Posted on
5/2/2008 3:18:00 PM
NBA Basketball Betting Trends – Jazz Try To End Series Against Rockets
By Eric Williams
I’m going on record right now to say that I am done bad-mouthing Houston Rockets, (57-30 SU, 50-35-2 ATS, 36-50-1 O/U), all-star swingman, Tracy McGrady after watching him valiantly carry the Rockets in this series against the Utah Jazz, (57-30 SU, 48-39 ATS, 44-42-1 O/U) who enter tonight’s Game 6 matchup looking to end this spirited series and led the team to an overwhelming 95-69 win over the Jazz at home on Tuesday.
Still, the Jazz, owners of the league’s best home record during the regular season, say they are prepared to end this series tonight rather than go back to Houston for a Game 7.
"We have home-court advantage right now and we don't want to lose it. We need to treat it really like Game 7," Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko said.
The Rockets have outplayed the Jazz since dropping the first two games of the series in the BetUS Sportsbook without starting point guard Rafer Alston.
"They're just playing better and better every game. That's where we've got to be concerned," Jazz point guard Deron Williams said. "After those first two losses, it seems like they're a different team - a more determined team."
The Rockets say they believe they can beat the Jazz anywhere, even at EnergySolutions Arena.
"We've stayed confident. When we were down 3-1, we were confident. We never lose our confidence. We feel that we can win in that building," McGrady said.
If Houston wins Friday, the Rockets will host the Jazz in a Game 7 for the second consecutive year though the Jazz won last year’s Game 7 meeting on the road before advancing all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
"It'd be great for us if we could come back with a game. That means Game 7 is on our home court and we get a chance to redeem ourselves (from last year)," McGrady said.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Playoffs Betting Free Picks.
The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 75 points in their previous game.
The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
The Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
The Jazz are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Under is 5-0 in Rockets last 5 games following a S.U. win.
The Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games after scoring less than 75 points in their previous game.
The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
The Under is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Utah.
The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
The Under is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Utah.
Analysis: Simply put, while I say take the Utah Jazz to win this Game 6 matchup and put an end to this series, I like the Houston Rockets to cover the spread by making this game very close down the stretch.
NBA Free Picks: Rockets + 7 ½ Points/Over 180½ Total Points
10:30 PM EST NBA Spreads
Houston Rockets +7½ -110
Utah Jazz -7½ -110
Over 180½ -110
Under 180½ -110
ESPN
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