StatFox says:
Hello everybody, man time is flying! Seems like just yesterday that we were kicking off the football season. We are now ready to tip-off the 2005-06 NBA campaign! StatFox is nearly in full basketball mode already, and we have begun to release a series of great preview sections on the coming pro basketball season. To supplement all of that, we are dedicating this week's edition of the StatFox Scuffle to the NBA.

In this scuffle, we will be looking at season over-under win total props for the teams, plus some other futures odds on divisional, conference, and league title aspirations. So without further ado, I welcome in our esteemed, or is that steamed, panelists, StatFox Doug & StatFox Steve. Good day gentlemen and welcome to the scuffle.

StatFox Doug says:
Good Day Mr. Granik, sorry to see you step down after this year. Hello Steven, I took my medication just like you asked and hope to have a kinder gentler Scuffle this week. (Why does my eye keep twitching?)

StatFox Steve says:
Good day my comrades...great to be back for the scuffle, hard to believe its NBA time again! Let's get at it...Doug, word on the street is that you are a HUGE fan of the new dress code, and plan to adopt it in your everyday life. Is that true?

StatFox Doug says:
YES I am. Seeing that I am employed by this fine organization and want to keep it that way, I will not express my deepest feelings. I will say that a suit and a tie help everyone look sharp. Unfortunately some players feel this undermines their street cred,..but hey, Snoop Dog is doing Chysler commercials with my man Lee. Allen Iverson is right when he says a thug is still a thug no matter what he wears. At least he will be a well dressed thug (punk, sorry it slipped) and maybe, just maybe, the newer breed of player like Dwyane Wade can lead the NBA back. Do you have anything to say on this subject?

StatFox Steve says:
I'm a big backer of the player, I believe it was Marcus Camby, who said they should be given a clothing stipend. These guys simply can't afford the policy. It is a blow to their street cred and their wallet, a double whammy if you will! Hah! What a joke! In all seriousness though, I had a gameday "dress up" policy on my high school team. Shirt & tie was pretty much standard for game days, and obviously we played for free. I thoroughly back Stern and the NBA on this policy and feel no pity whatsoever for the players. In fact, it unfortunate that a few of the "thugs" as you call them, are letting their voices be heard over those who already represent themselves professionally. Now to the actual play on the court...get us started...

StatFox Doug says:
The most obvious place to start is the future home of the Saints, San Antonio. Every sportsbook in the world including Sportsbook.com has them favored and why not. The Spurs have Nazr Mohammad for the entire season, they have the best front office in the NBA, and a coach who is normal and enjoys life and winning. I do have a minor surprise coming out of the East, but I'm curious about your selections, given your aforementioned vast knowledge of hoops from your high school playing days.

StatFox Steve says:
Spurs are obviously a favorite, but I think one of the things not being focused on that much is the improvement of the East against the West. In fact, any margin that existed between the two conferences in the last decade or so is essentially gone. To discount the favorites in the East, notably Miami & Detroit, would be a mistake. Agree?

StatFox Doug says:
I would completely agree. I think the gap between the Spurs and the next closet team is considerable, while I see three potential teams making the NBA Finals. That's right THREE, which includes the Indiana Pacers baby. After a star-crossed season, Indiana is ready to move up and I'm putting my money where my large mouth is calling for OVER 52.5 wins and an Eastern Conference crown.

StatFox Steve says:
Oh goody....you started with one of my favorites as well...I will actually hold your bet on that one! If there are two teams I believe to be overrated heading into this season, they are the Pacers and Kings. What exactly do you like about Indiana? Artest being back?

StatFox Doug says:
Artest is one of my favorite thugs! A poor man’s Rodman with offensive skills. What's not to like, Tinsley and S. Jackson at guard, Jermaine O'Neal is a stud, and Jeff Foster is servicable in the pivot. Croshere plays all the frontcourt spots.  Sarunas Jasikevicius was a great pick-up for Reggie. I will say I am concerned because Coach Rick does not make great adjustments in the playoffs, however Miami has a crazy situation to iron out with personnel and Larry Brown is out in MoTown, so who knows about the Pistons. A nice medium wager.

