2009-10 San Antonio Spurs Predictions

Written October 26, 2009 by Jack Jones

The San Antonio Spurs were good enough to win 54 games a year ago, but after a first round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks this team realized they needed to get better, and did so in a big way when they landed Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks. San Antonio also gave themselves another option down low by getting Antonio McDyess, turning them into a serious title contender in 2009-10. The NBA odds makers seem to agree with me as the season total win projections have been set at 54.5. The Spurs odds on winning the West are currently at 4.5-to-1, while their odds to win the NBA Finals are 9-to-1. If you are going to be doing any NBA betting this winter, then make sure you take advantage of the $500 in FREE money offered to our readers by BetUS!

Backcourt

Tony Parker seemed to take his game up another level a year ago, when he finished with 22 ppg to go with 6.9 assists. He shoots 51% from the field and while his mid-range jumper has developed, he’s still sub-30% from downtown, about his only weakness. Roger Mason Jr. stepped up a year ago to fill the void left by Manu Ginobili’s absence, and he will allow Ginobili to come off the bench again this year. Speaking of Ginobili, it is questionable whether he can be as effective as he was before his recent rash of injuries. At 32, he isn’t getting any younger and he was sorely missed last year.

Frontcourt

Landing Jefferson was a steal as he is a top-notch player that should fill in nicely with his teammates. He can post up smaller defenders or penetrate past bigger guys, plus he’s worked hard to improve his outside shot and came in at close to 40% a year ago from 3-point range. Behind him is Michael Finley, who still has deadly aim from deep even if he isn’t quite as fast as he once was. Tim Duncan remains one of the most consistent producers in the NBA by averaging a double-double and shooting over 50% almost every year. No reason to expect anything less this season as he moves to playing more center in order to accommodate the addition of McDyess. McDyess almost averaged a double-double last year with Detroit, and even though he’s entering his 14th season in the league, his smart play has enabled him to keep producing at a high level. Theo Ratliff, DeJuan Blair, and Marcus Haislip will all see time coming off the bench.

Summary

With a few great roster moves and the return of Ginobili the Spurs are right back in the mix for contending with the Lakers in the West. With my NBA predictions, I’m still giving the edge to LA, but the Spurs should win their division and make it to the Conference Finals. If you want winning NBA picks to help you beat the books, our handicappers can help you out.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

Got something to say?