On the heals of their huge comeback against the defending champions, the Boston Celtics have little time to relax. Tonight the Eastern Conference leaders take the best record in the NBA to Houston where they’ll run into one of the hottest teams in NBA history. The early line on this event was five, but it’s down to four and a half as most of the betting public likes the Celtics to keep this one close.
Last night, in San Antonio, the Celts found themselves down 17 points after the first quarter and whispers of Western Conference dominance were back in our ears; that quickly changed as Boston outscored the defending champs in each of the following three quarters on their way to their 53rd win. The loss of Ray Allen is a substantial one, but the recent addition of Sam Cassell has proved invaluable as he’s shot over 50% in the last couple games with Allen out. If Allen is out again tonight, which he figures to be, Sam will once again need to log 20 or more quality minutes if the Celts hope to go 2-0 in the Lonestar state.
A bit more rested, Houston had a day off following their dismantling of the Los Angels Lakers. In that game the Rockets were able to take over sole possession of first place in the West despite an off night from Tracy McGrady. Without getting their typical production from T-Mac, Houston leaned on Rafer Alston’s eight treys and 38 points to put away the Lake Show. Tonight will be a chance for the Rockets to legitimize their streak which has been downplayed by many due to the lack of quality opposition over the 22 game span. Even in beating the Lakers, the critics were quick to point out that Paul Gasol was out and it’s a certainty that Ray Allen’s injury will hamstring the value of a win tonight should they find a way to get it. However, the Rockets are concerned with nothing more than winning the West. Alston points out, "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."
The C’s have only been underdogs by more than four once, and that was last night. Each of these teams comes in hot as the Rockets have covered 18 of their last 20 while Boston has cashed in seven of eight. Boston played last night, but they’ve had success this year on the second night of their back-to-backs, logging a 13-2 overall record and going 10-4 ATS in those spots. When these two teams met in January the Celtics used a dominant first quarter to separate themselves and held on through the games final 36 minutes to get the win. T-Mac did not suit up in that contest and Boston knocked down 52% from the field.
Boston averages 101 points on the road and their games hit 192 points a contest on zero days rest. This game should have a playoff feel for the fans, as the best from each Conference collide in Houston, but the players should be loose with each team feeling that winning will be an upset.
Free Play: Boston/Houston over 181
Last night, in San Antonio, the Celts found themselves down 17 points after the first quarter and whispers of Western Conference dominance were back in our ears; that quickly changed as Boston outscored the defending champs in each of the following three quarters on their way to their 53rd win. The loss of Ray Allen is a substantial one, but the recent addition of Sam Cassell has proved invaluable as he’s shot over 50% in the last couple games with Allen out. If Allen is out again tonight, which he figures to be, Sam will once again need to log 20 or more quality minutes if the Celts hope to go 2-0 in the Lonestar state.
A bit more rested, Houston had a day off following their dismantling of the Los Angels Lakers. In that game the Rockets were able to take over sole possession of first place in the West despite an off night from Tracy McGrady. Without getting their typical production from T-Mac, Houston leaned on Rafer Alston’s eight treys and 38 points to put away the Lake Show. Tonight will be a chance for the Rockets to legitimize their streak which has been downplayed by many due to the lack of quality opposition over the 22 game span. Even in beating the Lakers, the critics were quick to point out that Paul Gasol was out and it’s a certainty that Ray Allen’s injury will hamstring the value of a win tonight should they find a way to get it. However, the Rockets are concerned with nothing more than winning the West. Alston points out, "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."
The C’s have only been underdogs by more than four once, and that was last night. Each of these teams comes in hot as the Rockets have covered 18 of their last 20 while Boston has cashed in seven of eight. Boston played last night, but they’ve had success this year on the second night of their back-to-backs, logging a 13-2 overall record and going 10-4 ATS in those spots. When these two teams met in January the Celtics used a dominant first quarter to separate themselves and held on through the games final 36 minutes to get the win. T-Mac did not suit up in that contest and Boston knocked down 52% from the field.
Boston averages 101 points on the road and their games hit 192 points a contest on zero days rest. This game should have a playoff feel for the fans, as the best from each Conference collide in Houston, but the players should be loose with each team feeling that winning will be an upset.
Free Play: Boston/Houston over 181