Even though NBA playoff games
apparently do not go under the total anymore, I got a feeling this game could
be extremely low scoring. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see it be
played in the 160’s. Let’s try and forget that offensive explosion from Houston in Game 1, because it is not likely
to happen again tonight. During the regular season the Rockets were
nothing special in this regard as they ranked 16th in Offensive
Efficiency at 105.4. They certainly are not a juggernaut. In Game
1, Houston was simply lights out shooting
58.5%. Yao Ming did not miss a single shot, Ron Artest was drilling like
ridiculous fade-away threes and Aaron Brooks scored a career high in points
hitting a number of absurd shots. Yet the game still only hit 189!
What happens though when the Rockets slow down offensively yet maintain they're
intensity on defense? A shoot-out is certainly not a likely outcome.
Here are a few things that could limit scoring tonight and force the game to
stay under:
1. Defensive Adjustments from Portland: The Blazers will be making major
adjustments in this game in regards to how they guard Yao. They need to somehow find a
way of making his life harder, because in the opener Yao got whatever he wanted. The
Blazers were letting him get way too good of position down low. When you
let Yao catch it that deep there’s not much
you can do because he’s so big and such a great shooter that he will kill you
from there. So what will the Blazers do tonight to slow him down?
Firstly, they will front him in an attempt to deny Yao from initially catching the
ball. This is one of the ways you have to play him. Even his
teammates admit this strategy can be effective:"That's been our Achilles'
heel, when Yao gets
fronted," Artest said. "We've really had a hard time getting the ball
to Yao when he's
fronted."Yet the Blazers inexplicably did not
front Yao at all in Game 1? Why not? I expect
them do it tonight though, they have to.
Even though NBA playoff games
apparently do not go under the total anymore, I got a feeling this game could
be extremely low scoring. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see it be
played in the 160’s. Let’s try and forget that offensive explosion from Houston in Game 1, because it is not likely
to happen again tonight. During the regular season the Rockets were
nothing special in this regard as they ranked 16th in Offensive
Efficiency at 105.4. They certainly are not a juggernaut. In Game
1, Houston was simply lights out shooting
58.5%. Yao Ming did not miss a single shot, Ron Artest was drilling like
ridiculous fade-away threes and Aaron Brooks scored a career high in points
hitting a number of absurd shots. Yet the game still only hit 189!
What happens though when the Rockets slow down offensively yet maintain they're
intensity on defense? A shoot-out is certainly not a likely outcome.
Here are a few things that could limit scoring tonight and force the game to
stay under:
1. Defensive Adjustments from Portland: The Blazers will be making major
adjustments in this game in regards to how they guard Yao. They need to somehow find a
way of making his life harder, because in the opener Yao got whatever he wanted. The
Blazers were letting him get way too good of position down low. When you
let Yao catch it that deep there’s not much
you can do because he’s so big and such a great shooter that he will kill you
from there. So what will the Blazers do tonight to slow him down?
Firstly, they will front him in an attempt to deny Yao from initially catching the
ball. This is one of the ways you have to play him. Even his
teammates admit this strategy can be effective:"That's been our Achilles'
heel, when Yao gets
fronted," Artest said. "We've really had a hard time getting the ball
to Yao when he's
fronted."Yet the Blazers inexplicably did not
front Yao at all in Game 1? Why not? I expect
them do it tonight though, they have to.
Secondly, Portland will also
have to at times start double teaming Yao. I
know this is a risky strategy because Houston has a myriad
of 3-pt shooters, but when Yao gets
double-teamed he gets sloppy with the ball and has a tendency to turn it over a
lot. The bottom line is I expect the Blazers to do a much better job on Yao.The Rockets like to work through him
on offense as that sets up everything else for his teammates. But when Yao
struggles, Houston
has difficulty scoring and that leads to prolonged droughts from them.
2. Battier/Artest on Brandon Roy:
Even
though Roy got his points in Game 1 scoring
23, the Rockets still match-up very well with him defensively. Shane
Battier and Ron Artest are two of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA
and they will be harassing Roy again tonight and throughout the
series. I do not expect him to get any clean looks and everything will be
well contested at the very least. Also, Lamarcus Aldridge did not like what
Luis Scola was doing to him at all with his unrelenting defensive
pressure. Scola was a pest all game long and threw him off his
game. I expect a better performance here out of Aldridge, but the Rockets
are very physical with him so I do not expect it to be easy.
So with the Blazers hopefully
limiting Yao’s effectiveness down low and the Rockets maintaining they’re
defensive pressure on Portland’s two key cogs in Roy and Aldridge,
look for this game to be extremely hard fought and low scoring.
