Stu's 50 DIME NBA Election Special (SF1)
Boston Celtics (177') at Houston Rockets (-3) - 8:30 p.m. EST
This will be a physical basketball game that will be predicated by defense as it stays under the total, just as nine of the last 11 meetings between these two in Houston have. Last year, the Celtics came to the Toyota Center and put the defensive clamps down in snapping Houston’s 22-game win streak with a 94-74 victory. I don’t see Houston topping 80 points in this one either, but wish the addition of enforcer Ron Artest to a healthy Yao Ming, they will battle defensively tough in helping this game stay low. Both these teams are only making around 40 percent of their field goal attempts while the Celtics are limiting their opponents to 37% shooting and the Rockets 40%. Boston shot just 35 percent in their Saturday night loss at Indiana. Rick Adelman has been preaching defense in Houston and the Rockets have held their last two visiting opponents to under 80 points. Lots of jawing in the paint tonight and points will be tough to come by as this one stays under.
UNDER (177') 50 Dimes
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