Thanks and good luck tonight my friends!!!
FRIDAY (1-3) / SECOND ROUND (13-10) / NBA PLAYOFFS (35-37)
Here we go my friends....
Memphis +5 -105 (Lost)
Memphis Under 193 (Lost)
Washington -2.5 -105 (Lost)
Washington Under 198 (Winner 185 Points)
Later,
XS
Here we go my friends....
Memphis +5 -105 (Lost)
Memphis Under 193 (Lost)
Washington -2.5 -105 (Lost)
Washington Under 198 (Winner 185 Points)
Later,
XS
Game of the day: Clippers at Rockets by covers
Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets (+2.5, 219.5)
Series tied 3-3
The Houston Rockets have pulled off quite a transformation and look to conclude an amazing comeback whey host the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. Houston recovered from a 19-point, third-quarter deficit in Game 6 to stay alive and is aiming to become only the ninth team to rally from a 3-1 hole to win a playoff series.
The Rockets were left for dead before dominating the final 14 minutes of Game 6 to post an improbable 119-107 victory and the comeback that tied the series happened with star guard James Harden sitting on the bench. “We just have a never-give-up attitude,” forward Josh Smith told reporters. “All year long we fought through a lot of adversity and it’s just a testament of what we did throughout the season.” The Clippers have never made it to the Western Conference finals and they will be under the microscope after the Game 6 collapse. “We’ve got to come out and play, I mean, there’s nothing more to it,” power forward Blake Griffin told reporters. “Game 7 is Game 7 – it’s about who wants it more and I expect us to be ready.”
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
LINE HISTORY: Most books opened the line at HOU +1.5, but by Saturday night is had jumped to +2.5. The total opened at 220 at most online books and now sits at 219.5.
INJURY REPORT: Clippers - N/A Rockets - G K.J. McDaniels (Out-Wrist)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Overall, the Clippers have dominated this series, but they completely collapsed in Game 6 and blew a 19-point lead in the third quarter and also finished just 1-for-16 FG from the field. It was only the third time in NBA history that a home team blew a double-digit lead entering the fourth quarter in a series clinching situation. The question now becomes will Los Angeles bounce back and reassert their dominance, or will they have a hangover entering Game 7 on the road. The Rockets were also a much more efficient team with James Harden on the bench during the 4th Quarter of Game 6. He was apparently battling an illness. It will be interesting to see if Houston now limits the minutes of their leading scorer in Game 7.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Rebounding emotionally might be the hardest task for Los Angeles after failing to close out the series in back-to-back games. The Clippers were in full control of Game 6 for the first 34 minutes and unraveled in the type of manner rarely seen when a squad is about to wrap up a series as its defense went missing. “To me, that’s where we lost the game,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters. “They scored 40 points in the fourth quarter on things that shouldn’t happen. So to me, that’s where we have to get better.”
ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Smith has been a disappointment in the series with five straight single-digit outings but came alive in the fourth quarter of Game 6 when he scored 14 of his 19 points. Another surprise star was swingman Corey Brewer, who had 15 of his 19 points in the final quarter and grabbed 10 rebounds as the contributions of Smith, Brewer and veteran Jason Terry made it easy for coach Kevin McHale to keep Harden (23 points but just 5-of-20 shooting) on the sidelines. Center Dwight Howard had a huge outing with 20 points and 21 rebounds as Houston was much more physical than the Clippers while rolling up a 60-41 rebounding edge.
TRENDS:
*Clippers are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
*Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
*Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
*Over is 7-0 in Clippers last 7 overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 53.98 percent of Covers users are backing the Rockets with 54.11 percent on the over.
Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets (+2.5, 219.5)
Series tied 3-3
The Houston Rockets have pulled off quite a transformation and look to conclude an amazing comeback whey host the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. Houston recovered from a 19-point, third-quarter deficit in Game 6 to stay alive and is aiming to become only the ninth team to rally from a 3-1 hole to win a playoff series.
The Rockets were left for dead before dominating the final 14 minutes of Game 6 to post an improbable 119-107 victory and the comeback that tied the series happened with star guard James Harden sitting on the bench. “We just have a never-give-up attitude,” forward Josh Smith told reporters. “All year long we fought through a lot of adversity and it’s just a testament of what we did throughout the season.” The Clippers have never made it to the Western Conference finals and they will be under the microscope after the Game 6 collapse. “We’ve got to come out and play, I mean, there’s nothing more to it,” power forward Blake Griffin told reporters. “Game 7 is Game 7 – it’s about who wants it more and I expect us to be ready.”