Secondly, Portland will also
have to at times start double teaming Yao. I
know this is a risky strategy because Houston has a myriad
of 3-pt shooters, but when Yao gets
double-teamed he gets sloppy with the ball and has a tendency to turn it over a
lot. The bottom line is I expect the Blazers to do a much better job on Yao.The Rockets like to work through him
on offense as that sets up everything else for his teammates. But when Yao
struggles, Houston
has difficulty scoring and that leads to prolonged droughts from them.
2. Battier/Artest on Brandon Roy:
Even
though Roy got his points in Game 1 scoring
23, the Rockets still match-up very well with him defensively. Shane
Battier and Ron Artest are two of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA
and they will be harassing Roy again tonight and throughout the
series. I do not expect him to get any clean looks and everything will be
well contested at the very least. Also, Lamarcus Aldridge did not like what
Luis Scola was doing to him at all with his unrelenting defensive
pressure. Scola was a pest all game long and threw him off his
game. I expect a better performance here out of Aldridge, but the Rockets
are very physical with him so I do not expect it to be easy.
So with the Blazers hopefully
limiting Yao’s effectiveness down low and the Rockets maintaining they’re
defensive pressure on Portland’s two key cogs in Roy and Aldridge,
look for this game to be extremely hard fought and low scoring.
Here's another statement bound to attract the disgust of anti- conpiracists. I believe they'll be an under wave to ride soon. A public under burial. ( another phukin conspiracist )... cant help it, they just happen
... Lawdy fahgive me !!!! I cant be he'pin myse'f
Leaning under in LA too. But I'm not sure the waves done being built up yet. oh shit
Here's another statement bound to attract the disgust of anti- conpiracists. I believe they'll be an under wave to ride soon. A public under burial. ( another phukin conspiracist )... cant help it, they just happen
... Lawdy fahgive me !!!! I cant be he'pin myse'f
Leaning under in LA too. But I'm not sure the waves done being built up yet. oh shit
If you're looking for some valuable information in regards to this game tonight, I would urge you to read the Portland Oregonian. They do a better job of covering an NBA team than anyone else around IMO. Some great information available on that paper and you can read it all for free online. Some teams beat writers just scribble down a bunch of shit that looks like it took five minutes, but these Blazer writers always have something interesting, informative and insightful to say. So props to them for the great work.
If you're looking for some valuable information in regards to this game tonight, I would urge you to read the Portland Oregonian. They do a better job of covering an NBA team than anyone else around IMO. Some great information available on that paper and you can read it all for free online. Some teams beat writers just scribble down a bunch of shit that looks like it took five minutes, but these Blazer writers always have something interesting, informative and insightful to say. So props to them for the great work.
This game looks like a carbon copy of the Dallas/San Antonio game last night.
The road team came in and looked pretty impressive in winning Game 1. Now the home team (a darn good one) is in a must win situation while the road team may be happy with the split. Seems to set up nicely for a strong home performance, especially intensity-wise which should lead to a slower defensive type game as the Blazers CANNOT afford to give up easy baskets in a must win game.
There's also the factor that the home teams seems to have been written off after just one game. The talk about the Spurs Game 1 loss was that they were finally just too old and there was a lot of Dallas love out there before yesterday's game. The talk about the Blazers Game 1 loss was that they are just too young and inexperienced and there's a lot of Houston talk out there right now as people are taking the points and the media is talking about them making a deep run in the playoffs without T-Mac.
I took Portland -5.5, and also agree with your assessment on the UNDER. I'd be surprised if Houston broke 85. Took the UNDER/blazer parlay for about half.
This game looks like a carbon copy of the Dallas/San Antonio game last night.
The road team came in and looked pretty impressive in winning Game 1. Now the home team (a darn good one) is in a must win situation while the road team may be happy with the split. Seems to set up nicely for a strong home performance, especially intensity-wise which should lead to a slower defensive type game as the Blazers CANNOT afford to give up easy baskets in a must win game.
There's also the factor that the home teams seems to have been written off after just one game. The talk about the Spurs Game 1 loss was that they were finally just too old and there was a lot of Dallas love out there before yesterday's game. The talk about the Blazers Game 1 loss was that they are just too young and inexperienced and there's a lot of Houston talk out there right now as people are taking the points and the media is talking about them making a deep run in the playoffs without T-Mac.
I took Portland -5.5, and also agree with your assessment on the UNDER. I'd be surprised if Houston broke 85. Took the UNDER/blazer parlay for about half.
I rather listen to Jeff Van Gundy and his insights with this series. He said Houston will take this series in 4 or 5 games. His reasonings for the rockets to dominate this series is the fact that the blazers are SATISFIED simply to make the playoffs. Also something along the line that the rockets have experience in the playoffs and YAO will be too much for the blazers to handle. I know it may sound biased since its coming Van Gundy's point of view because he once coached the team. But you got to agree with what he says.
