If it was not for an dwelling record for the San Antonio Spurs last year, the Houston Rockets would have turned into a runaway train from the Southwest Division. As it was, that the Rockets won their second straight division title within the Spurs with a 53-29 list plus a five-game guide. The remaining portion of the branch finished 20 games back with equivalent 33-49 records. Going into 2019-20, Houston is once again crossing the oddsboard into three-peat.
Online sportsbook BetOnline gets the Houston Rockets as the preferred in -280 to win the Memphis Grizzlies in +15000, the Dallas Mavericks at +1100, the New Orleans Pelicans in +1200 along with the Southwest Division followed by the San Antonio Spurs in +400.
The Rockets put a powerful 2018-19 effort that saw them win the division go 53-29 and then finish fourth in the West together. They were eventually knocked off by the Warriors in six matches at the Conference Semifinals. They return most their lineup with the change coming at the point guard position. Chris Paul is out and Russell Westbrook is in, since they played in Oklahoma City at 2011-12 reuniting with Harden for the very first time. I don’t foresee a great deal of change from this past year and Houston must amass more or 55 wins again in 2019-20.
This was Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde for the Spurs last year in their home and away splits. While on the street it went 16-25, In the home, San Antonio went 32-9. As their starting five is still good but not terrific Why is the Spurs an intriguing team is their depth. If they turn to their seat there isn’t much of a drop off which makes them unsafe for the entire period of their matches, or should they want to break players or harms. Search for Dejounte Murray to blossom San Antonio and once again as the point guard is going to be a squad that is hard, however I do not think it has enough to reach Houston.
Although that may qualify for a ribbon, dallas is likely the team from the Southwest Division, it is inadequate for the division??title. At shooting guard Luka Doncic, the preseason and electricity forward Kristaps Porzingis must be a lively duo this year and are currently revealing some chemistry. The starting five would be pretty adequate overall, midst of the bunch I would say, but thickness will be a problem , especially if there was an injury to one. Mavs will take a step ahead but will still be on the outside looking in on the playoffs.
New Orleans will be a really fun team to watch this year, but don’t expect because the West is indeed tough. The Pelicans additional Brandon Ingram along with Lonzo Ball in the trade which saw Anthony Davis visit the Lakers. New Orleans acquired the Zion Williamson out of Duke with the first selection. There are Nickeil Alexander-Walker from Virginia Tech as well as some pieces with JJ Redick, Jahlil Okafor and E’Twaun Moore. Interesting , up and coming team but none to battle for the division title.
They should have some excitement with second-overall pick Ja Morant at point guard, although it’s definitely going to be an uphill battle for Memphis this season. They’re an athletic team that will not be a walkover that is whole, though, discovering wins may be tough to perform. Additionally, are a depth players to assist when the novices are resting, notably: Tyus Jones, Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala. I anticipate seeing Morant but that is about it from that Memphis squad.
Odds as of October 16