Handicapping the chase for the NBA scoring title

Handicapping the race for the NBA scoring title

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

3. James Harden, Houston Rockets

James Harden and Mike D’Antoni have been a marriage made in heaven thus far. The new coach has fully embraced Harden as the engine of his spread pick and roll system that once revolutionized the league with the Suns. Though the Rockets only rank 13th in pace, their style of play has brought out the most in Harden. Houston has been breaking records for three-point attempts and the court spacing has given everyone room to thrive.

Currently, Harden’s 28.1 points per game is only sixth in the league. However, his usage rating is fifth. Harden is also fourth in minutes per game. If the oft-injured Ryan Anderson or Eric Gordon are to sustain an injury, then Harden’s scoring load would have to increase. It’s realistic that he makes a run for the scoring title this season. Harden is the engine that makes Houston go; nobody should doubt the statistics that he is capable of with D’Antoni.

Odds of leading the league in scoring: 4:1

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