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NBA Preview: Sonics
NBA Preview: Sonics By WagerWeb.com and Ecobika sports betting picks Ray Allen examined his free agent options last offseason. Several teams offered huge contracts to the most dangerous 3-point shooter in the game, but he chose to remain with Seattle. If he was looking to win an NBA championship, the Sonics were not the likeliest candidates. Allen discovered as much in 2005-06 as the team suffered through its worst season in 21 years at 35-47. And one must wonder if new owner Clay Bennett plans to move the franchise to his hometown of Oklahoma City, which showed tremendous support of the nomad Hornets last year. Allen played his usual superb role, averaging 25.1 points a game and shooting better than 41 percent from beyond the arc. But the Sonics surrendered a league-worst 105.6 points a game and haven't addressed major deficiencies in the middle. The planned center de jour was Robert Swift, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament has knocked him out for the season. That gives rookie Saer Sene of Senegal and Johan Petro the bulk of the minutes. Not a pleasant prospect. Seattle is fine in the backcourt with Allen and solid point guard Luke Ridnour. And small forward Rashard Lewis emerged as a top-flight scorer last season. Power forward Chris Wilcox is an adequate rebounder and might be forced to play in the middle if the Sonics find no acceptable answers there. This is a roster and franchise in disarray. An under .500 record is a very safe bet. Key additions: C Sene Key subtractions: C Mikki Moore Sportsbook odds: Bettors aren't exactly jumping for joy over the Sonics this season. WagerWeb.com places their over/under victory total at 35 and their NBA championship odds at +12500 (125-1). Player to watch: It would be easy for Allen to get discouraged considering the direction this franchise is taking. In fact, the direction could be far south and a bit east, right to Oklahoma City. But the disintegration of the Sonics on the court didn't affect his play last season. His scoring average represented a career high, and he maintained the tremendous consistency and production that has marked his career. Allen never appears distracted by outside influences, but if there is going to be a season when he is affected and frustrated by negativity, this would be the one. Outlook: This is a team on a slide downward. They did play well down the stretch last season, but don't be deceived. The center position is a mess and only talented power forward Wilcox and promising Nick Collison save the inside game from being a complete disaster. The only saving grace is the weak Northwest Division, but teams must play at least close to .500 to compete for the playoffs, and the Sonics likely won't sniff it. Earl Watson provides some depth in the backcourt, which is undoubtedly Seattle's strength. The Sonics must improve dramatically on defense and develop at least some presence close to the basket to have any shot at the postseason. Odds are strongly against that. Let's start the NBA season click here About the Author: Let's start the NBA season click here
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