NBA 2009 Season Preview - The New York Knicks

2008-09 Record: 32-50 SU, 47-34-1 ATS

Key Additions: Jordan Hill, Darko Milicic
Key Losses: Quintin Richardson, Chris Wilcox

The Knicks are undoubtedly one of the best teams to bet on in the NBA, as the oddsmakers continually levy huge spreads against them at home. In terms of sheer scoring power, they are a force to be reckoned with. With 105.2 points per game last season, the Knicks were the fourth best offense in the league. Unfortunately for Spike Lee and the Knicks fans, they also gave up 107.8 points per game against.

Coach Mike D’Antoni has had the chance to bolster his line-up to properly administer his “7 Seconds Or Less” offensive mindset. Chris Duhon runs the point as a utility guard averaging 11.1 points and 7.2 assists. At his flank stands Nate Robinson, who is still at odds with management about a reasonable extension. Robinson is loved in New York (just not by the police, who have suspended his license more than five times already). The little man scores 17.2 points per game and is worthy of some real highlights every week.

But the true glue of this team is the man that is demanding a $50 million deal: David Lee. Averaging 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, Lee is the gutsy, physical power-forward who does it all at both ends. He is by and large their best player, and the most crucial element in attracting a big name free-agent. Due $7 million this year, Lee will become one of the many studs entering the fray in the Summer of 2010 if the Knicks don’t secure him down the stretch.

Strengths: The offense can score in boat loads and that has to continue. They have a somewhat proven arsenal that can be streaky at times. Al Harrington and David Lee are efficient scorers, while Duhon and Robinson run the point pretty well given their lack of polish to run offenses. Still, the Knicks are getting about 15-points per game from 7-8 guys on this roster, and those points add up quickly.

Weaknesses: Defense. 100+ points against just doesn’t cut it in the Eastern Conference anymore. They also lack a true number-one scoring option. They had just one player (Harrington) breach the 20-point barrier…and he barely did it with 20.7 points per game.

X-Factor: Danilo Gallinari and Darko have to prove they can be effective, and stay healthy. I’m not sure if either of these guys can thrive in the 7-second offense of D’Antoni, but if they can they can then New York will have found the scoring necessary to punch any visiting team in the face.

Betting Prescription: Bet on them at home in most cases, and on the road when they get massive point spreads from the oddsmakers. Stay the hell away from them in our futures!

2009-10 Outlook: Sadly the focus for the brass in New York will not be on anybody on this roster outside of David Lee. They’re much more intent on looking forward to the Summer of 2010 where they will hope to get a combination of LeBron, Wade or  Bosh. With a $51 million salary cap looming for 2010-11, the Knicks’s strategy to bank on being able to spend freely to get whomever they want has somewhat backfired. They’re going to start unloading talent to clear more cap space, and that could very well include Lee or Robinson.

No team enters the 2009-10 season with more question marks than the Knicks. Even the freaking Clippers are more stable at this point.

Furious Betting Prediction: 4th Atlantic Division / 12th Eastern Conference