hugh613
Pretty much a regular
No, not really. Not for the 1H at least. If you've noticed, pretty much all my handicapping with regards to totals has to do with pace or, at least, anticipated pace so, tired or not, I wouldn't expect the Rockets to deviate from their trademark style of play. I mean, this is a team that takes a whopping 43% of their shots within the first 10 seconds of the shot clock, and another 29% between the 11-15 second mark. Pro rate that over the course of 24 minutes, and we're talking the potential for anywhere between 45-48 shots during the half depending on turnovers (not to mention trips to the line where they're averaging a league high 37.6 attempts per game, and where the Knicks are giving up the 4th most attempts per game in the league at 27.4), so even a sub par shooting half could get this over the number.
Now, the question you asked is how well will they shoot. Well, if you look at the four Knicks 1H's at home this season (MIL 31 but, keep in mind, the Bucks are terrible; MIN 64; CHA 64; and SA 61), there's not much reason to think that even a tired Rockets team wouldn't be able to put up points on them. Plus between the Knicks getting buried at home to start the season and knowing the Rockets are coming off B2B OT games, I think it's a safe assumption the Knicks are going to try and run on them out of the gate. So you've got the pace, a Knicks team with the worst home DEFF in the league, and a Rockets team that shoots at will. Throw in the fact the Knicks have no inside presence without Tyson Chandler and Dwight Howard should be able to snag plenty of second chance opportunities as well (hopefully not at the line though : ).
Plus between this being a nationally televised game and the return of Linsanity to MSG, I'm sure the Rockets will find it in them to fight off fatigue to start off the game (at least).
Does that mean a 40 point half can't happen? Of course not, but when you've got the potential for an above average number of opportuniteies to score, an above average offense on the road, a below average defense at home, along with what I consider to be a relatively soft number, I'm willing to take my chances...
:cheers:
p.s. I can't find exact B2B numbers for Houston from last season, but just at a quick glance at their last 10 B2B's overall, I'm seeing an average of 107.5 on offense so, no, I'm not overly concerned... : )