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
LINE HISTORY: Most books opened the line at HOU +1.5, but by Saturday night is had jumped to +2.5. The total opened at 220 at most online books and now sits at 219.5.
INJURY REPORT: Clippers - N/A Rockets - G K.J. McDaniels (Out-Wrist)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Overall, the Clippers have dominated this series, but they completely collapsed in Game 6 and blew a 19-point lead in the third quarter and also finished just 1-for-16 FG from the field. It was only the third time in NBA history that a home team blew a double-digit lead entering the fourth quarter in a series clinching situation. The question now becomes will Los Angeles bounce back and reassert their dominance, or will they have a hangover entering Game 7 on the road. The Rockets were also a much more efficient team with James Harden on the bench during the 4th Quarter of Game 6. He was apparently battling an illness. It will be interesting to see if Houston now limits the minutes of their leading scorer in Game 7.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Rebounding emotionally might be the hardest task for Los Angeles after failing to close out the series in back-to-back games. The Clippers were in full control of Game 6 for the first 34 minutes and unraveled in the type of manner rarely seen when a squad is about to wrap up a series as its defense went missing. “To me, that’s where we lost the game,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters. “They scored 40 points in the fourth quarter on things that shouldn’t happen. So to me, that’s where we have to get better.”
ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Smith has been a disappointment in the series with five straight single-digit outings but came alive in the fourth quarter of Game 6 when he scored 14 of his 19 points. Another surprise star was swingman Corey Brewer, who had 15 of his 19 points in the final quarter and grabbed 10 rebounds as the contributions of Smith, Brewer and veteran Jason Terry made it easy for coach Kevin McHale to keep Harden (23 points but just 5-of-20 shooting) on the sidelines. Center Dwight Howard had a huge outing with 20 points and 21 rebounds as Houston was much more physical than the Clippers while rolling up a 60-41 rebounding edge.
TRENDS:
*Clippers are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
*Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
*Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
*Over is 7-0 in Clippers last 7 overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 53.98 percent of Covers users are backing the Rockets with 54.11 percent on the over.
| NBA Basketball Consensus: Public Picks | | ||||||
| Time | Teams | ATS | Moneyline | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (ET) | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | |
| Sunday, May 17, 2015 | |||||||
| 3:30pm odds | (751) Los Angeles Clippers (752) Houston Rockets | 1289 1239 |
| 722 544 |
| O987 U760 |
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| [SUP] Tuesday, May 19, 2015 [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP] | ||||
| [SUP] [/SUP][SUP] 9:00pm [/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP][SUP] odds [/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP][SUP](501) Houston Rockets[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP][SUP](502) Golden State Warriors[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]9199[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]8744[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]
[SUP] [/SUP][SUP]
[SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]3150[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]4168[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]
[SUP] [/SUP][SUP]
[SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]O6953[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]U4120[/SUP] [SUP] [/SUP] | [SUP] [/SUP][SUP]
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Game of the Day: Rockets at Warriors by covers
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (-10, 219)
The Houston Rockets waged an epic comeback to reach the Western Conference finals but now must figure out how to compete with the host Golden State Warriors, beginning with Tuesday’s opener. Houston became the ninth team to really from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in the semifinals but went 0-4 against the Warriors this season.
Second-seeded Houston looked like a team ready to call it a season when it trailed by 19 points with 14 minutes left in Game 6 but roared back to defeat Los Angeles and then outclassed the Clippers in the finale. “Ultimate confidence booster,” Rockets guard James Harden told reporters. “There are only a handful of teams that have done that. It gives us confidence.” Harden was the runner-up for NBA MVP honors behind Golden State guard Stephen Curry and both players will be under the microscope as they go head-to-head with an NBA Finals berth on the line. Top-seeded Golden State advanced to the conference finals with a six-game series win over Memphis, claiming the last three games after falling behind 2-1.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
LINE HISTORY: The Golden State -10 spread has held steady since opening, but the total has risen a half-point from 218.5 to 219 as of this writing.
