Keep in mind that these handicappers are VERY good at what they do. While I'm sure that we all have high hopes for the Rockets, you play a dangerous game when you translate the love of your team (which may sometimes cause us to become a little myopic) into a betting atmosphere. It looks like just about all of the above lines seem about right. The only one that really stands out as just plain wrong is Detroit at 41 1/2. As long as that team has Ben Wallace defending and Rick Carlyle coaching, it looks like a playoff lock. Besides, as much as we Rockets fans talk about having a great bench this year, Detroit may have us beat there: Cliff Robinson, Corliss Williamson, Jon Barry, Chucky Atkins, Hubert Davis, Mehmet Okur, Tayshaun Prince. Taking the OVER on Detroit appears to be the only "sure thing."
But I think once they make their pick the spread moves to where the fans put the money. Thus is Knicks fans are suckiers for instance there might be some money there. Totally agree. I agree I think Detriot is low. They are not the only ones. The Nets basically replaced TM with DM and are still playing in the East for instance. I agree betting is no substitute for a 401K plan, even if over the last 2 years if you moved your money to off shore sports rackets you might be better off.
I bet on sports for part-time income, and I do very well. I have researched the NBA season wins bets for the upcoming year, and I have found some lines that look pretty good, if you sign up at right books. Houston Rockets over 39.5 total wins is available at www.canbet.com, and this is the best line available on the market. I am 'somewhat' biased towards the Rockets, but given that the Rockets only have to go 40-42 to win this bet, I like it. The Rockets went 28-54 last year, and given that Francis missed 23 of those games, and that plenty of other players missed games, including Rice and MoT for the entire year, I think that Houston can win at least 40 this year. Yao Ming's addition really helps them as well. The other 'best' line that I like is Philadelphia 76ers UNDER 46.5 wins. This team went 43-39 last year, with a stronger lineup in my opinion. This team lost Dikembe Mutombo, Matt Harpring, Speedy Claxton, Raja Bell, and gained Todd Macculloch and Keith Van Horn. Does this personnel change make them a team that wins 4 more games? Considering that the East is improving with the Wizards and Hawks on their way up, I'm going to say NO. Mutombo may be slow and old, but he can play defense, while Macculloch, Van Horn, and Derrick Coleman can NOT. Philly has one of the softest front courts in the NBA now, and might not even go .500 this year, even if Iverson stays healthy. Red Chocolate
yeah...if knicks win 30 w/out mcDyess...im gonna tell Les to move the team to the East Knicks will be lucky to win 15 this year!!
