Posted on
1/2/2008 2:56:25 PM
Bet On Basketball – Celtics Overachieve And Rockets Deceive
By Eric Williams
While the Boston Celtics, (26-3 SU, 20-8-1 ATS, 12-16-1 O/U) have put together an extremely impressive start after combining superstars Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett – and clearly have developed an on-court cohesiveness between them that is also reflected by every other Celtics player’s apparent willingness to do whatever it takes to pick up a ‘W’, the Houston Rockets, (15-16 SU, 13-17-1 ATS, 12-18-1 O/U) have been one of the most disappointing – and perpetually perplexing - teams in all of basketball for several seasons now despite having two supposed ‘superstars’ in Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.
Not only that, but for the disbelievers who viewed the Celtics’ start with skepticism because of the team’s soft early schedule, Boston has silenced them all – for now by winning four west coast games In five days, most in the team’s typical early-season blowout fashion.
While the Celtics have been a model of consistency this season, winning their last six games entering this contest, including a decisive 110-91 blowout of the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, the Rockets have – once again – been nothing but a model of inconsistency.
The Rockets have lost six of their last 10 games, including a 112-95 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
The Rockets also enter tonight’s matchup without swingman and leading scorer Tracy McGrady who will miss his fourth consecutive game tonight with a left knee injury.
Boston’s Paul Pierce is averaging 31.3 points over his last three games, nailing a whopping 11-of-19 from 3-point range and 31-of-35 from the foul line in that span.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks.
Key Rockets Trends
The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last eight vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Rockets are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Key Celtics Trends
The Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last six when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Celtics are 24-4 ATS in their last 28 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. win.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 4-0 in Rockets last four Wednesday games.
The Under is 4-1 in Rockets last five vs. Eastern Conference.
The Under is 5-1 in Celtics last six Wednesday games.
The Under is 5-1-1 in Celtics last seven home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Key Head-to-Head TrendsThe Rockets are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Boston.
The Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
The Rockets are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
Analysis: While the 12-point spread makes me a bit queasy here, I have to go with the Celtics to cover another point spread because of their stellar defense and the absence of McGrady, which will surely hamper the Rockets offensively. Take the ‘Over’ first and foremost - and the Celtics - to cover outright tonight NBA Bettors.
NBA Free Picks: Over 180.5 Total Points/Boston -12 Points
07:35 PM EST Basketball Odds
Houston Rockets +12 -110
Boston Celtics -12 -110
Over 180½ -110
Under 180½ -110
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