New Orleans Hornets Odds – Hornets to battle Blazers, Nuggets for fourth seed in West

The perception is that the New Orleans Hornets had a disappointing season last year but, overall, they won just seven less games than the previous year. It wasn’t necessarily the wins and losses as much as it was the team’s overall performance; they again lost in the first round of the playoffs. Online betting fans should know that the Hornets have more depth this year and, if they don’t wear out All-Stars Chris Paul and David West, they should compete for the fourth seed in the West.

New Orleans Hornets odds: +7550 to win NBA Championship

• Starting five should be improved with Okafor
• Hornets have added depth, youth
• Paul, West won’t be worn out

New Orleans Hornets odds maker breakdown: STARTING FIVE

With Chris Paul, NBA betting fans know the Hornets can win any game on any given night. With David West in the front court, the Hornets have an excellent inside-out combination and, with the addition of Emeka Okafor at center, the Hornets could have one of the best frontcourts in the Western Conference. Julian Wright takes over the starting job from Peja Stojakovic while Marcus Thornton and Morris Peterson will battle for the starting shooting guard role.

New Orleans Hornets odds maker breakdown: BENCH

Speaking of youth, that was the Hornets' focus this offseason as they supplemented this roster with lots of young, potential-filled prospects. Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton were added through the draft and, while Thornton could be the starting shooting guard of the future, the addition of Collison means Paul won’t have to play 40 minutes a game. In the front court, the additions of Darius Songaila and Ike Diogu means the Hornets won’t have to wear out West either.

With Peja Stojakovic moving to the bench, the Hornets now have more reliable players in their second unit.

New Orleans Hornets odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE

The Hornets offense should be outstanding this year. With more depth, the Hornets front lines should be fresh. Down the stretch of the season, both West and Paul were worn out and the Hornets had no answered when that happened. Now that there is more support for the stars, Paul and West won’t have to carry the team.

More importantly, with the emergence of Wright, the Hornets can push a guy like Stojakovic to the bench. With Songaila, Collison, Posey and Thornton coming off the bench, the Hornets will have a good second scoring unit.

Keep in mind that this is just Paul’s fourth year in the league and, if he takes another step forward – even a small one – he’ll be an MVP candidate.

New Orleans Hornets odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE

The Hornets are not a great defensive team but the addition of Okafor will help. Okafor averages about two blocks per game over his career and that should aid a team that averaged only 4.1 blocks per game last year (26th in NBA).

This is a team that likes to get out and run and outscore it’s opponents rather than stifle them defensively.

New Orleans Hornets odds maker breakdown: COACHING

Head coach Byron Scott took some heat for the Hornets' struggles last year but the team still won 49 games. Unlike two years ago, however, New Orleans didn't look like a serious playoff threat last year. With more talent and depth on the roster, Scott will have more to work with and this will again be a 50-win team.

New Orleans Hornets odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK

The Hornets are a long shot to win the NBA Championship in the sportsbook but, should anything happen to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Hornets would be among the teams to step up in the West. This team is complete and, with a superstar like Paul, an All-Star like West, an above-average center like Okafor and plenty of young, talented additions to add depth, the Hornets should return as a threat in the West.

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