NBA 12/14 Free Premium Play: Boston Celtics @ Houston Rockets

Boston  at Houston

NBA - 811 Boston Celtics @ 812 Houston Rockets Projected Line: Boston by 2 points Boston is coming from a double overtime win at home against Dallas, where their starters played heavy minutes, especially Rajon Rondo with 53 minutes. Boston's defense has been showing signs of improvement lately, especially on two areas: rim defense (allowing 58% FG on their last 10 games vs 65% FG season average) and 3pts defense (47 eFG% last 10 games vs 53% eFG% season average). This might be the key for tonight's game, as Houston shoots a lot from these two areas. The Rockets' offense is mostly based on pick and roll ball handler plays, where they are #2 in the league with 0.90 PPP. But Boston's pick and roll ball handler defense is excellent by being #1 in the league with just 0.66 PPP allowed! Houston's frontcourt isn't skilled enough to pound Boston down low with post up moves, so the Celtics' undersized lineup won't struggle in here. On the other hand, Houston's defense might struggle in here. They are the 6th worst team in the league in 16-23 feet defense with 40.2% FG allowed, an area where Boston shoots a lot of their shots, while being #1 in the league with 46.3% FG! Houston also struggles on rim defense and so, I expect the Celtics to have a good offensive night. With Boston being able to stop Houston's pick and rolls tonight, I believe the Celtics will get a great road win tonight and so, I'll be taking them in here. Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on 811 Boston Celtics (+2,5) @ -110 / 1.91 on Bookmaker