Boston at Houston
Time: 7:30 PM CT (ABC/ESPN)
Spread: HOU -8
Total: 214
Odds c/o 5dimes
The Houston Rockets have surged to tie the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the Western Conference at 48-13. Houston has won 14-straight and travels to face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden where Boston has notched a 23-11 mark this season. Houston is 24-7 SU on the road this season and has the best win differential in the league (+8.9 points).
The Rockets will be 8-point favorites in an ABC Saturday night showdown between two contending teams. The Over/under is set at 214 points according to NBA oddsmakers at bookmaker 5dimes.
ROCKETS
The Rockets stumbled briefly, but are still in hot pursuit of No. 1 seeded Golden State in the Western Conference standings, where they are currently tied with the Dubs…
Houston now has won its past 14-games after the two-game skid which caused Golden State to surpass it in the standings. The Rockets also maintain a 12.5 game lead on the San Antonio Spurs for the Southwest division crown.
Chris Paul is good for 17.7 points, 7.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds in his past 10 games. James Harden has been a master, averaging 31.7 points and 7.7 assists in his last 10 games.
In the Rockets’ most recent win, a 115-102 victory over the L.A. Clippers, Clint Capela had 22 points and 14 rebounds while Harden had 25 points and seven assists. Paul was quiet with just eight points and eight assists, but he posted the best plus/minus (+21) of any Rockets starter. His impact goes far beyond stats typically, and his defense has been key in helping the Rockets surge to the West’s No. 1 spot once again.
The Rockets are getting the most of its role players and possesses two of the best passers in the league in the same backcourt, and the result has been devastating for opponents. What is more, is that the Rockets boast a No. 7 ranked defense with a defensive rating of 106.7. Its offense ranks No. 1 with an O-rating of 115.7.
The Rockets play at a fast pace but defend well this season, and it could be the year that Mike D’Antoni really advances a team in the postseason; certainly, no team is posing a greater threat to the Golden State Warriors in the West right now.
CELTICS
Crucial in replacing the injured Gordon Hayward has been rookie Jayson Tatum and second-year swingman Jaylen Brown, who ranks No. 3 and No. 2, respectively, on the team in scoring.
Tatum has been nothing short of sensational and is averaging 13.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in 30.5 minutes a night. Brown has improved nearly every facet of his game and is good for 14.1 points and 0.97 steals per night.
But perhaps the biggest difference maker has been franchise player Kyrie Irving. Irving was acquired at the “low” cost of Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder from the Cleveland Cavs this past offseason, and he is playing the best and most efficient basketball of his NBA career.
The Flat Earther has averaged 24.9 points per game and five assists per night while posting a team-high PER of 25.4. Along with Irving’s career year has come one from veteran Al Horford, who has developed into one of the league’s most effective high-post passers. Horford ranks second in assists behind Irving (5.1) at 4.9 per game—and he is shooting a blistering 43 percent from three-point range while connecting on nearly 50 percent of his field goals overall.
Outside of these highly effective four players, has been the strong play of a cast of role players: Marcus Smart is still one of the league’s best defenders, and Marcus Morris seems to have found a home in Boston, replacing the colossal bust that was Jared Sullinger several seasons ago.
Second-Year guard Terry Rozier has developed nicely in his second season, and despite his shooting struggles (40 percent field goals) has looked as though he will eventually be a very integral part of the team.?In 23 minutes a night, Rozier makes his impact known, though his 9.3 points per game may seem humble.
The fact remains, Brad Stevens simply knows best how to milk the talent of his roster, and the disaster that Hayward incurred is largely forgotten by a Celtics’ fanbase thinking “title” no matter the cost.
