2009-10 Indiana Pacers Predictions
Written October 23, 2009 by Jack Jones
It wasn’t long ago that the Indiana Pacers were contending for the Eastern Conference’s trip to the NBA Finals, but after three straight seasons of missing the playoffs this team would just like to once again reach the postseason. The good news is that with Danny Granger, anything is possible. This team has had injury problems the last three years though, and will have to stay healthy if they are going to give their fans something to cheer about. The NBA odds makers have projected the over/under for wins at 34.5, which is less than the 36 they had a year ago. The Pacers are 100-to-1 to win the NBA Finals, and 70-to-1 to win the East. If you are going to do any NBA betting this season, make sure you take a look at the $500 signup bonus offered by BetUS!
Backcourt
TJ Ford will start the season at point guard, but he can’t feel like his job is too safe after hearing all of the trade rumors and being benched in favor of Jarrett Jack last year. He only dished out 5.3 assists per game and doesn’t really fit in with Jim O’Brien’s offense. Earl Watson will be Ford’s backup and while he is a better passer, he’s not a very good shooter. Dahntay Jones comes over from Denver to provide the team a quality perimeter defender. He’ll share playing time with Brandon Rush, who finished off his rookie season strongly.
Frontcourt
With Mike Dunleavy being hurt most of last season Granger really stepped up. He’s going to have to do so again with Dunleavy out to at least December. Granger won the league’s Most Improved Player award after putting up 25.8 points per game on 40.4% 3-point shooting. Granger does need to step things up defensively, but he’s close to becoming one of the league’s elite players. Troy Murphy will start at power forward after a great statistical year in which he averaged 14.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Plus, he can stretch the floor as evidenced by his 45% shooting. Jeff Foster is the center and he’s a quality rebounder and tough defender, but the up and coming guy here is Roy HIbbert. He’s worked hard this summer, especially on reducing the number of fouls he racks up. A couple of former ACC starts will provide the depth as Dukie Josh McRoberts and rookie Tar Heel Tyler Hansbrough both have potential.
Summary
This team needs another superstar other than Granger in order to break through to contender status. With Dunleavy hurt already and a lot of other questions it is going to be tough to see this team ending up in the postseason. My NBA predictions show the Pacers coming in at fourth in the Central and out of the playoffs. If you want to cash in on more of your wagers this year, think about signing up for the NBA picks offered by our top handicappers.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- 2009-10 Boston Celtics Predictions
- 2009-10 Detroit Pistons Predictions
- Jack’s Free Sports Picks: 10/28
- Free NBA Pick for 12/2/2008
- 2009-10 Indiana Basketball Predictions
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