Denver Nuggets 2009-2010 Season Preview, Picks & Odds

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Denver Nuggets 2008-2009 NBA Record: 54-28, 1st in Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets 2008-2009 ATS (Against The Spread): 45-36-1

Denver Nuggets Betting Trends & Betting Angles:

• 11-2 SU, 11-1-1 ATS past 13 vs Mavericks

• 3-1 2 SU past 15 at Houston

• UNDER is 14-4 past 18 games as underdog

• 9-3-1 ATS past 13 games as underdog

• 7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS past 7 April home games

• 17-2 SU past 19 at home to Portland

• 3-17 SU past 20 trips to Utah

Denver Nuggets 2009-2010 Preview & Prediction

Welcome the stable, dependable Nuggets. They finished fourth in shooting defense during the regular season, then had a crushing road victory in New Orleans in the first round that sent the Hornets spiraling out of the playoffs. Denver then held its composure to advance from the second round against the Mavericks despite what at times was a very hostile atmosphere in Dallas. When the Nuggets did lose, it was to the better team, the Lakers, nor to themselves in what would have been a typical past misadventure.

The anything-is-possible mood around Pepsi Center has turned a franchise once teaming with uncertainty into the league’s best example of an image overhaul. Exactly one year after the Nuggets appeared to be rowing in circles, dumping salaries rather than gearing up for a playoff run and moving forward with Iverson as a leader, they’re preseason contenders to at least return to the conference final. Ownership is spending, pride is showing and fans are responding. If it continues for more than the one season, it will be proof of something real special.

Denver Nuggets Coach: George Karl (6th season)

Denver Nuggets Returning Players: Centers Chris Andersen, Nene, Johan Petro; forwards Carmelo Anthony, Renaldo Balkman, Kenyon Martin; guards Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, J.R. Smith.

Denver Nuggets Key Additions: Guard Arron Afflalo (trade from Pistons), forward Malik Allen (trade from Bucks), guard Ty Lawson (draft), swingman James White (trade from Rockets), forward Joey Graham (free agent).

Denver Nuggets Key Subtractions: Center Steven Hunter (traded to Grizzlies), guard Jason Hart (signed with Timberwolves), forward Dahntay Jones (signed with Pacers), forward Linas Kleiza (signed to play in Greece).

2009-2010 Denver Nuggets Point Guards:

Maybe the stars did not magically align last season. Maybe Billups willed them into order. Hey, the guy pretty much made everything else happen.

On a roster with Anthony undeniably the best player, Billups was unquestionably the biggest factor. Already greatly admired as a hometown hero, already recognized as one of the good guys of the NBA, already acknowledged as one of the better point guards in the league, his standing reached new heights with the new role as the emotional compass of the Nuggets after being acquired in the blockbuster deal that sent Iverson to Detroit. Billups brought leadership and stability. And if that wasn’t enough, he won playoff games with his three­point shooting.

Anthony Carter and Jason Hart were unsigned free agents as of early August, but the Nuggets had their backup anyway. Originally without a first-round pick, they acquired the No. 18 pick to get someone from among the second wave of point guards, choosing Lawson over Jeff Teague (No. 19, to Atlanta), Eric Maynor (20, to Utah) and Darren Collison (21, to New Orleans).

2009-2010 Denver Nuggets Off Guards:

J .R. Smith was the bench scoring and the safety net. Scoring 15.2 points a game, trailing only Anthony and Billups, pushed him to second place in balloting for Sixth Man of the Year. The presence of a young backup more than able to move into the opening lineup was the security for the Nuggets as Dahantay Jones left via free agency.

If the Nuggets were disappointed when Jones took a deal with the Pacers, they were not deeply wounded because elevating Smith into the starter’s role was such an easy solution. Karl will have to replace the offensive energy within the second unit, but promoting Smith comes with the confidence that he can handle the role and also deliver in
the playoffs. Reserve or not, Smith averaged about 10 minutes more per game than Jones anyway. Arron Affialo should become the new backup.

2009-2010 Denver Nuggets Small Forwards:

Anthony is the guy whose stock continues to soar while his scoring average continues to drop. From 28.9 points a game three seasons ago to 25.7 to 22.8, his lowest since 2004-05, but while playing in two All-Star games, while taking a victory lap at the Beijing Olympics, while hitting clutch shots in the playoffs as the No. 1 offensive threat for a division champion and conference finalist. And he’s 25.

Linas Kleiza left through free agency, and the Nuggets lost him for nothing, with the Lithuanian taking a deal in Europe. He was inconsistent but valuable, more than ever with Smith’s move to starting shooting guard putting increased emphasis on Denver needing a scoring threat in its second unit.

2009-2010 Denver Nuggets Power Forwards:

The efforts in rebuilding his career after the rarity of dual micro fracture operations have been admirable, but that doesn’t change the fact that Martin will turn 32 in December and averaged just six rebounds in 32 minutes a game as a starting power forward.

The offset, and reason for optimism, is the return of Chris Andersen with a new free agent deal. He has an ability to play power forward and center, at such a level of energy inside that he quickly turned into one of the most valuable role players in the league.

2009-2010 Denver Nuggets Centers:

Like Martin, Nene isn’t a strong rebounder. But like power forward, the glaring deficiency at center is also countered by the presence of Andersen as one of the best reserve big men in tile league.

Besides, it was Nene’s first season back after surgery and treatment in what so far has been a successful fight back against testicular cancer. And he will be just 27 at the start of camp, about the time he should be reaching his prime. Even in healthy moments, though, he has never made a major impact on the boards, so it’s unrealistic to expect that will change, but he is a decent scorer and is smart with his shot selection.

Denver Nuggets 2009-2010 Season Predictions

We predict that the Denver Nuggets will finish 1st in the NBA Northwest Division .

Denver Nuggets Betting

Denver Nuggets NBA Championship Odds: +400

Denver Nuggets Eastern Conference Odds: +1500

Denver Nuggets 2008-2009 Betting Stats

Denver Nuggets Straight Up: 54-28

Denver Nuggets ATS: 45-36-1

Denver Nuggets Home ATS: 23-17-1

Denver Nuggets Away ATS: 22-19

Denver Nuggets Record As Favorite: 45-11

Denver Nuggets Record As Dog: 7-17

Denver Nuggets Over/Under: 41-41

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