StatFox Steve says:
I don't think you can underestimate the loss of Reggie Miller to that team. He was the heart and soul, and its most clutch player. Without him in the locker room, this team has "implode" potential. I don't see them winning 50 games, no way. I will take the Under 51 at BetCRIS. As far as Detroit goes, I don't share the same concerns. I'll take what happens on the court to mean more than what happens off of it. The two time defending champs are being given 5-1 odds to win the East. Now that's value.

StatFox Doug says:
It might be value in your opinion, however this team has been marked by defensive excellence under Larry Brown and it turns more offensive with Flip Saunders. This is not a great offensive team to begin with and the bench is marginal as exposed in the playoffs. You’re right, solid club, just receding at bit against up and coming PACERS! What do you think about the Heat?

StatFox Steve says:
I'm more of a leadership on the court type of guy. While I value head coaching in the NBA, I think it is secondary to on-court coaches...i.e. Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, etc. Who do the Pacers have??? No one. Enough about them though, Miami is an interesting case. I think they took a fairly big chance adding the players they did in the offseason. However, with that said, O'Neal is the leader of the Heat, and any chemistry issues will go through him. Eventually, this team should win 60+ games, particularly in that crappy division they're in. What do you think?

StatFox Doug says:
I think Pat Riley set-up Ron Jeremy, sorry Stan Van Gundy, to fail. Like all the teams in the NBA, you can only use one ball on offense. You have three players who will expect 15-25 touches per game and one of them is not Wade. I'm going against you and saying Miami Under 57 at CRIS. In the East I also like New Jersey to win the Atlantic and the Knicks to win Under 41. Bad roster that even Larry Brown can't clean-up in a year, now that he has his "Dream Job".

StatFox Steve says:
Yeah, I find that unusual that New York would be a basketball dream job. What about North Carolina? What about bringing a title to Detroit? New York was a big thing in the 70's. It’s just not the same. Plus, as long as Marbury is in town, it’s unrealistic to forecast any great success. Not sure what to think about the Nets. Vince Carter kind of reminds me of Marbury. A stat stuffing highlight reel that won't win. Can Kidd's on the court presence offset that?

StatFox Doug says:
Yes he can and Richard Jefferson's back. The addition of Jeff McInnis was excellent. Call New Jersey sort of a Sacramento version out East. Are you going to share your LOCK on the totals with our viewing public or is it too sweet for publication?

StatFox Steve says:
I have a couple of East teams on my radar that I've already gotten down on at CRIS: Indiana Under 51, Chicago under 42-1/2, and Milwaukee over 35. I've already explained my reasoning for the Pacers. As far as Chicago is concerned, I think the loss of Curry is going to hurt badly. He was an integral part of that strong Bulls team a year ago. Also, don't forget, they started like 0-10 last season and rode some serious momentum down the stretch. It's hard to recapture that the next season, particularly with different players. Any thoughts on them?

StatFox Doug says:
I agree with your Bulls assessment, and disagree with Milwaukee. In the Central division who are they better then to pick up any easy wins? Nobody, the offense could return to the level of 2003-04, but other them Bobby Simmons, who plays defense? I'd say 35 wins sounds about right. How about the Western Conference?

StatFox Steve says:
I can't let you go that easily on Milwaukee. Here are the facts: 30 wins last year, massive injury problems, a 7-9 record against the Central. After adding Jamaal Magloire today, this roster is 10x more talented than the one that took the floor a year ago. Bogut, Ford, Magloire, Simmons, Redd. To me, that has the potential to be a very strong starting five. This team WILL be back in the playoffs barring similar problems to last year. As far as the West in concerned, I will let you lead in with some thoughts about the Kings, whom you remarked about earlier. Go ahead, give us your take on Big Sac.

StatFox Doug says:
Steve, when did you start working at a meth house? The Kings are jesters just like they have been for years. They do have two All-Stars in Peja and Bibby. Shareef Abdur-Rahim…please. This team is a possible 7th or 8th slot club for the playoffs and not making them would be no surprise to me.  Share your thoughts and tell me about Phil and Kobe.

StatFox Steve says:
Oh, you surprised me there. I thought you were a Kings backer. Good, we agree on something: Under 49 for them. As far as the Lakers are concerned, their over-under number is posted at 40-1/2. Basically, they need to finish .500. With Phil back in the mix, and a refreshed Kobe, I think that's a solid bet. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this team is back in the playoffs. Now, your rebuttal...

