Dallas
Odds to win the NBA Finals: 5/1
2002-2003 record: 70-32 SU, 45-56 ATS
2002-2003 Over/Under: 53-48
Key additions: Antoine Walker, Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson
Key losses: Adrian Griffin, Nick Van Exel
Outlook: Mark Cuban couldn?t acquire the big man that is needed to stop Shaquille O?Neal or Duncan in the West. So instead, Cuban went out and brought in two more scoring machines in Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison. Combining those two players with Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley and Steve Nash could create matchup problems for any opponent.
The defense is still going to be suspect, but the frontcourt will rely on six fouls from Eduardo Najera, Shawn Bradley and Danny Fortson. Coach Don Nelson is always up for new tactics, and don?t be surprised to see some different smoke and mirrors this season. The Mavericks can outscore anybody, but if the shots don?t fall expect a long night. Expect Nelson and company to have a strong season and threaten in the playoffs.
Gambling notes: Dallas allowed 100.5 PPG on the road last season, which helped the ?over? go 29-21. Don?t be surprised to see a few totals posted close to 225 this season when the Mavs take the court.
Record 0-0
Play Dallas+3.5
Odds to win the NBA Finals: 5/1
2002-2003 record: 70-32 SU, 45-56 ATS
2002-2003 Over/Under: 53-48
Key additions: Antoine Walker, Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson
Key losses: Adrian Griffin, Nick Van Exel
Outlook: Mark Cuban couldn?t acquire the big man that is needed to stop Shaquille O?Neal or Duncan in the West. So instead, Cuban went out and brought in two more scoring machines in Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison. Combining those two players with Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley and Steve Nash could create matchup problems for any opponent.
The defense is still going to be suspect, but the frontcourt will rely on six fouls from Eduardo Najera, Shawn Bradley and Danny Fortson. Coach Don Nelson is always up for new tactics, and don?t be surprised to see some different smoke and mirrors this season. The Mavericks can outscore anybody, but if the shots don?t fall expect a long night. Expect Nelson and company to have a strong season and threaten in the playoffs.
Gambling notes: Dallas allowed 100.5 PPG on the road last season, which helped the ?over? go 29-21. Don?t be surprised to see a few totals posted close to 225 this season when the Mavs take the court.
Record 0-0
Play Dallas+3.5
