A mid-season lineup change has propelled the Houston Rockets
straight into the NBA title conversation. Incredibly, the Rockets have been on
a charge straight up the Western Conference standings. Houston threw caution to
the wind at the deadline, trading their only big men, and the results have been
extraordinary.
Somehow, Mike D’Antoni’s team has been thriving ever since throwing out the idea of a
traditional center. An amalgam of Robert Covington, and P.J Tucker have served
as interior enforcers and the results speak for themselves. The Rockets have
won 10 of 12 games without a traditional center, and more importantly have set
the stage for their superstars to shine.
Houston’s commitment to a five-out style has unlocked the
powers of Russell Westbrook. This may be the most significant factor in the
team’s chase of an NBA championship. Scrapping the center position entirely has
opened up the floor for more drives and threes. Creating lanes for Westbrook to
attack, and James Harden to shoot is a recipe for success in the modern NBA.
The Houston Rockets NBA Title Odds Without a Center
Houston’s centerless lineups have unlocked the “Brodie’s”
superpowers. Westbrook’s numbers since the team’s downsize have been
flabbergasting. The nine-time All-Star is averaging over 33 points, 7 rebounds,
and 6 assists since the switch. Those are special numbers in any era, but
represent the fantastic turnaround in Westbrook’s season.
For bettors, the Rockets represent a very profitable option
while betting on the NBA Title winner. Until this latest experiment, the Brodie
and the Brow pairing had yet to really take off. Now, Houston’s small ball
lineups could be the special secret to success in the NBA playoffs.
Sportsbooks have yet to take notice. Houston’s odds to win
the NBA Championship have stagnated at +1400. With James Harden and Russell
Westbrook, the Rockets have one of the most powerful pairs of superstars in
league history. The pair is without a doubt combustible, but in the right
system, could easily lead this team to a title. If you’d like to shoot for the
stars, take the Rockets to the moon, and bet on Houston to win the 2020 NBA
Title.
