posted October 27, 2009 at 13:04 EST in NBA Props
2009-10 NBA Scoring Champion Odds
With the start of what promises to be an absolutely thrilling 2009-10 NBA season just hours away its time to take a look at the NBA Scoring Champion Futures Odds in the BetUS Sportsbook. That will be followed by an expert NBA analysis and prediction of whose going to lead the association this season.
While many of the top scorers that populate this list on an annual basis in the race for the league’s scoring title will be right near the top of this season’s final scoring average standings, this year’s scoring champion has a legitimate chance of going to a first-time winner.
With that thought in mind, let’s take a look at the Odds, followed by my analysis and prediction.
Dwyane Wade +175
Analysis: At +175, D-Wade, last season’s scoring champ, is offering pro hoops bettors excellent value. With a roster that is generally lacking in talent once again, Wade will have to shoulder the load of Miami’s scoring burden, but could wear down from having to carry to much responsibility on his shoulders.
Kobe Bryant +250
Analysis: Bryant, a two-time winner of the scoring tile, (2006, 2007) ranked third in scoring and clearly realizes at his point of his career that the best thing for his team is that he score a few less points than he could while spreading the ball around to several of his teammates.
LeBron James +250
Analysis: James was second in scoring last season, but may give up some of the Cavaliers’ scoring burden this coming season with the arrival of aging center Shaquille O’Neal and continued improvement of young forward J.J. Hickson.
Amare Stoudemire +850
Analysis: Stoudemire may be an excellent choice to win the scoring title this season with the Phoenix Suns going back to their run-and-gun style this season, though he averaged just 21.4 points per game last season while missing a whopping 29 games. Stoudemire did average 26.0 points per game in 2004-05 and 25.2 points per contest in 2007-08 and will have a legitimate shot with Steve Nash dishing him the ball.
Dirk Nowitzki +850
Analysis: Despite his scoring prowess, Nowitzki, who averaged 25.9 points per game last season (fourth) has never won a scoring title and likely will not again this season as do-it-all forward Shawn Marion joins the team and the Mavs look to share the wealth with veteran point guard Jason Kidd distributing the ball fairly amongst Nowitzki, Jason Terry and now, ‘The Matrix.’
Danny Granger +850
Analysis: Granger averaged a career-high 25.7 points per game last season to finish fifth in scoring, but may not have to average quite as many points this season with second-year swingman Brandon Rush likely earning major minutes, veteran swingman Mike Dunleavy back on the floor, not to mention the addition of rookie forward Tyler Hansbrough.
Kevin Durant +850
Analysis: Durant averaged 25.3 points per game last season (sixth) but may not put as many points per game this coming season with the addition of gifted rookie shooting guard James Harden and continued progressions of forward Jeff Green and point guard Russell Westbrook, not to mention the addition of solid center Nenad Kristic, whom the team added last season and looked mostly fantastic.
Kevin Martin +850
Analysis: Martin averaged 2.6 points per game last season but missed 31 contests with injuries. With super-talented rookie point guard Tyreke Evans joining Martin in the starting lineup this season, along with the continued development of forward Jason Thompson and center Spencer Hawes, Martin may not average many more points per contest than he did last season.
Carmelo Anthony +850
Analysis: Anthony averaged 22.8 points per contest last season (eighth) and could challenge for this year’s scoring title, though it’s more likely he will share the scoring load with point guard Chauncey Billups and much like last season while continuing to improve on the defensive end of the floor and become a more complete player.
Chris Paul +1300
Analysis: Paul averaged 22.8 points per game last season (seventh) and has far too many other responsibilities for a Hornets team that will likely take a step backwards this season to lead the league in scoring, although I’ll admit that there isn’t a player on the planet that can stop Paul with the ball in his hands.
Brandon Roy +1300
Analysis: Roy averaged 22.6 points per game last season (10th) and has too many talented teammates to lead the league in scoring, though I will admit that Roy should get many more easier baskets this season with veteran point guard Andre Miller joining the team this season.
Chris Bosh +1300
Analysis: Bosh averaged 22.7 points er game last season (ninth) but will likely be physically and emotionally drained by the time the annual all-star break rolls around after having to carry his lowly Raptors teammates through another uphill season.
Tony Parker +2000
Analysis: No way does Parker (22.0 ppg, 12th) lead the league in scoring when he’s dishing the rock to Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and now, swingman Richard Jefferson.
Prediction: While it’s very possible that someone other than Dwyane Wade could lead the league in scoring in 2009-10, I’m going with Miami’s main man to win his second consecutive scoring title as every other player on this list, besides Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, received at least one new teammate that will help ease the scoring burned off of their ample shoulders.
While second-year forward Michael Beasley will likely get more consistent minutes this coming season, the fact of the matter is that Wade will once again be forced to score early and often if the Miami Heat are to have any reasonable chance at winning games.
The Pick: Dwyane Wade
