesn't want to make the season ''Nurk Watch 2019.'' Nurk himself said he'd be ready when he's ready.

''Every time I talked to him, he was training,'' Lillard said. ''That's not made up. He was really trying to get going.''

LILLARD MAXES OUT: The team's on-court leader is set to be in Portland for a long time. Lillard, who averaged 25.8 points and 6.9 assists and earned his fourth All-Star nod last season, signed a super-max contract extension in the offseason worth $196 million.

''It's a great feeling knowing that we have that commitment to each other,'' Lillard said. ''But also that I'm still able to push forward with my personal goals, which is to win the championship here and to be the best player to ever play here. It allows me that much more time to continue pursuing that, and to be here. So, it's an honor for me.''

50TH ANNIVERSARY: The Blazers are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the franchise. During the preseason they held a game at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where the team played from 1970 to 1995. Other events are scheduled throughout the season. The team's court has also been repainted to commemorate the event.

 

[Cnotes53]

Thursday?s 6-pack

Over/under win totals for the NBA this season:

57.5? Bucks

54.5? Rockets, 76ers, Jazz, Clippers

52.5? Nuggets

50.5? Lakers

49.5? Celtics

48.5? Warriors

 

[Cnotes53]

Wizards, Beal agree on 2-year, $72 million extension
October 17, 2019
By The Associated Press

Bradley Beal has agreed on a two-year extension worth nearly $72 million with Washington, a major victory for the Wizards and a move that will keep the All-Star guard out of free agency for at least the next three summers.

The agreement was confirmed Thursday by Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein. ESPN first reported the details of the extension.

Beal still had two years left on his existing contract. The extension kicks in for the 2021-22 season, has a player option for the following year and means that Beal won't be part of what has been shaping up to be an NBA free-agent extravaganza in the summer of 2021.

The Wizards were willing to give Beal a three-year extension that would have been worth about $111 million over three years. Beal went the two-year route and that protects his future options - he could opt out of the deal in the summer of 2022, coinciding with his 10th year in the league.

The 10-year milestone is significant: By having that many years of service, Beal would be eligible to sign a new deal worth in excess of $250 million over the next five seasons.

Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard told a story as the team was getting ready to begin training camp of what he says to young players he meets for the first time: Work as hard as Beal.

''It sounds easy,'' Sheppard said. ''Then you come in and you see all the work that Bradley puts in every day, all the leadership he exudes every day. He's shown time and time again how committed he is to D.C.''

Beal has played more minutes than any other NBA player in the last two regular seasons, is one of only five players to not miss a game in that span - and is the lone player to have started all 82 games in both of those seasons.

He's an elite scorer, 12th in the league last season at a career-best 25.6 points per game. And he will be the centerpiece again for a Wizards team that's without point guard John Wall for the entire season as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

Sheppard said Beal is poised for yet another big year, and that the way he was interacting with teammates in recent weeks didn't give him any reason to believe he wasn't committed to the team.

''He's ready to play this season,'' Sheppard said at his preseason availability last month. ''He's a fantastic, fantastic person. He makes the whole team be better.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Clippers sign G B.J. Taylor to contract
October 16, 2019
By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Clippers have signed guard B.J. Taylor to an exhibit 10 contract, a one-year deal worth the minimum salary.

Taylor played four years at Central Florida, where he averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 104 games.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder earned AAC All-Rookie team honors in 2015 and was named to the All-AAC first team as a senior. Taylor, who is from Orlando, Florida, scored 1,618 points to rank seventh all-time in school history.

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA Divisional Predictions
October 18, 2019
By Tony Mejia

2019-20 Divisional Odds

Psst, want to make some money?

I've got the best bets for NBA division winners. Some of them won't even win and you'll still be on the right side.

Warren Buffett wouldn't be able to cash in on the Bucks winning the Central, but he'd appreciate a Pacers' carpet ride. Who should you choose if the Rockets crash? What favorites should you swallow the juice for?

The answers have arrived.

Atlantic Division
The Raptors are going to relinquish control of the Atlantic this season and don?t offer enough value at (+600) to get behind their ability to collectively replace Kawhi Leonard?s impact. Brooklyn (+1400) has a chance to finish ahead of the defending champs if Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie can feed off one another in the backcourt instead of disrupting each other?s rhythm.

The Celtics (+400) have too many question marks surrounding them given Al Horford?s leadership void, a brand new dynamic at the point with Kemba Walker on board and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown still hunting opportunities as they progress. I?d ride the favored the 76ers (-225) despite concerns over Joel Embiid being able to play more than 64 games for the first time. Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson and Horford would keep Philly atop the division even without the benefit of their All-Star center, who is eyeing an MVP trophy after losing weight in the offseason, pledging to improve as a leader and teammate.