StatFox Doug says:
Who is going to compliment Kobe? The Zen Master brings back the Triangle offense, which ends up being the Bermuda Triangle for those trying to learn it the first year. Phil Jackson can't overcome a lack of talent, I'm Under on the Lakers. My favorite team out West that wins the Northwest Division is Denver. I think this team makes a marked improvement and is Over the 49.5 total. If all the San Antonio players were injured this season, then I’d take a flyer on the Nuggets at 10-1 to win the West. Fire away my friend.

StatFox Steve says:
Damn, I agree. Denver's starting five has everything. The only thing that can derail this team is injury or George Karl's ego. I like the makeup on that squad though, and would take the 10-1 myself. Obviously Houston and Dallas should be in the mix, but do you have your eye on any surprise teams?

StatFox Doug says:
Honestly I don't. Houston has the potential by adding Stromile Swift to the frontcourt. I think Rafer Alston is an upgrade at PG. Like I said previously, the West now has a bunch of ordinary teams. One other possible Under team is the Hornets. This team came to New Orleans in a weird deal and now must play 35 home games in Oklahoma City. They are listed at 20 wins, sounds low, best guess there’s a quality reason for such a number. I'm going Under with the Hornets. I would like to add that keep an eye on the Clippers early a an OVER team on game totals. Lots of offense with matador defense.

StatFox Steve says:
Good points. Regarding the Hornets, that team is a mess, both on and off the court. I agree, 20 wins are going to be tough to come by. With that said, I see one other team that might be just as bad...Portland. Wow, this team is just a shell of its former self. Talk about rebuilding! Now granted, rebuilding was in order, but it’s going to take awhile. 28 wins is an awfully optimistic total. EASY UNDER. On the flip side, I'm optimistic about Utah's chances, especially back at full strength, with Williams of Illinois at the point. Could threaten for the postseason in my opinion???

StatFox Doug says:
I lost a boatload on Utah last year on the O/U and early in the season. I'm still sensitive to the touch on the Jazz. You are correct to surmise the only way is up. This is a general question that has nothing to do with capping, who are the three players in the NBA that you have to watch whenever possible? I'll wait for your response....

StatFox Steve says:
Not to discount Shaq or Wade, but Duncan, Garnett, and Lebron....tough to argue those three. I would build a franchise around any of them.

StatFox Doug says:
I should maybe rephrase the question and maybe those are your answers, but what I meant was entertainment value, kinda like Reggie Bush of USC. My players are Ginobili, Nash, and Tracy McGrady. Artists at work.

StatFox Steve says:
In that case, bring back Thunder Dan Majerle!

StatFox Doug says:
Confernce Finals: Denver vs. San Antonio and Indiana vs. Miami       Finals Spurs and Pacers, Winner is San Antonio 4th time in 8 years

StatFox Steve says:
Final Four East: Detroit, Miami, Cleveland, Milwaukee (slight homer pick, but man am I optimistic!), Final Four West: San Antonio, Denver, Houston, Dallas. Conf. Finals: Miami over Detroit, San Antonio over Houston. Finals: Heat over Spurs, Shaq gets it done and rides off into the sunset.....Douglas...it's been fun as always...any final thoughts to leave everyone with? Here's mine: From a handicapping perspective, Offense rules the roost early, defense takes over in January...

StatFox Doug says:
Slight Homer pick! Things certainly can change, I just see too many hurdles for the Heat to even get to the Finals. I would like to pass along one tip in the first month of the NBA season. Play On road favorites that are 2 points or less, Play Against home favorites 2 points or less. Always gets my NBA wagering off to a good start. Hey Steve, maybe you can show me your high school team
basketball picture, that would be REAL NICE.

StatFox Steve says:
6-1, 165 pounds of solid muscle baby...Oh, the good ol' days!

StatFox Doug says:
I realized my basketball career was headed South when I was a junior and I had a kid perfectly boxed out and he jumps over me to get the rebound without touching a strand of my uniform.

StatFox Steve says:
God had a different plan set forth for you...thank heavens for us?!?!??!

StatFox Doug says:
That's very good, you made me laugh.

StatFox Steve says:
Adidas...I mean adios!