Posted on
2/19/2008 6:08:21 PM
NBA Basketball Betting - Can Rockets Dethrone King James?
By Eric Williams
The Houston Rockets, (32-20 SU, 27-24-1 ATS, 21-30-1 O/U), have underachieved for years despite having two legitimate stars in center Yao Ming and swingman Tracy McGrady, but the Rockets look like a different bunch this season with veteran head coach Rick Adelman replacing defensive-minded head coach Jeff Van Gundy prior to this season and vowing to make life easier for both of his star players.
Adelman’s easy-going ways have apparently worked this season as the Rockets have been on absolute fire since Jan. 4, winning 17 of 20 games and eight straight coming into this matchup.
The Rockets will be facing a Cleveland Cavaliers, (29-23 SU, 24-28 ATS, 27-24-1 O/U), team that has struggled recently going 6-4 in their last ten games prior to the all-star break, but still features the best all-around player in the league in superstar LeBron James, the league’s leading scorer, (30.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 7.3 apg), and winner of this year’s all-star game MVP award.
"I played well and I helped our team win the ballgame," James said. "It really means a lot to go out there and perform the way I was able to in front of the fans of New Orleans, in front of my family and for the Eastern Conference, because we really wanted this win."
Despite James’ all-star excellence – and that of teammate and three-point shootout winner Daniel Gibson – the Cavaliers will be facing a Rockets team that is starting to realize just how good they can be under Adelman.
"We're going into this break with a little swagger," McGrady said prior to the break. "Hopefully we can come back the same way."
The Cavaliers have lost three of their last five including back-to-back home losses to the Denver Nuggets, (113-83) and San Antonio Spurs, (112-105).
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my NBA Gambling Free Picks:
The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
The Rockets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
The Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
The Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
The Under is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Analysis: Despite being at home tonight, I like the better team in this matchup – the Houston Rockets. The Cavaliers have lost their stellar defense from one season ago – and it clearly shows. Take the Rockets to win outright and the over here NBA bettors.
NBA Free Picks: Houston -1 Point/Over 185 Total Points
07:05 PM EST NBA Odds
Houston Rockets -1 -110
Cleveland Cavaliers +1 -110
Over 185 -110
Under 185 -110
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