2012-2013 NBA Season Preview – Miami Heat +200 to Win it All

LeBron James finally got the monkey off his back and led the Miami Heat to the NBA championship for the 2011-2012 season.  Expectations are higher than ever now and the oddsmakers at America’s Bookie have the Heat at +200 to repeat and get another ring and have them -200 to win the Eastern Conference.

Miami was not content to sit back and be satisfied with the team that brought them the title this June against the Thunder.  They brought in veterans Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.  While both of these guys are in their 30’s each of them can shoot.  Allen has made more 3 pointers than anyone in the history of the NBA.  Lewis isn’t too shabby either ranking 8^th on the all time list.  If Miami offers some more danger from the outside, teams around the league are going to have fits. 

Mario Chalmers had a good season last year and he should settle into to an even more comfortable role in the upcoming season.  He still has a way to go but the guy has confidence in his abilities and is developing nicely.  Dwyane Wade had arthroscopic on his knee after the finals and ended up missing the Olympics but his knee is looking good so far in the preseason.  This will be another big plus if Wade can stay healthy throughout the season as he missed quite a few games to injuries last year. 

LeBron showed much more confidence and leadership in the playoffs in 2012.  He went on to be a dominant force for Team USA in the Olympics and there is no reason to doubt that he will be stronger than ever this year.  He has become fearless taking it to the hole and believe me, we have yet to see the best out of this guy.  Before last season it seemed like he cared too much what others thought.  His game didn’t really change in the championship bid but he had a killer instinct like we have never seen before.  As much as I like D. Wade this really became LeBron’s team.

Miami has been lacking in the past when it comes to center.  Joel Anthony is the best of 3 choices they have right now in my opinion, but he seems to perform better coming off the bench.  With the talent the Heat has though they can get away with moving Chris Bosh from forward to center.

While I like Miami’s chances at a shot to repeat this season it is definitely not going to be an easy task.  They are going to have a target on their back and there are a lot of strong and improved teams around the league for them to contend with.  If the Heat can stay healthy however, I really like their chances to be back in the NBA finals come next June.

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