INJURY REPORT: Houston - K. McDaniels (out indefinitely), D. Motiejunas (out for season), P. Beverley (out indefinitely). Golden State - O. Kuzmic (questionable), M. Speights (out Tuesday).
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "The public has been hammering Golden State the last few games so we’ve been forced to be very generous on that side regarding spreads, and this series price. The way they see it, the Warriors can’t go cold for four games in a seven-game series, and I’m not sure I disagree. They can easily match Houston in the 3-point game and they have a pair of players (Iguodala, Thompson) that can slow down Harden. High spread and total for Game 1, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see both trend north." John Lester, senior lines manager for Bookmaker.eu.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Harden averaged 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists versus Golden State during the regular season and he has scored 20 or more points in all 12 games this postseason with a high of 42. Houston received a surprise when playoff disappointment Josh Smith emerged to average 17 points in the final two games against the Clippers while small forward Trevor Ariza made six 3-pointers in the series finale for his second 22-point effort in three games. Center Dwight Howard has been superb in the postseason with six double-doubles in the series against Los Angeles and nine overall.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry averaged 25.8 points, 8.3 assists and 6.5 rebounds in the four regular-season games against Houston and is coming off a superb outing in the finale against the Grizzlies in which he made eight 3-pointers while contributing 32 points and 10 assists. He has five 30-point outings in the postseason and Golden State is hoping shooting guard Klay Thompson will regain his shooting stroke after his high point total was just 21 against Memphis. Forward Draymond Green is averaging 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists in the postseason, while center Andrew Bogut’s main job will be getting under the skin of the easy-to-frustrate Howard.
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (-10, 219)
The Houston Rockets waged an epic comeback to reach the Western Conference finals but now must figure out how to compete with the host Golden State Warriors, beginning with Tuesday’s opener. Houston became the ninth team to really from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in the semifinals but went 0-4 against the Warriors this season.
Second-seeded Houston looked like a team ready to call it a season when it trailed by 19 points with 14 minutes left in Game 6 but roared back to defeat Los Angeles and then outclassed the Clippers in the finale. “Ultimate confidence booster,” Rockets guard James Harden told reporters. “There are only a handful of teams that have done that. It gives us confidence.” Harden was the runner-up for NBA MVP honors behind Golden State guard Stephen Curry and both players will be under the microscope as they go head-to-head with an NBA Finals berth on the line. Top-seeded Golden State advanced to the conference finals with a six-game series win over Memphis, claiming the last three games after falling behind 2-1.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
LINE HISTORY: The Golden State -10 spread has held steady since opening, but the total has risen a half-point from 218.5 to 219 as of this writing.
INJURY REPORT: Houston - K. McDaniels (out indefinitely), D. Motiejunas (out for season), P. Beverley (out indefinitely). Golden State - O. Kuzmic (questionable), M. Speights (out Tuesday).
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "The public has been hammering Golden State the last few games so we’ve been forced to be very generous on that side regarding spreads, and this series price. The way they see it, the Warriors can’t go cold for four games in a seven-game series, and I’m not sure I disagree. They can easily match Houston in the 3-point game and they have a pair of players (Iguodala, Thompson) that can slow down Harden. High spread and total for Game 1, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see both trend north." John Lester, senior lines manager for Bookmaker.eu.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Harden averaged 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists versus Golden State during the regular season and he has scored 20 or more points in all 12 games this postseason with a high of 42. Houston received a surprise when playoff disappointment Josh Smith emerged to average 17 points in the final two games against the Clippers while small forward Trevor Ariza made six 3-pointers in the series finale for his second 22-point effort in three games. Center Dwight Howard has been superb in the postseason with six double-doubles in the series against Los Angeles and nine overall.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry averaged 25.8 points, 8.3 assists and 6.5 rebounds in the four regular-season games against Houston and is coming off a superb outing in the finale against the Grizzlies in which he made eight 3-pointers while contributing 32 points and 10 assists. He has five 30-point outings in the postseason and Golden State is hoping shooting guard Klay Thompson will regain his shooting stroke after his high point total was just 21 against Memphis. Forward Draymond Green is averaging 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists in the postseason, while center Andrew Bogut’s main job will be getting under the skin of the easy-to-frustrate Howard.
