2009-10 Boston Celtics Predictions

Written October 21, 2009 by Jack Jones

One of the teams that is flying under the radar heading into the season is the Boston Celtics. Even though the won the NBA title in 07-08 and their premature exit from last year’s playoffs was due to Kevin Garnett’s knee problems, this team isn’t getting much love due to their stars getting up there in age. Sure Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are now into their 30’s, plus they added some old legs in Rasheed Wallace, but last year this squad started out 44-12 and looked better than anyone else in the league. If they can stay healthy, and that might be a big if, this team will contend for another title. If you are going to do any NBA betting this season, then take a look at the $500 in FREE bonus money being offered by BetUS Sportsbook. Taking a look at the NBA odds over there, they currently have Boston at 2-to-1 to win the East and 4-to-1 to win the NBA Finals.

Backcourt

The Celtics have a rising star in Rajon Rondo who is coming off a great season in which he averaged 8.2 assists per game (6th in the league) and 149 steals (5th overall). Rondo has even improved his jump shot, which was his major weakness early in his career. Allen may be 34, but he’s coming off a year in which he shot 48% from the field and 41% from behind the arc so I don’t think you are going to see his production fall off of the map. Depth is an issue behind Rondo as the team will be relying on Lester Hudson, a 25 year-old rookie from Tennessee-Martin. Tony Allen and Eddie House will also see time at the one, but both are better providing an offensive spark off the bench.

Frontcourt

Pierce is the best player on the team and is coming off a 20.5 ppg campaign. He also grabbed 5.6 rebounds, dished out 3.6 assists, hit over 39% of his 3-pointers, and did whatever else the team needed to secure a win. Garnett is the presence down low and is one of the most versatile big men in the history of the game. He does a great job rebounding and was the 2008 defensive player of the year. Kendrick Perkins is a nice role player who provides a big body while defending hard and hitting the boards with intensity. The addition of Wallace gives Boston another big man who provides matchup problems with his ability to shoot the three. He can also score down low and is a solid defender. Marquis Daniels was a quality pickup coming over from the Indiana Pacers. Last season he averaged 13.6 ppg and while he likely won’t reach that number, he should provide the team quality depth.

Summary

I’m expecting the Celtics to be back in the mix this season. Sure the team is getting older, and their stars all have to be on the floor, but you can’t deny the success they have had as a unit. With my NBA predictions I’m taking them to win the Atlantic, but get edged out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

If you want to win more of your bets this year, take a look at the NBA picks being offered by our experts.

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