I rather listen to Jeff Van Gundy and his insights with this series. He said Houston will take this series in 4 or 5 games. His reasonings for the rockets to dominate this series is the fact that the blazers are SATISFIED simply to make the playoffs. Also something along the line that the rockets have experience in the playoffs and YAO will be too much for the blazers to handle. I know it may sound biased since its coming Van Gundy's point of view because he once coached the team. But you got to agree with what he says.
VfR--thanks for the tip about the Oregonian. The sportswriters at the Denver Post do a similarly thorough and insightful job on the Denver teams. Great writing.
VfR--thanks for the tip about the Oregonian. The sportswriters at the Denver Post do a similarly thorough and insightful job on the Denver teams. Great writing.
This game looks like a carbon copy of the Dallas/San Antonio game last night.
The road team came in and looked pretty impressive in winning Game 1. Now the home team (a darn good one) is in a must win situation while the road team may be happy with the split. Seems to set up nicely for a strong home performance, especially intensity-wise which should lead to a slower defensive type game as the Blazers CANNOT afford to give up easy baskets in a must win game.
There's also the factor that the home teams seems to have been written off after just one game. The talk about the Spurs Game 1 loss was that they were finally just too old and there was a lot of Dallas love out there before yesterday's game. The talk about the Blazers Game 1 loss was that they are just too young and inexperienced and there's a lot of Houston talk out there right now as people are taking the points and the media is talking about them making a deep run in the playoffs without T-Mac.
I took Portland -5.5, and also agree with your assessment on the UNDER. I'd be surprised if Houston broke 85. Took the UNDER/blazer parlay for about half.
Portland -5.5
Parlay: Portland -5.5/UNDER 184
LOL at you comparing a veteran laden team with rings in the Spurs to a team seeing its very first playoff action with this current Blazers team.
Youd be suprised to see the Rockets score 85 points? In the last 3 games against the Trailblazers then have scored 102 pts, 108 pts and 98 pts.
This game looks like a carbon copy of the Dallas/San Antonio game last night.
The road team came in and looked pretty impressive in winning Game 1. Now the home team (a darn good one) is in a must win situation while the road team may be happy with the split. Seems to set up nicely for a strong home performance, especially intensity-wise which should lead to a slower defensive type game as the Blazers CANNOT afford to give up easy baskets in a must win game.
There's also the factor that the home teams seems to have been written off after just one game. The talk about the Spurs Game 1 loss was that they were finally just too old and there was a lot of Dallas love out there before yesterday's game. The talk about the Blazers Game 1 loss was that they are just too young and inexperienced and there's a lot of Houston talk out there right now as people are taking the points and the media is talking about them making a deep run in the playoffs without T-Mac.
I took Portland -5.5, and also agree with your assessment on the UNDER. I'd be surprised if Houston broke 85. Took the UNDER/blazer parlay for about half.
Portland -5.5
Parlay: Portland -5.5/UNDER 184
LOL at you comparing a veteran laden team with rings in the Spurs to a team seeing its very first playoff action with this current Blazers team.
Youd be suprised to see the Rockets score 85 points? In the last 3 games against the Trailblazers then have scored 102 pts, 108 pts and 98 pts.
I rather listen to Jeff Van Gundy and his insights with this series. He said Houston will take this series in 4 or 5 games. His reasonings for the rockets to dominate this series is the fact that the blazers are SATISFIED simply to make the playoffs. Also something along the line that the rockets have experience in the playoffs and YAO will be too much for the blazers to handle. I know it may sound biased since its coming Van Gundy's point of view because he once coached the team. But you got to agree with what he says.
I also think that you are seeing the emergence of an up and coming star here with Brooks. Trading away Alston and making Brooks the starter was a great move. And Adelman has told Brooks not to be afraid to make mistakes and shoot it which has helped his confidence. Look for another big game from Brooks tonight....FYI Brooks vs. Blake = HUGE mismatch
I rather listen to Jeff Van Gundy and his insights with this series. He said Houston will take this series in 4 or 5 games. His reasonings for the rockets to dominate this series is the fact that the blazers are SATISFIED simply to make the playoffs. Also something along the line that the rockets have experience in the playoffs and YAO will be too much for the blazers to handle. I know it may sound biased since its coming Van Gundy's point of view because he once coached the team. But you got to agree with what he says.
I also think that you are seeing the emergence of an up and coming star here with Brooks. Trading away Alston and making Brooks the starter was a great move. And Adelman has told Brooks not to be afraid to make mistakes and shoot it which has helped his confidence. Look for another big game from Brooks tonight....FYI Brooks vs. Blake = HUGE mismatch
I rather listen to Jeff Van Gundy and his insights with this series. He said Houston will take this series in 4 or 5 games. His reasonings for the rockets to dominate this series is the fact that the blazers are SATISFIED simply to make the playoffs. Also something along the line that the rockets have experience in the playoffs and YAO will be too much for the blazers to handle. I know it may sound biased since its coming Van Gundy's point of view because he once coached the team. But you got to agree with what he says.
