NBA Picks: Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers will meet for the second time in four days, as the two teams faced off at Portland on Sunday with the Trail Blazers taking home a 100-85 win. This time around the game will be played at the Toyota Center in Houston, where the Rockets have won nine of their last 10. Houston did lose at Denver on Monday 113-106, while the Trail Blazers fell 84-81 last night at Dallas. Our NBA spreads for this game have the Rockets favored by 6-points over the Trail Blazers at home.
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In the first meeting between these two teams, LaMarcus Aldridge had a game-high 25 points to go with 11 rebounds. Nicolas Batum also had a nice night with 21 points. Marcus Camby had just three points, but finished with 13 rebounds and eight assists. Portland also got a big performance from their bench, as three different reserves scored in double figures.
For the Rockets Kevin Martin led the way with 15 points on just 6-17 shooting, and the Rockets as a team really struggled to make shots, as they shot just 41% from the field. Houston did get 46 points from their bench, but most of that had to do with the starters not playing many minutes.
Aldridge is without question the key to the Trail Blazers making a game of it. With Brandon Roy still sidelines with an injury, Aldridge is the only real go to guy Portland has.
For Houston I think we will see a much better offensive night from Martin, and don’t be surprised to see the who team shoot much better than they did in the first game against the Trail Blazers.
Also look for the Rockets to have a lot more energy in this one, as they just bring a different level of intensity on their home court. Houston is 10-5 at home this season, despite being just 16-18 overall, and have won 12 of their last 13 home games against the Trail Blazers.
Portland is the same way, they play extremely well at home (12-3), but are just 6-14 on the road. I think just based on that you have to take the Rockets to cover the spread, as they are going to look to embarrass the Trail Blazers after what they did to them on Sunday.Seven of the Rockets last nine home wins have been by more than six points.
For more help with who to take in the NBA this season, check out what our expert handicappers have to offer in their daily NBA picks.
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