Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers 2010 NBA Preview, Odds, and Predictions: Head Basketball Coach Phil Jackson will be looking for his 4th 3 peat as NBA Champions this season as he leads the Los Angeles Lakers at home against the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center at 10:30 PM ET on TNT. Jackson was most likely looking to retire and most probably will after this season but with the chance of winning his 12th NBA Championship as a coach he had to return. All Star Guard Kobe Bryant had knee surgery in the off season but chose not to have surgery on his broken finger due to the long recovery time. “I’m not as concerned about his shot as him just having the overall ability to have the energy he wants to play with,” Jackson said. “His shot will come as soon as he gets that. He’s the best caretaker of his own health I’ve ever seen. … I think he just needs to play some ball, and he’ll be fine.” Center Andrew Bynum also had knee surgery and will miss another month. The Rockets will get back the services of Yao Ming after missing the entire last season with a broken foot. The odds makers at JustBET have the Los Angeles Lakers a -7 ½ point favorite odds at home against the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers ended the last season as NBA Champions defeating the Boston Celtics in 7 games. Kobe Bryant averaged 27 points per game and was again one of the best finishers in the league coming down the stretch. He should be healthier this year, a scary thought for opponents. The Lakers resigned guard Derrick Fisher who has been with Bryant on all 5 Championship teams as well as adding athletic center Theo Ratliff. Vegas odds makers have the Los Angeles Lakers +250 to win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship.
The Houston Rockets went 42-40 and missed the playoffs for the first time in four years, but with Yao returning are looking to contend in the Western Conference. Head basketball coach Rick Adelman likes his roster after last season was a MASH unit of injuries. “I like our depth all the way through,” Adelman said. “I don’t think anybody should have to play 40 minutes. … We have quality guys coming off the bench.” Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 195 1/2 points combined of the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
I predict a Laker win at home! Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert NBA Predictions against the vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.