First, the wear and tear of teams having to play three games in three days is going to be a factor that cannot be avoided. The Boston Celtics immediately come to mind as a team that may be hurt by the compacted schedule as their roster is veteran-filled and older. Whether the Celtics will enter the playoffs healthy is of major concern as they could easily have key players out like when Kevin Garnett missed the entire 2009 postseason.
Another team with similar concerns would be the Dallas Mavericks as Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd are coming off a world championship and are not getting any younger. There are concerns about the Mavericks ability to get over a potential championship hangover and focus on a grueling new season in the tough Western Conference.
Second, new coaches such as Mike Brown of the Los Angeles Lakers have missed precious time they need to install their system. Brown was the longtime coach of the Cleveland Cavalier when LeBron James starred there and has been out of coaching since “The Decision” after James and the rest of the Cavs quit on the 2010 playoffs. With longtime legendary hall of fame coach Phil Jackson retired, the Lakers will have less time to get to know Brown and for Brown to earn their respect. If things do not start off right it could get very interesting in Los Angeles.
Third, new players on new teams will have less of a preseason training camp to jell and get used to each other. Teams with rosters that have been made over may struggle early on in the season until players get used to each other’s style of play and the overall team system.
The new NBA season will offer plenty of opportunity for surprises as well as shockers. The teams that are the best established and well led will be best bets against the NBA basketball odds early in the season.
0 Response to "NBA Factors May Be Different in Jam-Packed Season"
Post a Comment