Division Winner Suggested Play

Division Winner Suggested Play As always, comments, criticisms welcome. 4.5-Star New York +110 to win the Atlantic division We got this at plus-150 when the Celtics were minus 130. Now New York and Boston are co-favorites at +110. However, there is still plenty of line value left at +110. The Celtics are the Knicks’ main competition in this division, but the Celtics will not have the goal of winning their division. They want to be ready to compete for the championship. Unbeknownst to many handicappers, the NBA playoffs will also compressed, with possible back-to-back games in the second round. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett have all been in the league for double-digit years. There will be a changing of the guard in Boston and this season is a great opportunity to get the youngsters plenty of experience while the BIG-THREE coast through the regular season. The Knicks, on the other hand still have a lot to prove. With the addition of Tyson Chandler, they have the best front court in the NBA. Chauncey Billups is gone and rookie Iman Shumpert looks like he can play anywhere. This team will be passionate about winning the entire season. To help them win the Atlantic, the NBA gave them a very favorable schedule. The Knicks get FOURTEEN opponents this season who are playing their fourth game in five days – the most in the league. The Knicks get TEN opponents playing the second of back-to-back road games – the most in the East. For comparison, the Heat and the Pacers get only two. Finally, the Knicks host EIGHT teams playing in at least their fourth straight road game – the most in the entire league. For comparison, the Magic and Rockets host only one such opponent. Obviously, winning the Atlantic is MUCH more important to the Knicks than the Celtics. Remember, we’re not asking the Knicks to win 45 games. We’re not even asking them to win 40 games. And, we’re not asking them to win a single playoff game. All we need them to do is finish the regular season in front of Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto and New Jersey. Take New York at PLUS-110 to win the Atlantic division.