Cappers Buzz

Under 192 Boston/Minnesota

Celts leading the league in many defensive categories, including  88 ppg, 41.9% FG, and 31.5% 3FG.  Their defense let them down the other night, as they allowed 114 pts. in home loss to the Raptors, spurred by 15-21 3FG and 19-19 FT from Toronto.   HC Rivers was very vocal about his team’s defense, commenting on how they did not close out fast enough on shooters, and simply dared the Raptors to take 3s down the stretch instead of contesting theem.  We won’t tell Doc that when you lose by 2 and a team shoots like that, that  means your team is pretty damn good, and chances are your next 20 opponents won’t have a night like that.  Nevertheless, we expect his team to acccept the challenge defensively, and simply shut down a horrible Minnesota team on this court.  The only success Minny has had this season (and there’s been very little success with 7 wins) has been when they’ve played run and gun.  That won’t happen here, and they’ll be grinded up in a halfcourt game.  The Celtics defensive numbers at home are even more dominant than their overall numbers, and Minnesota averages 92 ppg on 43% FG this season.  I don’t think they’ll reach either of those numbers with Boston’s expected defensive focus tonight.  Boston has responded with 4 UNDERs, holding all 4 foes to 89 or less after a night where they allowed 100 points, and are 1-5 UNDER as a home favorite of 12.5 or more.  Boston 97-82

This play actually made the cut for my NBA selection service tonight, but there is a total that I’m even stronger on, my January NBA Total of the Month.  About 75% of my NBA selections are total selections, and this is my strongest of the year to date.  Available for purchase at the Capper’s Gallery.  Long-term packages as well, 64% hoops this season!