I also feel the rockets can win in 5 games...but that means blazers have to get one...and no better time to do it than tonight back in front of that crowd...they will come out to make a statement...just my opinion of course...i also like the under...
I rather listen to Jeff Van Gundy and his insights with this series. He said Houston will take this series in 4 or 5 games. His reasonings for the rockets to dominate this series is the fact that the blazers are SATISFIED simply to make the playoffs. Also something along the line that the rockets have experience in the playoffs and YAO will be too much for the blazers to handle. I know it may sound biased since its coming Van Gundy's point of view because he once coached the team. But you got to agree with what he says.
I also feel the rockets can win in 5 games...but that means blazers have to get one...and no better time to do it than tonight back in front of that crowd...they will come out to make a statement...just my opinion of course...i also like the under...
LOL at you comparing a veteran laden team with rings in the Spurs to a team seeing its very first playoff action with this current Blazers team.
Youd be suprised to see the Rockets score 85 points? In the last 3 games against the Trailblazers then have scored 102 pts, 108 pts and 98 pts.
This is the same attitude everyone is throwing around with regard to this series right now. Houston's experience and lack there of by the Blazers was a major factor in Game 1. It will not be a major factor in this game. What will be a major factor is a tough Portland team in need of a win playing in front of a jacked crowd and beating a tough team as they have done all year at home.
Throw that experience junk out the window in Game 2.
LOL at you comparing a veteran laden team with rings in the Spurs to a team seeing its very first playoff action with this current Blazers team.
Youd be suprised to see the Rockets score 85 points? In the last 3 games against the Trailblazers then have scored 102 pts, 108 pts and 98 pts.
This is the same attitude everyone is throwing around with regard to this series right now. Houston's experience and lack there of by the Blazers was a major factor in Game 1. It will not be a major factor in this game. What will be a major factor is a tough Portland team in need of a win playing in front of a jacked crowd and beating a tough team as they have done all year at home.
Throw that experience junk out the window in Game 2.
This is the same attitude everyone is throwing around with regard to this series right now. Houston's experience and lack there of by the Blazers was a major factor in Game 1. It will not be a major factor in this game. What will be a major factor is a tough Portland team in need of a win playing in front of a jacked crowd and beating a tough team as they have done all year at home.
Throw that experience junk out the window in Game 2.
This is the same attitude everyone is throwing around with regard to this series right now. Houston's experience and lack there of by the Blazers was a major factor in Game 1. It will not be a major factor in this game. What will be a major factor is a tough Portland team in need of a win playing in front of a jacked crowd and beating a tough team as they have done all year at home.
Throw that experience junk out the window in Game 2.
The only reason last game total was only 189 because the Blazers shot 41% overall and 9% (1-11) on 3s. No way, they'll shoot like that again at home. Rockets has average 103 pts/game against Blazers in their last 3. I'm assuming they'll score 90 in this game, but Blazers will win SU. This game will go OVER.
The only reason last game total was only 189 because the Blazers shot 41% overall and 9% (1-11) on 3s. No way, they'll shoot like that again at home. Rockets has average 103 pts/game against Blazers in their last 3. I'm assuming they'll score 90 in this game, but Blazers will win SU. This game will go OVER.
This is the same attitude everyone is throwing around with regard to this series right now. Houston's experience and lack there of by the Blazers was a major factor in Game 1. It will not be a major factor in this game. What will be a major factor is a tough Portland team in need of a win playing in front of a jacked crowd and beating a tough team as they have done all year at home.
Throw that experience junk out the window in Game 2.
So all the sudden after getting there ass's handed them in game one, inexperiance is no longer going to be a factor? Haha that is almost as funny as when you said motivation is bigger in a sport like basketball or football then hockey.
Houston is a better team, has a better coach, has owned the blazers in the last 3 games and has a distinct mismatch in the middle. Game one the Blazers also had a jacked crowd and needed a win to keep HCA in the series but none of this resulted in even a close match.
This is the same attitude everyone is throwing around with regard to this series right now. Houston's experience and lack there of by the Blazers was a major factor in Game 1. It will not be a major factor in this game. What will be a major factor is a tough Portland team in need of a win playing in front of a jacked crowd and beating a tough team as they have done all year at home.
Throw that experience junk out the window in Game 2.
So all the sudden after getting there ass's handed them in game one, inexperiance is no longer going to be a factor? Haha that is almost as funny as when you said motivation is bigger in a sport like basketball or football then hockey.
Houston is a better team, has a better coach, has owned the blazers in the last 3 games and has a distinct mismatch in the middle. Game one the Blazers also had a jacked crowd and needed a win to keep HCA in the series but none of this resulted in even a close match.
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