Mondayyyyy

Getting at least one game in early since I'll be busy tomorrow and wanna leave you guys with something.

The Pacers beat the Rockets back in late January in Indiana, but since then have gone 5-7 and are losers out of the 7 of 8.  During that stretch they have the worst defensive rating in the league, and are averaging  only103 points a game.  Granted, they did play the toughest schedule in the league during that stretch of games, but none the less, they were still unable to win.

The Rockets have had it rather easy compared to the Pacers but still, when you're giving up 44% from three in that span of games like Indiana is, it's hard to win against anybody, and that problem will be magnified two fold against Houston.

Paul George has been a big reason the Pacers are a leagues worst 1-7 in the last eight games.  He's only averaging 18 points and shooting under 40% from the field.  The plethora of double figured players in scoring isn't there either like it was when they went 14-4 in January.

This is a game where I think the three point differential alone, will just about cover the spread.  I expect the Rockets to have about 8-10 more threes made than Indiana and the pace to really make Indiana play in a way they don't want to.  While I do think that the Pacers have some potential inside, the guard disparity is too great and should be where the entire game lies.

Terrible timing for a terrible road team playing in a terrible match up.

Rockets Big!

Thank you.  Your kind words are much appreciated.

But yeah, there's no question 11 points is a lot.  Especially to a team who won by almost 20 two months ago.  There were a lot of factors that played into that and even though I think people in this forum use the "revenge" word way too much, this is about as close to a revenge game as you can get.  Revenge games to me, are games that you uncharacteristically think about and are eager to right the wrong.  

The Rockets have not forgotten about the beat down they experienced to Indiana.  Eric Gordon says it was one of their worst games all year and to expect a different result this time.  

I think Houston will come in guns a blazing and throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Pacers and handily right the previous wrong.  Timing is of the essence and now the Rockets are the ones streaking.

Yeah, you are right.  I wrote this post way early even before I even had it on my book.  Idk where I saw it -11.  It might have been covers.

I was taught a lesson the last game with the Kings and it was made very clear to me that I was straight up overvaluing the "team and having something to prove" angle over the angle of "the Kings just don't have much talent".  

Anyway, with the way these teams stack up talent wise, there is no comparison.  The Wolves have proven they can be consistent scorers even with their lack of depth and although their defense hasn't been great, the Kings are a team where it might not matter.  

I see Towns and Wiggins combining for possibly 70 in this one and the Wolves stick it to the Kings from the whistle.

Wolves by double digits.

The Kings had their statement game in the first game after the trade. Now they're gonna be awful the rest of the year. Like the play.

GL and will be watching for your picks...

hahaha.  You remember huh?  Overtimes ran me into hibernation. They followed me all the way to the Super Bowl   Between college and NBA I ran into 9 overtime losses in a two week span BEFORE I lost on the under in the Super Bowl. 

I was actually thinking of releasing one total play a night on top of my sides, kind of shyed away from that idea but maybe I'll look into redoing that.

Boy this game seems too good to be true.  One point either way seems like a gift if you're thinking Miami.

There's just nothing I can think of that would make me want to bet Dallas.  Can Dallas pull out the win, I'd say yes there's a chance, but so many more guys have to play better than they have been since the all star break to do it.

I had kind of mentioned pre all star break that the Heat had just lost focus a little going into the all star break losing their last two.  Since then they've rebounded nicely and are back to playing "defense first" basketball.  They're doing pretty much back to doing what won them 14 games in a row.

Dallas was able to stick close to Miami during that win streak Miami was on.  They lost by four, but that was with the likes of Barrea and Williams.  Since then those guys are out and not only are the Mavericks having trouble getting productivity out of the bench, but now their starters are inconsistent.

Yogi Ferrell, 5.5 PPG last 3 games, Seth Curry 4 PPG a game last 3 games, Wesley Matthews 8 PPG last 3 games.  You really want this game to fall entirely on Dirk and Barnes?

Miami is 16-2 it's last 18 games and are a team who currently can outscore you, or lock you down on defense and win that way.

I think Spolestra has the Heat refocused now and the Heat have been playing way too good for a lengthy period of time to come into Dallas to lose this game to a team who's only averaging 90 points a game since the all star break, to two weak defensive opponents.

Maybe I'm a fish, but in this case I don't think so.

This game could be close through most, but possible scoring droughts from Dallas gives Miami an edge for me.

You're right.  I think he's a great addition.  Probably the most athletic guy on the team and gives you good presence inside.  I was actually initially leaning the under more than anything and I believe Noel plays a bigger role defensively more than anything.   For me this gsme is a question of whether or not Dallas can score.  The pelicans and wolves are two teams their guards should have been lighting up but drastically failed to do so.   I appreciate you mentioning that and please feel free to do in the future.   

I hear ya and definitely not.  

Waiters vs Matthews is imo the matchup that will decide this one.  If Waiters gets his 22, Heat win.  

It's just hard for me to picture yogi wes and Seth all having good games and pulling out a win tonight.  

 

looked like they were making a run at 8th seed but looks like they are tanking now

Yup.  They are desperate for some pieces.  Noel is an upgrade, but you still can't win ball games with the pieces they have now.  They HAD shown some signs but let's face it, Dirk can't carry a team anymore and there's no second guy capable of doing so.  

There's my boy.  I hope so brotha.  No "super locks" today though