New Jersey
Odds to win the NBA Finals: 7/1
2002-2003 record: 63-39 SU, 52-48 ATS
2002-2003 Over/Under: 48-52
Key additions: Alonzo Mourning
Key losses: Dikembe Mutombo, Anthony Johnson
Outlook: The defending Eastern Conference Champions should be just as good this season. Jason Kidd decided to stay in the swamp by signing a huge offseason contract with the Nets. Richard Jefferson and Kenyon Martin both combine for a dangerous trio. Martin is in a contract year, which could stimulate his play or create a trade late in the season. The signing of center Alonzo Mourning gives New Jersey a post up threat in the half court offense and a defensive presence.
The only thing that could keep this team from repeating its performance is the club itself. As long as coach Byron Scott and Kidd put their alleged dispute behind them and add Mourning to the trio, then this group will be dangerous again. Expect a deep run into the playoffs. Anything short of the previous two seasons would be considered a disappointment in New Jersey.
Gambling notes: Last season, the Nets dominated at home by going 40-11 SU and 28-22 ATS.
Record: 0-1
Play : New Jersey -4
Odds to win the NBA Finals: 7/1
2002-2003 record: 63-39 SU, 52-48 ATS
2002-2003 Over/Under: 48-52
Key additions: Alonzo Mourning
Key losses: Dikembe Mutombo, Anthony Johnson
Outlook: The defending Eastern Conference Champions should be just as good this season. Jason Kidd decided to stay in the swamp by signing a huge offseason contract with the Nets. Richard Jefferson and Kenyon Martin both combine for a dangerous trio. Martin is in a contract year, which could stimulate his play or create a trade late in the season. The signing of center Alonzo Mourning gives New Jersey a post up threat in the half court offense and a defensive presence.
The only thing that could keep this team from repeating its performance is the club itself. As long as coach Byron Scott and Kidd put their alleged dispute behind them and add Mourning to the trio, then this group will be dangerous again. Expect a deep run into the playoffs. Anything short of the previous two seasons would be considered a disappointment in New Jersey.
Gambling notes: Last season, the Nets dominated at home by going 40-11 SU and 28-22 ATS.
Record: 0-1
Play : New Jersey -4
