The Denver Nuggets are considered contenders in NBA betting in the Western Conference but this season could be difficult with superstar Carmelo Anthony wanting out of Denver. The Nuggets need Anthony to play well every night if they are to be contenders but that is not a given. Making an NBA bet on Denver this season could be a little risky. Let’s look at the 2010-2011 Denver Nuggets.
Last Year’s Record SU 53-29, 35-41-6 ATS
The Nuggets were a solid team last season as they won over 50 games but they were a losing team against the spread. It is unlikely that Denver will win as many games this season, especially if Anthony is traded. The Nuggets may have no choice but to move Anthony since he will be a free agent after this year. This season could be volatile for Denver and they may struggle against the spread.
Projected Starting Lineup
Guard – Chauncey Billups
Guard – Arron Affalo
Center – Nene
Forward – Carmelo Anthony
Forward – Kenyon Martin
Prediction
The Nuggets are capable of beating any team in the league when they play well. The problem this season is that there is the cloud of Anthony wanting out of Denver hanging over the team. The Nuggets do not have the talent to win on a nightly basis against the NBA betting odds without Anthony so they have to hope he plays well until he gets traded. This Denver team has other problems beyond Anthony. They are getting old. Billups has seen his better days: Martin is beyond his prime and head coach George Karl looks to be headed to retirement. Denver has made the playoffs the past seven years but gamblers making an NBA bet at Sbg global.com do not believe they are a guarantee to make it this season. The Western Conference is loaded and Denver could be in trouble. The Nuggets did nothing in the off-season to improve and there is a real chance that Anthony will be traded sometime this year. The Northwest Division is tough and Oklahoma City, Utah and Portland all look like they could be better than the Nuggets this season. Denver is a good team with Carmelo Anthony in the lineup and capable of making the playoffs. Without Anthony they will be lucky to finish .500.