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NBA Early Season Surprises by Jim Feist
Preseason prognosticators and handicapping analysis focuses in on what they expect to happen, based on the draft and offseason moves, but there are always surprises at the start of each season. Here’s a look at some of the early NBA surprises, good, bad and ugly.
Nets
Welcome to Brooklyn! And they aren’t playing like Dem Bumbs from years past, with the Nets off to a fine start. Brook Lopez, Andray Blatche and Kris Humphries attack the paint while Joe Johnson and sparkplug guard Deron Williams run the break, though what’s most surprising is their defense, second in the NBA in points allowed. Two weeks ago they went into rival Boston and shut down the Celtics, holding them to 83 points and winning despite playing their third game in four nights. That was part of a sizzling 9-1-2 ATS run. Note that the Nets are 19-5-2 under the total on the road.
Hawks
The young, athletic Hawks battled injuries last season, but appear healthy and formidable early on this season. On sheer depth and talent alone you can see why this team is playing so well: Josh Smith, Zaza Pachulia and Al Horford in the frontcourt, Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver and Louis Williams in the backcourt. This team is loaded with offensive options (second in the NBA in assists), but what is most impressive is the defense, sixth in points allowed. Are they ready to give the Miami Heat a run for their money in the Southeast?
Thunder
No James Harden? No problem! Oklahoma City surprised everyone by making it to the Finals last season, then trading one of their talented young pieces just before the season started. But they are not slowing down, off to a fast start in the West behind Kevin Durant (26.5 ppg) and Russell Westbrook (21 ppg). Offense is not a problem for this young group, No. 1 in scoring with a winning record both home and away. They can play a slow, defensive style, too, with rebounders Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. The Thunder is 16-3-2 ATS in their last 21 against the Western Conference and 17-5 ATS in their last 22 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. They picked up Kevin Harden from Houston in the Harden trade and in the first meeting Durant had 37 points and the Thunder beat Houston 120-98. It spoiled Harden’s return to Oklahoma City. The Thunder outscored the Rockets by 21 points with Martin on the floor, while the Rockets were outscored by 17 with Harden on the floor. Harden scored 17 points but was limited to 3-for-16 shooting. He had six shots blocked by the Thunder.
Knicks
Two things stand out about the surprising Knicks: Carmelo Anthony is playing some defense, and they are not turning the ball over. That is why they are winning and allowing just 94 ppg, 8th best in the NBA. And that’s not hurting their offense, which is Top 5 in scoring behind Anthony (26 ppg), JR Smith and Ray Felton. The Knicks are 27-5 ATS at home and 20-7 ATS against a team with a losing record. This group has an imposing, veteran frontcourt that could pay big defensive dividends in the spring with Rasheed Wallace and Tyson Chandler. And don’t think they run it up against bad teams: The under is 15-7 in the Knicks last 22 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Grizzlies
Where did these kids come from? Being Top 10 in the NBA in scoring is impressive for this young team, but even more impressive is their commitment to defense: No. 1 in the NBA in points allowed with just 90 per game. Rudy Gay is healthy, Zach Randolph is a beast in the low post when his mind is focused on playing, Marc Gasol is a handful, while Tony Allen and Mike Conley anchor a deep and flexible backcourt. The Grizzlies are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 games playing on no days rest.
The Grizzlies had a recent stretch holding three straight opponents to 82 or fewer points: Cleveland scored 78 points, Toronto scored 82 and Detroit scored 78. Why is the important for bettors? The under is 22-8 in the Grizzlies last 30 games following a win and 12-5 under the total in road games.
Come to www.aasiwins.com for all of Jim Feist’s NBA free winners and articles.
