You Win with Rebounds

Remember what coach Pat Riley used to say all the time? No rebounds, no rings! That was his mantra to his team, several of which were terrific offensive powerhouses. However, Riley knew that it's not offense that wins championships, but defense and rebounding. It's important to stress this because rebounding is not the easy part of the game. It requires muscle, hard work, sweat, rubbing elbows with the opposition and fighting for loose balls.

While guard play is significant in college basketball, the NBA is still a big man's game. Who fought for the NBA title three years ago? The Lakers, with Shaq, and Pistons, a hard working rebounding team under Larry Brown. Who fought for the title two year’s ago? The Spurs and Pistons. The Spurs have been a dynamite rebounding/defensive team behind team leader Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen. Last June? Shaq again was back in the Finals, this team leading Miami. Here's a look at five of the top six teams in the NBA in rebounding differential:

Utah +6.85
Cleveland +5.15
Houston +4.14
Dallas +3.48
Orlando +2.82

All have winning records, with the top team (Jazz) being the biggest NBA surprise thus far. The Jazz has a fascinating young frontcourt that is doing the job behind Andrei Kirlenko, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. No doubt having those shot blockers and rebounders has given this team a lift. It also helps at betting window. Utah is 8-2 SU, 8-2 ATS as a dog! They also have a winning record, both straight up and against the spread, on the road.

Guards and outside shooters can get tired or go cold during a game, but big men don't grow shorter. The ability to box out and rebound is a key element in winning, and covering the number. Orlando has also been a huge surprise, with Dwight Howard blossoming into a terrific young big man. No longer is this team a weak pushover under the glass.

And, of course, the Spurs are ranked tenth, which is no surprise. Rebounding and defense has been a staple of this team for years, winning three NBA titles since 1999. San Antonio started 11-3 SU/ATS on the road! They are even 2-0 SU/ATS as a dog.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have an outstanding young front line with 6-10 Drew Gooden, 7-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas and 6-9 Donyell Marshall. Adding that rebounding muscle got them to the playoffs last season and it could help them take the next step. The round mounds of rebound are not always pretty, but it correlates often to winning, both straight up and against the number, especially when teams that can rebound and play defense are underdogs.

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