NBA Picks: New Orleans Hornets at Houston Rockets
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The New Orleans Hornets will go for their third straight win when they visit the struggling Houston Rockets Friday night. The Hornets won 96-87 at Denver on Sunday, and then came back and beat the Magic 92-89 on Wednesday, snapping the Magic’s nine game winning streak. As for the Rockets they fell 118-112 at home against the Thunder, and have won just once in their last seven games. Taking a look at the NBA spreads for tonight’s games, oddsmakers have the Rockets favored by 1.5-points over the Hornets at home.
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The Hornets have won five of their last seven, but have had trouble on the road this season. They are just 8-11 away from home, and many times struggle to bring the same defensive intensity on the road.
In the Hornets last seven wins they have held opponents to 91 or less points, but in their last six losses opponents are averaging 105 points a game.
The Hornets got big time performance from Marcus Thornton in their win over the Magic. Thornton came off the bench to score 22 points and grab nine rebounds, as he filled in for Marco Belinelli, who sprained his right ankle just a minute into the game. It’s unlikely Belineli will be able to play tonight, so look for of Thornton tonight.
Chris Paul did his part with 12 points and 13 rebounds, Emeka Okafor had 18 points and 14 boards, and David West chipped in 13 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
Slowing down the Rockets offense hasn’t been easy this season, as, they come in averaging 105 points a game, and have scored 95 or more in six straight games. The problem for the Rockets is they play hardly any defense. Houston has given up an avearge of 107 points over their last 10 games.
The Rockets figure to have Kevin Martin back in the lineup tonight. Martin has missed the last two games with a right wrist injury. Aaron Brooks has stepped into the starting lineup the past two games, and has scored 41 points and dished out 10 assists. Brooks had been coming off the bench, and it will be interesting to see what the Rockets do with him, now that Martin is expected back.
Luis Scola scored a game-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Thunder, but it was all for nothing, as the Rockets just couldn’t slow down Oklahoma City. Courtney Lee came off the bench to score 19 points and Kyle Lowry added 18. giving Houston plenty of options with Martin back, who is leading the team, averaging 23.2 points a game.
The Rockets are 10-8 at home this season, but have dropped three straight and four of their last five at the Toyota Center. I think you have to take the points and bet the Hornets in this one. New Orleans has won three of their last four on the road, with the only loss coming by just four points at the Lakers.
For more help with who to take this season, check out what our expert NBA handicappers have to offer in their daily NBA picks.
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