The Rockets have been tough against the Jazz. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Bookie Busters was on fire this weekend ending 7-2-2
Let's continue the streak with some NBA and Soccer plays.
Roma vs. Liverpool
The Estadio Olimpico; a place where miracles happen, and the home side will be looking to strike lightning twice in front of over 73,000 enthusiasts. Confidence, mysteriously, is at an all-time high with the locals as they fresh memory of the recent 3-0 win over a Messi led Barcelona, make this feat everything but impossible. If you can stop Messi, then why not Mohamed Salah?
For starters, Salah has netted ten goals in this tournament, and 43 this season across all competitions. He's managed to get on the scoresheet in nine of The Reds last ten fixtures and thats pushed the over 2.5 goals total eight times in that sample size. In the first leg, Salah scored twice while setting up the other two goals, making it a night to remember for the Egyptian sensation.
The Pick
An open match with end to end action, as the home team must overcome a three-goal deficit. On their side, the benefit of scoring two away goals, but having to net at the minimum three, will leave them exposed playing out of character. The Pool counter attack is what they thrive on, and the situation will play right into their hands.
Play of the Week:
Liverpool Team Total Over 1.5 3x
Over 3
Both teams to score
Salah scores a goal 2x
Rockets vs. Jazz 7:00 PM
The No. 1 overall seed has been giving the Red Rowdy aficionadi worries for their streaky performances thus far in the playoffs. Game 1 of this series finally saw the Rockets come out and dominate from wire to wire led by James Harden's 41 point explosion while hitting seven shots from behind the arch. Houston is 5-0 ATS in the last five in this matchup. Game 1's performance comes as no surprise, as Harden has dominated in those contest averaging 31 points per game while shooting 42.2 percent from the field.
The Pick
Houston dominated the last game, all while only scoring 36 points in the paint. They relied on their bread and butter, the outside shot. When Houston is hitting their shots at the rate they do, it makes it impossible for teams to adjust, especially one that relies on a big body like Rudy Gobert.
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last five games. The Rockets are also 5-0 ATS in the last five games vs. the Jazz. The total has gone over in four of Utah's last five games when playing on the road vs. Houston. Houston is also 7-3 ATS at home in its last 10 when playing the Jazz. Look for Houston to have its way, making the Jazz play out of character having to chase the game from the start.
Rockets first Half -6.5
Rockets over 52 First Half
Rockets Team Total Over 107.5
Over 205
Celtics vs. 76ers
Over 207
UEFA Europa League Semifinals Thursday 1:45
Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal
Atletico Madrid money line -130
For any questions or comments reach me at @JerryBoKnowz on Twitter.
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It should come as no surprise that after a slow start to the season, fans and media are starting to voice concerns about the organization's leadership and direction. The latest evidence of this involved Astros adviser Reggie Jackson and the comments he made on Jon Heyman's podcast, The Show.
Jackson discussed the Astros reported interest in starting pitcher Blake Snell. He said that ultimately, Snell was looking for a deal the Astros weren't comfortable with in terms of money and structure of the contract.
Which is interesting considering the Astros were okay with paying 5-years, $95 million for closer Josh Hader, but not willing to pay Snell 2-years, $62 million. We believe the opt-outs in Snell's contract were a dealbreaker for Houston. And of course the money played a role.
However, the Astros passing on Snell is not the intriguing part of the story. It was Jackson talking about the club's power structure in the front office and how they go about making decisions.
“Being fiscally responsible is what kicked us out of the Snell deal… That's too much for him… Between the 4 or 5 people who make decisions with the Astros, we don't play that game,” said Jackson.
Based on Jackson's comments in the interview, the decision makers are Jim Crane, Dana Brown, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Reggie. But not necessarily in that order. He also mentioned that they had conversations with manager Joe Espada and his staff, plus some input from the analytics department.
These comments add to the concerns we've had about the front office since Crane moved on from GM James Click and operated without a general manager for several months. Which led to the disastrous signing of Jose Abreu and to a lesser extent Rafael Montero.
Which begs the question, are the Astros in a better spot now with their front office? Many blame Dana Brown for the state of the starting rotation. While there were some red flags this spring, anticipating injuries to Jose Urquidy, Justin Verlander, and Framber Valdez is asking a lot.
But only bringing in Hader to replace all the innings left behind by Hector Neris, Phil Maton, Kendall Graveman, and Ryne Stanek always felt risky.
Finally, what can the Astros due in the short-term to weather the storm while Framber and JV rehab from injury?
And is Hunter Brown the biggest liability in the rotation?
Be sure to watch the video above for the full in-depth discussion.