76ers – NBA Season Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers took a major step forward last season after managing to win just 27 games in 2009/2010.
2011/2012 NBA Team Betting Previews- Philadelphia 76ers
Odds to win the Eastern Conference +5000
Odds to win the NBA Championship +10000
They finished an even 41-41 and earned the seventh-seed in the playoffs which unfortunately came with a first-round date with Miami. The 76ers did manage to extend the best-of-seven series to five games with a win in Game 4, but it became painfully evident just how far this team still is from the top of the heap in the Eastern Conference. They have been opened as a moderate longshot at +5000 to make that quantum leap in 2012 and a reduced 66-game schedule actually enhances their chances.
Philadelphia comes into this season with pretty-much the same roster as last year, but has to hope that last year’s experience pays dividends for one of the youngest teams in the league. It will be especially young in the backcourt with guards Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Elton Brand and Andre Igoudala add the veteran leadership to the frontcourt and center Spencer Hawes, who was recently re-signed as a restricted free agent to a one-year $4.1 million dollar deal is certainly not one of the elite big men in the league, but more than capable of holding his own under the boards.
This starting lineup is unlikely to strike fear into the likes of Miami or Chicago, but they will allow the team to compete night after night as its core strength is their ability to play as a team with the lack of any true superstars. Also look for players such as Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young to provide some solid support off the bench.
As mentioned, the shortened season plays into the 76er’s favor as they have the youth to endure the vigors of an aggressive game schedule. The main problem is a lack of any real depth if any of the starters go down with a serious injury. None the less, Philadelphia should make its way back into the playoffs as possibly as high as a fifth or sixth seed. As long as it does not draw the Bulls or Heat in the first round, it actually has a chance to win a series. The reality is, it will probably be another one-and-done for Philadelphia, but it will be much more competitive this time around.
