Posted on
3/18/2008 3:54:43 PM
NBA Betting – Possible Finals Preview as Rockets Host Celtics
By Eric Williams
While the Houston Rockets, (46-20 SU, 40-25-1 ATS, 28-37-1 O/U), are the hottest team in the league and have the second longest winning streak in NBA history at 22 games, the Rockets will be facing a Boston Celtics, (52-13 SU, 39-24-2 ATS, 29-35-1 O/U), team that is coming off one of their best wins of the season and has the best overall record – and best road record – in the entire league.
The Rockets come into tonight’s contest off a 104-92 win over the ailing Los Angeles Lakers in the BetUS.com Sportsbook on Sunday.
"This was really all about how good the Rockets are," McGrady said. "This is what this game was about, the Lakers coming in here at the top of the Western Conference. This game determined where we are. We answered those questions, we took on that challenge and we're standing alone."
The Celtics beat the reeling San Antonio Spurs 93-91 on the road Monday night after trailing by 22 points in the first half.
"A lot of teams may have buckled," said second-year point guard Rajon Rondo, who scored 20 points. "But we knew we had to execute. Continue to get stops on defense and we knew the game would change for us, and it did."
The Rockets say they are prepared for tonight’s showdown.
"It's going to be a challenge, it's going to be a tough game for us," Houston swingman Tracy McGrady said. "But we're capable of winning it."
The Celtics, winners of nine of their last ten games overall, have shown an amazing amount of resiliency for such a veteran-laden group, going 13-2 in the second half of back-to-back games.
Unlike the Celtics, who are headed toward a No.1 seed in the eastern conference, the Rockets know any slip-ups in the tight western conference could cost them several spots in the standings.
"Even though we've won so many games in a row, we have to keep winning," Rockets point guard Rafer Alston said. "We're only like 1 1/2 games ahead of a couple of teams. If we keep winning and if other teams continue to lose, we widen the gap. So, every game is important until we have a three- or four-game cushion on these guys."
Boston won the first meeting with Houston this season, winning 97-93 at home on Jan. 2 behind 26 points from Kevin Garnett.
The Celtics have covered the spread in seven of its last ten while the Rockets are 9-1 against the spread over the same span.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks:
The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. NBA Southwest.
The Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.
The Rockets are 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Over is 7-1 in Celtics last eight vs. NBA Southwest.
The Over is 4-1 in Rockets last five vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Houston.
The Celtics are 4-10 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Analysis: I know the Rockets have been finding several different ways to win during their historic streak, but I say the Celtics strut into San Antonio and take this contest with an outright win after coming back to beat the Spurs on the road tonight. Take the Celtics and the points NBA bettors and you’ll be a happy camper by late tonight.
NBA Free Picks: Celtics +4½ Points/Over 181½ Total Points
09:35 PM EST Basketball Point Spreads
Boston Celtics +4½ -110
Houston Rockets -4½ -110
Over 181½ -110
Under 181½ -110
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