Central Division
Milwaukee (-2000) is the overwhelming favorite in the Central, sparking memories of when the Bulls used to be this heavy a Central Division favorite. LeBron James and the Cavs finished 25 games up on the rest of the field in ?08-?09 and Michael Jordan?s Bulls had their fun terrorizing the division back in the day, but it remains to be seen whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is capable of producing similar results with these Bucks. After winning 60 games in ending a 17-year drought between division titles, this group should repeat as Central champs but offers no value.

The Cavs (+50000) are probably going to be the league?s worst team, so we?re picking between the Pacers (+700), Pistons (+8000) and Bulls (+10000) to try and cash a big payday. Indiana has the most complete group and will get a significant boost when Victor Oladipo returns in a few months after completing his rehab and turn on FOX?s Masked Singer. Sure, he?s Thingamajig. No, I don?t watch the show, but lots of people apparently do.

Southeast Division
The Wizards (+10000) and Hornets (+20000) are longshots in the Southeast for a reason. Even though Bradley Beal re-signed and won?t be traded, Washington figures to beat only Charlotte in the division. Since the Magic (+110) and Heat (+110) are again expected to vie for the title, taking a shot with the Hawks (+650) is your only viable option if you want to cash in and pay some bills via divisional investment.

Although they?re already young and thrusting rookies DeAndre Hunter and Cam Reddish into key roles, leaders Trae Young and John Collins could make the type of leap necessary to get the Hawks over .500. My expectation is that Jimmy Butler?s arrival in South Florida will close out a dominant 10-year span for the Heat with a seventh division title.

Southwest Division
Houston (-400) is too heavily favored to consider as the best betting choice in the Southwest. There will likely be an adjustment period ahead for the Rockets in meshing the talents of James Harden and Russell Westbrook effectively, so we?re looking at their Texas-based brethren to sneak in ahead of them.

The Spurs are going to be strong again, regaining the services of top defender Dejounte Murray to pair with Derrick White, Bryn Forbes and veteran Patty Mills next to DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge. San Antonio (+600) hasn?t failed to win its division in three straight years since 1991-94, back when it was still called the Midwest. Dallas (+1000) and New Orleans (+1400) is still probably another season away from being consistent enough to trust in a Southwest chase, while Memphis (+10000) looks a year away from being two years away.

Northwest Division
The Northwest surpassed the Southwest as the NBA?s most competitive division over the past two seasons but thins out some with Westbrook in Houston and the Thunder (+10000) set to take a step back. The Nuggets (+100) are the favorite after winning last season but the Jazz (+125) and Trail Blazers (+700) each won 50 games last season. After losing by a single game last season and bringing the likes of Rodney Hood, Hassan Whiteside and Kent Bazemore into training camp, this might be the most talented Portland group once Jusuf Nurkic returns.

The Timberwolves (+4000) aren?t worth backing since they don?t defend well enough, which might also be the reason Portland falls short. My choice here is Utah, which has added Mike Conley to relieve pressure off Donovan Mitchell and should reap the benefits of their decision-making and Rudy Gobert?s game-changing defense to make the difference late in games.

Pacific Division
The Clippers (+220) are listed slightly ahead of their Staples Center roommates (+250) as the team to beat in the Western Conference but are expected to have a much better regular season. The Clippers (-200) are the clear Pacific Division favorite over the Lakers (+300) and their projected win total has been set at 52.5, four victories higher. The rationale is that Doc Rivers? team will likely bring a higher intensity level to work down the stretch since they?re projected to be the best defensive team in basketball given the presence of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell.

First-year Lakers head coach Frank Vogel will be coaching everyone on his roster for the first time and will be deferring to LeBron James and Anthony Davis? desire to get their bodies ready for the playoffs by sitting out games in March and April. Golden State (+350) is appealing since Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are defiant in their insistence that they expect to compete for a championship again and aren?t the types you typically want to fade. Klay Thompson will return early in 2020, but it?s the early absence of Kevon Looney that worries me more since it could add to a rocky start on the defensive end.

Sacramento (+8000) should be a .500 team this season but will remain fourth in the pecking order, while the Suns (+50000) have a shot at adding another No. 1 overall pick to the arsenal. Given the likelihood that Rivers gets his Clips to defend consistently, you would be a fool to go in another direction.

 

[Sonny]

please re-post your other NBA thread with your picks.
it was edited out accidentally.
sorry.