Thanks and good luck tonight my friend!!!
Game of the Day: Cavaliers at Hawks by covers
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks (-1, 197)
The Atlanta Hawks are participating in the conference finals for the first time since the franchise relocated from St. Louis in 1968. Top-seeded Atlanta will look to add to its achievements when it opens the Eastern Conference finals against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
The Hawks won 60 games in the regular season and are trying to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since the St. Louis-based version lost in 1961. The frontcourt of center Al Horford, forward Paul Millsap and small forward DeMarre Carroll will be a key trio as Atlanta attempts to slow down Cleveland forward LeBron James, who is averaging 26.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists in the postseason. James will most often be guarded by Carroll, who has stepped up offensively with seven 20-point outings in the postseason. The second-seeded Cavaliers will have Kyrie Irving on the floor after the point guard proclaimed that he will play in the opener despite still bothered by left knee and right foot injuries.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: The opening line of Hawks -1 has held steady, but the total has dropped down to 197 after opening 197.5.
INJURY REPORT: Cleveland - L. James (probable), K. Irving (probable), K. Love (out for season), A. Varejao (out for season). Atlanta - T. Sefolosha (out for season).
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Atlanta Hawks won and covered in three out of their four meetings with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the regular season. Both clubs are matched up once again but this time it's for the right to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Game 1 tips off on Wednesday, with the Hawks slightly favored at -1 as of this writing. The total is presently sitting at 197." Covers Expert Sean Murphy
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened the Hawks at -1 at home but with the flood of action coming in on the Cavs to cover the -1, we moved to our current number of a pick’em where we are seeing 72% of the action coming in on the Cavs." Michael Stewart, oddsmaker for CarbonSports.ag
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS: Irving’s injuries will be closely watched by Cleveland coach David Blatt, who is aware that Irving reiterated that he doesn’t want to miss any playoff games. Irving has made some progress in recent days but is still nowhere near top form as the knee injury also requires rest that he isn’t afforded with at this time. “I think that’s the biggest thing I get out it. I don’t want to be on the sideline at all, especially preparing for a big stage like this,” Irving told reporters. “I want to be as close to 100 percent before Wednesday as I can be, so just doing the necessary things in order to do that.”
ABOUT THE HAWKS: Starting point guard Jeff Teague overcame a sluggish beginning to the series against Washington to average 20 points over the final three games while speedy backup Dennis Schroder excels at pushing the tempo. Schroder had back-to-back double-digit outings against the Wizards but then ended the series with back-to-back 3-of-12 shooting outings and coach Mike Budenholzer will look for ways to have Teague and Schroder on the court at the same time. “When those two guys play together, it gives you a second player that’s very comfortable, very accustomed, to being in pick-and-rolls with the ball in their hands – trying to get in the paint, attacking the basket and collapsing the defense,” Budenholzer told reporters.
TRENDS:
*Hawks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.
*Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
*Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
*Cavaliers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 56 percent of support is on the visiting Cavs.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks (-1, 197)
The Atlanta Hawks are participating in the conference finals for the first time since the franchise relocated from St. Louis in 1968. Top-seeded Atlanta will look to add to its achievements when it opens the Eastern Conference finals against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
The Hawks won 60 games in the regular season and are trying to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since the St. Louis-based version lost in 1961. The frontcourt of center Al Horford, forward Paul Millsap and small forward DeMarre Carroll will be a key trio as Atlanta attempts to slow down Cleveland forward LeBron James, who is averaging 26.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists in the postseason. James will most often be guarded by Carroll, who has stepped up offensively with seven 20-point outings in the postseason. The second-seeded Cavaliers will have Kyrie Irving on the floor after the point guard proclaimed that he will play in the opener despite still bothered by left knee and right foot injuries.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: The opening line of Hawks -1 has held steady, but the total has dropped down to 197 after opening 197.5.
INJURY REPORT: Cleveland - L. James (probable), K. Irving (probable), K. Love (out for season), A. Varejao (out for season). Atlanta - T. Sefolosha (out for season).
