2009-10 Oklahoma City Thunder Predictions
Written October 26, 2009 by Jack Jones
The Oklahoma City have been labeled an up-and-coming team, even though they compiled a 23-59 record a year ago. The biggest reason is that after they started the year 3-29 the team still bounced back to go 20-30 over their final 50 games instead of packing it in. All of there young stars have been working hard, which has led management to think promising things are coming in the not-too-distant future. The NBA odds makers don’t think the Thunder will make it over the hump quite yet, as they have set the season win total projections at 34.5. The odds on Oklahoma City winning the Western Conference are at 100-to-1, while the odds to win the NBA Finals are 150-to-1. If you are going to be doing any NBA betting this season then take a look at the $500 in FREE bonus money being offered by BetUS Sportsbook!
Backcourt
Russell Westbrook still has a lot of improving to do as he led the league in turnovers a year ago, but he was the only rookie to average 15 points, five assists, and four rebounds last year. I’m excited to see what he can do in his second-year. Coming off the bench at the point will be Shaun Livingston, who was once supposed to be the star of the Clippers organization before a knee injury a few years ago. While he won’t be as quick as he once was, he’s still a great passer and a nice option for a backup. At the off-guard spot will be Thabo Sefolosha, who is a tough defender who can slash to the basket. James Harden from Arizona State should also see quite a bit of playing time right away as most scouts considered him NBA-ready on draft day.
Frontcourt
Kevin Durant is going to be one of the top players in the game, it’s just a matter of when. He just turned 21 years old and is the second faster player in league history to reach the 3,000 point milestone. The knock on him is his size as he needs to improve his post game and bulk up a little bit. Jeff Green is a potent inside-out threat at the four spot and while he doesn’t have a real strength, he doesn’t have a real weakness either. He’s a guy who should keep improving as he enters only his third year in the league. Nenad Krstic is the center, but instead of dominating the paint he’s more of a shooter and passer. Nick Collison is a team player and a hustle guy who will come off the bench at power forward, while Etan Thomas gives the team a little defensive presence down low.
Summary
The Thunder should be one of the most improved teams in the league this year, but making the playoffs seems like too lofty of a goal. With my NBA predictions I have them pegged at 4th in the Northwest Division and at home come the middle of April. If you want NBA picks from top experts, sign up today with one of our handicappers.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- NY Knicks v. Oklahoma City Thunder Free NBA Picks
- 2009 Oklahoma Football Predictions
- Kansas City Chiefs 2009 NFL Predictions
- 2009 Kansas City Chiefs NFL Season Predictions
- 2009 Kansas City Royals Predictions
Got something to say?
No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!