Round one of the NBA Playoffs has already been so much fun, and we are barely getting started!
As usual, during Game 1s of the first round, the TOTALS were all set way too high and those who backed the UNDERS on Sunday, cashed in big time.
If you are looking to get into the action this NBA post-season, be sure to check our BetOnline Review so that you can compare your options.
Jazz not so Jazzy, Blasted by the Rockets on Sunday
The Utah Jazz got absolutely roasted by James Harden and the Rockets during Game 1. The TOTAL was listed at 212.5 and the Houston Rockets were -6.5-point favorites.
But, they ended up embarrassing Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz 122-90. A 32-point loss is a tough pill to swallow. Sure, the Jazz were shooting pretty cold, but they are going to have to tighten up their defense if they want to stop the Rockets.
In addition to this, they could snag any rebounds or grab any loose balls when they finally did get stops and James Harden would just come back at them again.
Even with the No. 5 road defense, you can’t shoot 39% from the field and expect to beat the No. 6 home offense in the league.
What About Game 2
Oddly enough, the lines-makers have capped this game out exactly the same. The point spread is 6.5 in favor of the Houston Rockets and the TOTAL is 212.5 again.
Despite the fact that the TOTAL fell short by a half-point last time, more than 74% of the public is on the OVER to cash again.
The public is also all over James Harden, Chris Paul, Eric Gordon, Clint Capela and PJ Tucker to repeat their performance and smash the Utah Jazz by at least seven points.
This is a tough call because, despite the fact that the Rockets roasted the Jazz on Sunday, Utah is a good team. You have to think that they will adjust and come back to Game 2 with a chip on their shoulder.
Let’s look at it this way. The Houston Rockets average 114 points per game. The Utah Jazz average 111.5. That is a 2.5-point difference in favor of the Rockets.
But, Utah only allows 106.7 points per game, while Houston gives up 108.9, knocking off 2.2 points of that differential so that we end with an average margin of just .3 points favoring the Rockets.
Will the Jazz cover the 6.5? They very could. It’s the playoffs and they are fired up. But, will they win by 30 again? That is very doubtful. We should see Gobert, Rubio, Favors, and Ingles shore up their defense and come into the game shooting a bit better.
I hate agreeing with such a massive public backing, but the OVER might be the way to go in this one. Game 2 could easily be a 105-110 type game, which would go over that posted total.
The Houston Rockets might retain their home court advantage, but the Utah Jazz are going to make them work a little harder for it in Game 2. Take the OVER and count your extra bucks later!