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Atlanta Hawks won and covered in three out of their four meetings with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the regular season. Both clubs are matched up once again but this time it's for the right to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Game 1 tips off on Wednesday, with the Hawks slightly favored at -1 as of this writing. The total is presently sitting at 197." Covers Expert Sean Murphy
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened the Hawks at -1 at home but with the flood of action coming in on the Cavs to cover the -1, we moved to our current number of a pick’em where we are seeing 72% of the action coming in on the Cavs." Michael Stewart, oddsmaker for CarbonSports.ag
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS: Irving’s injuries will be closely watched by Cleveland coach David Blatt, who is aware that Irving reiterated that he doesn’t want to miss any playoff games. Irving has made some progress in recent days but is still nowhere near top form as the knee injury also requires rest that he isn’t afforded with at this time. “I think that’s the biggest thing I get out it. I don’t want to be on the sideline at all, especially preparing for a big stage like this,” Irving told reporters. “I want to be as close to 100 percent before Wednesday as I can be, so just doing the necessary things in order to do that.”
ABOUT THE HAWKS: Starting point guard Jeff Teague overcame a sluggish beginning to the series against Washington to average 20 points over the final three games while speedy backup Dennis Schroder excels at pushing the tempo. Schroder had back-to-back double-digit outings against the Wizards but then ended the series with back-to-back 3-of-12 shooting outings and coach Mike Budenholzer will look for ways to have Teague and Schroder on the court at the same time. “When those two guys play together, it gives you a second player that’s very comfortable, very accustomed, to being in pick-and-rolls with the ball in their hands – trying to get in the paint, attacking the basket and collapsing the defense,” Budenholzer told reporters.
TRENDS:
*Hawks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.
*Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
*Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
*Cavaliers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 56 percent of support is on the visiting Cavs.
Game of the day: Rockets at Warriors by covers
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (-10.5, 220)
Warriors lead series 1-0
Center Dwight Howard is listed as questionable as the Houston Rockets attempt to even the Western Conference finals when they visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. Howard played just 26 minutes in Game 1 after suffering a left knee injury and an MRI exam performed Wednesday determined the injury was a sprain.
The Rockets had to use a smaller lineup for much of the opening game and that played into the hands of the Warriors, who recovered from a 16-point, second-quarter deficit to post a 110-106 victory. NBA MVP Stephen Curry had 34 points and knocked down six 3-pointers to fuel Golden State and has made 20 3-pointers over the last three games. NBA runner-up James Harden was stellar for the Rockets with 28 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and four steals and has scored at least 20 points in all 13 games this postseason. “Game 1 slipped away from us,” Harden told reporters. “We had several opportunities to win the game, didn’t happen, so I think we’ll look at some film, we’ll go from there and correct some things basically that were on us and just be better in Game 2.”
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
LINE HISTORY: Most books, both online and in Vegas, opened the line at GS -10/220. The spread has since been bet to GS -10.5.
INJURY REPORT: Rockets - C Dwight Howard (Ques-Knee), G K.J. McDaniels (Out-Wrist) Warriors - C Ognjen Kuzmic (Ques-Ankle)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "It was shocking to see Golden State come out flat in Game 1, especially since they were facing a Houston team off an emotionally grueling 7-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Apparently the Rockets were able to carry over that momentum into the first half of play, while the extended layoff hurt Golden State. After getting down by 16 points in the second quarter, the Warriors proceeded to out-score the Rockets 77-57 over the final 31 minutes of the game. It will be interesting to see if Golden State is now the team that can carry momentum into Game 2, or if the Rockets bounce back off the loss." - Covers Expert Steve Merril
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We anticipated that all the players that lost backing the Warriors in the opener would be back on them again so we opened a point higher for Game 2. Early action has seen around 70 percent on Houston, and most of that has been sharp money, but I don't expect us to drop down to -10 at any point. For the total, the majority of early bets has been on the under but we've adjusted up a half point to 220, so that should tell you something." - John Lester, Senior Lines Manager at Bookmaker.eu
ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Howard suffered what was originally termed a bruised knee when teammate Josh Smith came crashing into his leg and he said afterwards that the injury was “very painful.” Undersized Clint Capela filled in but Houston coach Kevin McHale is aware he needs Howard on the floor for his club to have a chance at knocking off top-seeded Golden State. “Hopefully Dwight is healthy and we can play big,” McHale told reporters. “We didn’t have that option with Dwight out.”
