Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics
Friday, 1/11/13, 7:30 PM EST, TV: CSNE
Opening Point Spread: Boston -2.5
Current Betting Line: Boston -2.5
Opening Total: 200.5
Current Total: 202
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Houston had its five-game win streak snapped in an 88-79 loss to the New Orleans Hornets as 2.5-point road favorites Wednesday night, while going UNDER the total for the first time in four contests. The Rockets are still in sixth place in the Western Conference and everyone has been happy with James Harden’s presence on the roster. “I think the energy that he has brought to the team and city, has really enthused them,” commented Celtics forward Paul Pierce about the situation. Harden is averaging a team-high 26.5 points per game. Houston is 2-0-1 ATS as a road underdog of three points or less, which must be considered when making your NBA picks against the spread Friday night.
The Rockets are 7-9 away from the Toyota Center this season, but have won six of seven games versus Eastern Conference foes. Houston earned a 101-89 win over Boston as 2.5-point home favorites on Dec. 14, while going UNDER the posted total of 207. Harden led the way with 20 points, while forward Chandler Persons contributed 15. Offensively, the team leads the league in averaging 106.0 points per game, while ranking eighth in assists.
Boston has really turned around its season in winning four games in a row after a four-game losing streak, as it comes off an 87-79 win over the Phoenix Suns as nine-point home favorites, while going UNDER the total for the fourth time in five contests. “We just gotta keep defending,” stated Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. The Celtics have allowed 82.8 points per game during their current win streak, as they limited the Suns to 39.3 percent shooting. Boston is 6-5 ATS as a home favorite of three points or less, but has gone 2-5 ATS versus teams that score 99-plus points per game.
The Celtics have three probable starters averaging in double figures, with Pierce leading the way at 19.5 points per game, with center Kevin Garnett closely behind at 14.7. Boston has compiled an 18-17 overall record, but has fared pretty well at the TD Garden in putting together an 11-6 mark.
Sports bettors will likely back the Rockets due to their 8-1 ATS mark versus winning teams, while the Celtics are 0-8 ATS versus Western Conference foes.
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