The Houston Rockets appear to be on the verge of adding Carmelo Anthony to a team that is already an offensive juggernaut, but a lot of people don’t feel that the 34-year-old gives them a better shot at contending for an NBA title next season. In fact, some think the Rockets will be worse off.
SportsLine, which is partnered with CBS, is a site that provides expert gambling advice and uses extensive data to help its subscribers make picks. The site’s computer model says that Houston’s chances of winning a championship next year would actually decrease if and when Carmelo signs.
If Carmelo Anthony signs with the Rockets, @SportsLine projections DECREASE Houston’s championship chances from 4.8% to 3.9%. pic.twitter.com/srTl18ZJ8M
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 23, 2018
In all likelihood, Las Vegas oddsmakers will not shift the Rockets’ chances all that much because of Anthony. He’s nowhere near the impact player he once was, and one oddsmaker from the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook actually laughed when Marcus DiNitto of BetChicago.com asked him if Anthony’s decision will result in any shift in futures odds. Another oddsmaker told DiNitto there will be “no move” attached to ‘Melo.
We already know how some of Houston’s best players feel about adding Anthony to the mix, and that’s all that matters. The Rockets will need all the help they can get to de-throne the Golden State Warriors in the West, and it remains to be seen how much of that Anthony will provide.
