Bodog Beat

It will most likely be a long season for backers in the New York area this season. (AP Images)

Both the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets are expected to be near the bottom of the league and searching for answers to improve.

The Nets, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2001, have seven players with two or less years of experience and only three holdovers from last year’s preseason. If Bobby Simmons can emerge as a legit No. 3 scorer behind Vince Carter and Devin Harris, the team still believes they can compete.

Everyone knows how bad the Knicks are. The good news is they are starting to go in the right direction by hiring Mike D'Antoni. But will it matter? The only thing that is for certain is the Knicks will at least play hard. Winning back the fans is a high priority in New York this season and anything beyond that will feel like gravy. Get your NBA basketball odds in the Bodog Sportsbook.