Celtics vs. Rockets Prediction
HOUSTON, TX (ATS Consultants) – Boston visits the Toyota Center in Houston for an 8pmET tip-off on Friday. Will the Celtics pull off a small upset versus the Rockets?
Boston (12-9 SU, 8-11-2 ATS, 12-8-1 O/U) looks for three in a row after defeating Dallas in overtime, 117-115 on Wednesday at home, giving 6. Houston (10-11 SU, 9-11-1 ATS, 12-9 O/U) is coming off a 99-93 home won over Washington on Wednesday, giving 10.5.
ODDS: Oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv have installed the Rockets are a 2.5-point favorite. The total is 205.
LINE MOVEMENT: The Rockets opened as a 1-point favorite and moved to 2.5 in most books. The total opened at 204 and moved to 205 in most books.
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the current wagers placed on tonight’s game, 64% of NBA public bettors currently favor the Rockets. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided to get the most updated public betting numbers.
NBA FREE PICK: Take Boston. According to latest NBA trends, Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss, 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest, 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Houston, Underdog is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings and road team is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meeting Houston is 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game, 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games playing on 1 days rest, 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record and are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 games following a ATS.
The Boston Celtics’ improved defense will get tested on Friday night as they take on a Houston team that is averaging 104.2ppg. Boston allowed an average of 100.1 points through the first 14 games, giving up 100-plus seven times in regulation. It then gave up 88.7 over the next six contests without allowing 100 points before a 117-115 double-overtime victory over Dallas on Wednesday. The Mavericks shot 51.1 percent, but the Celtics managed to force 28 turnovers – their most since forcing 29 against Atlanta on Feb. 6, 2004. Rajon Rondo, averaging a league-high 12.9 assists, had 15 to go along with 16 points and nine rebounds. Rondo will be too quick for Jeremy Lin to handle. While the Rockets (10-11) score a lot of points, they also give up more than anyone else at 104.8 per game. Houston had lost three in a row, allowing 121.3 points in that stretch, before limiting a undermanned Washington team to 39.4 percent shooting in a 99-93 on Wednesday.
2012 NBA FREE PICK: BOSTON CELTICS +2.5
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