ABOUT THE WARRIORS: While Curry continues to dazzle in the postseason and lead the way, forward Draymond Green is a valuable piece to the puzzle. The 6-7 Green had 13 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the opener and saw a lot of time at center and can also guard players on the perimeter. “Draymond is one of the best defensive players in the league because he can guard low-post guys and perimeter guys,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters. “He can switch onto James Harden, he can guard Dwight Howard. Doesn’t mean he’s always going to get a stop, but he’s always going to put up a fight, and he’s got a chance.”
TRENDS:
*Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Warriors are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. win.
*Over is 7-1 in Rockets last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
*Under is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 66.35 percent of Covers users are backing the Rockets with 55 percent on the under.
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (-10.5, 220)
Warriors lead series 1-0
Center Dwight Howard is listed as questionable as the Houston Rockets attempt to even the Western Conference finals when they visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. Howard played just 26 minutes in Game 1 after suffering a left knee injury and an MRI exam performed Wednesday determined the injury was a sprain.
The Rockets had to use a smaller lineup for much of the opening game and that played into the hands of the Warriors, who recovered from a 16-point, second-quarter deficit to post a 110-106 victory. NBA MVP Stephen Curry had 34 points and knocked down six 3-pointers to fuel Golden State and has made 20 3-pointers over the last three games. NBA runner-up James Harden was stellar for the Rockets with 28 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and four steals and has scored at least 20 points in all 13 games this postseason. “Game 1 slipped away from us,” Harden told reporters. “We had several opportunities to win the game, didn’t happen, so I think we’ll look at some film, we’ll go from there and correct some things basically that were on us and just be better in Game 2.”
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
LINE HISTORY: Most books, both online and in Vegas, opened the line at GS -10/220. The spread has since been bet to GS -10.5.
INJURY REPORT: Rockets - C Dwight Howard (Ques-Knee), G K.J. McDaniels (Out-Wrist) Warriors - C Ognjen Kuzmic (Ques-Ankle)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "It was shocking to see Golden State come out flat in Game 1, especially since they were facing a Houston team off an emotionally grueling 7-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Apparently the Rockets were able to carry over that momentum into the first half of play, while the extended layoff hurt Golden State. After getting down by 16 points in the second quarter, the Warriors proceeded to out-score the Rockets 77-57 over the final 31 minutes of the game. It will be interesting to see if Golden State is now the team that can carry momentum into Game 2, or if the Rockets bounce back off the loss." - Covers Expert Steve Merril
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We anticipated that all the players that lost backing the Warriors in the opener would be back on them again so we opened a point higher for Game 2. Early action has seen around 70 percent on Houston, and most of that has been sharp money, but I don't expect us to drop down to -10 at any point. For the total, the majority of early bets has been on the under but we've adjusted up a half point to 220, so that should tell you something." - John Lester, Senior Lines Manager at Bookmaker.eu
ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Howard suffered what was originally termed a bruised knee when teammate Josh Smith came crashing into his leg and he said afterwards that the injury was “very painful.” Undersized Clint Capela filled in but Houston coach Kevin McHale is aware he needs Howard on the floor for his club to have a chance at knocking off top-seeded Golden State. “Hopefully Dwight is healthy and we can play big,” McHale told reporters. “We didn’t have that option with Dwight out.”
ABOUT THE WARRIORS: While Curry continues to dazzle in the postseason and lead the way, forward Draymond Green is a valuable piece to the puzzle. The 6-7 Green had 13 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the opener and saw a lot of time at center and can also guard players on the perimeter. “Draymond is one of the best defensive players in the league because he can guard low-post guys and perimeter guys,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters. “He can switch onto James Harden, he can guard Dwight Howard. Doesn’t mean he’s always going to get a stop, but he’s always going to put up a fight, and he’s got a chance.”
TRENDS:
*Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Warriors are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. win.
*Over is 7-1 in Rockets last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
*Under is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 66.35 percent of Covers users are backing the Rockets with 55 percent on the under.
| [h=1]NBA Basketball Consensus: Public Picks [/h] | | ||||||
| Time | Teams | ATS | Moneyline | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (ET) | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | |
| Thursday, May 21, 2015 | | ||||||
| 9:00pm odds | (505) Houston Rockets (506) Golden State Warriors | 3380 1588 |
| 1171 677 |
| O1345 U1745 |
|
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