StraightUPWinners Sharp - Xavier Singleton
Sports Picks, Monday November 16, 2015
NBA Game of the Year
Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets
10-Units Rockets -4.5 @ 5dimes
Fact of the matter is motivation of a talented team matters. It matters more so in sports with long seasons, NBA, MLB, NHL. Right now the Houston Rockets are being called into question in every interview they do. Youll read quotes from Ariza ""We're slacking. That's not the type of team we are, not the type of personalities we have." Youll read quotes from the Coach McHale "matter of we've talked too much..we've got to out and play". This team has something to prove. I like that chip on the shoulder approach.
The most fascinating about the Rockets losses is they are getting beat in one very particular area of the game. Right near the rim. Rockets are 25th in opponents attempts in the restricted area - meaning they are allowing a lot of easy shots. They allow the 3rd highest percentage of these restricted area shots to go in - meaning no rim defender. So it was really not shocking to see that Rockets are one of the lowest ranking teams in defensive rebound percentage and allowing opponents the 4th most 2nd chance points. Wow. All of their problems really come down to this. This is with Dwight Howard on the roster, one of the best defensive big man in the game. He missed 2 games already this season, but he is playing tonight. He will change this. Boston is a team that needs offensive rebounds to score, so Dwight Howards presence is a huge key to our victory tonight.
But more than motivation, more than Dwight, one of the things to love about this matchup is the pace. Boston Celtics love to play fast, 5th fastest in the NBA. It may surprise you that the Celtics play almost at the same pace as the Golden State Warriors, Houston also loves to play fast, and they have the more talent and more experience in doing so. Celtics have way succeed all expectations this season, but they've surprised people with this tempo and ability to offensive rebound. Celtics played last night, and this uptempo will wear you out faster. Their legs will give out quicker meaning they will settle for jump shots that come up short, they will give less effort on defensive side of the ball. They will not be able to compete with the motivated Rockets. This is a GAME OF THE YEAR!