2009-2010 NBA Eastern Power Rankings
The 2009/2010 NBA season tipped off this past Tuesday with a match-up between two of the best teams in the East, Boston and Cleveland. The Celtics drew first blood with a 95-89 win as Kevin Garnett returned to action and Rasheed Wallace made his debut. For Cleveland, Shaqille O’Neil appeared in his first game as a Cavalier playing 29 minutes and contributing 10 rebounds and 10 points in the losing effort. The Wizards got their season started right on Tuesday with a big win over the Dallas Mavericks 102-91. The rest of the conference was in action on Wednesday and while each team has only played a game or two, here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top teams in the East.
Boston Celtics Odds to Win the East +150
The Celtics followed up their impressive win in Cleveland, with a lopsided win over the Charlotte Bobcats in their home opener. The Bobcats were completely out matched losing by over 30 points, 92-59. This game was never close, but Boston put it away for good with a 25-10 run in the 3rd quarter. In two games, Paul Pierce leads the team in scoring with 38 points, Kevin Garnett leads in rebounds with 17, and Rajon Rondo leads in assists with 21. Next up for the Celtics are the Bulls tonight and the Hornets on Sunday at home and the 76ers next Tuesday and the Timberwolves on Wednesday on the road.
Orlando Magic Odds to Win the East +375
The Magic opened the defense of their Eastern Conference title against the Philadelphia 76ers, another playoff team from last year. This game was never in question for the Magic as they led by 23 points at the half on route to a 120-106 home opener victory. Dwight Howard led the team in scoring with 21 and rebounds with 15. Off season acquisition Vince Carter added 15 points and 3 assists for his new team. While it is only one game, they showed they will be tough to beat especially at home. Next up for the Magic are the Nets tonight, Raptors on Sunday, and the Pistons next Tuesday on the road and the Suns at home on Wednesday.
Miami Heat Odds to Win the East +1400
The Heat hosted the New York Knicks in their opener and looked impressive in a 115-93 win. Leading by nine at the half, they pulled away in the 3rd quarter outscoring the Knicks 34-15. Dwyane Wade led the scoring for the Heat with 26, followed by Jermaine O’Neil with 22 and Michael Beasley with 21. O’Neil was the leading rebounder with 12 and Wade added 5 assists. This win was a solid team effort which is exactly what Miami needs on a night basis. Next up for the Heat are the Pacers on the road tonight, at home on Sunday against the Bulls and on Tuesday against the Suns, and then back on the road to face the Wizards on Wednesday.
Cleveland Cavaliers Odds to Win the East +135
The Cavaliers followed up the loss at home to the Celtics with a shocking loss on Wednesday to the Toronto Raptors 101-91. The Raptors controlled the game from the start jumping out to a 19 point lead at the half and never looked back. Despite the fact that they have started the season 0-2 they still are one of the teams to beat in the East, but have certainly not looked the part so far. In two games, Lebron James leads the team in scoring with 61 points as well as assists with 20 and Shaquille O’Neil leads in rebounds with 17. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Timberwolves tonight on the road and then back home for games against the Bobcats on Saturday, the Wizards on Tuesday, and the Bulls on Thursday.
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