Rockets vs Cavaliers 01.Mar
The Cavaliers did not have Lebron James and Kyrie Irving ready to play on Friday and not that surprisingly they lost to the Pacers. That ended their 4 game winning streak after the All-stars break in which they showed an impressive level of basketball winning games by an average margin of 19 points (including a win against the league leading Warriors).
Lebron James got a rest in back-to-back situation and had no actual injury involved. He will be rested and ready to play tonight and he has been playing at exceptional level coming from an extended rest. Kyrie Irving will not play tonight, but that could be somewhat a good thing for the Cavaliers tonight. Firstly, Lebron James will have more time with the ball in his hands offensively. Secondly, he will likely guard James Harden more than he would with Irving playing. Lebron`s strength will be problem for the Houston guards and his passing abilities will find Kevin Love and J.R. Smith for open shots. If there is anyone in NBA that is able to guard Harden it is James. He has enough speed, strength and experience to make Harden work and officials are less likely to give Harden easy superstar touch foul calls on his drives to the basket.
We can forget the last game against the Pacers and still consider the Cavaliers one of the hottest teams in the league right now. The Rockets have won 4 games in a row, but have had easy schedule with MIN, struggling TOR and BKN being 3 of those 4 teams. Coming from a rest and having a lot of touches tonight, Lebron James should have a huge game tonight. The Cavs should be better here. Take Cleveland to cover -1.5 points @2.05 with 2/5 units from Pinnacle.
GL