NBA Betting Rockets @ Nets
The Houston Rockets (18-9, 14-13 ATS, 16-11 O/U) have won three consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook, covering the spread in two of those contests. The New Jersey Nets (13-13, 14-12 ATS, 13-13 O/U) have been one of the most surprising teams in the league in the early going this season but have dropped two of their last three overall.
The Nets will look to get back in the win column when they host the Rockets tonight at the Izod Center.
The Rockets will look to pick up their season-high, fourth consecutive win after beating the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves 109-102 on Saturday as six players reached double figures in scoring.
Houston held on despite a furious comeback by the T-Wolves that saw them cut Houston’s 11-point third quarter lead to three points in the final minute before eking out the win though they failed to cover the spread for BetUS NBA sports betting backers as a 5.5-point road favorite.
Rockets forward Shane Battier said Minnesota’s comeback should not have occurred.
“Listen, the Boston Celtics are not giving that lead back. The Lakers are not giving that lead back. And Cleveland is not giving that lead back,” Battier said. “Those are the three teams we’re chasing right now and if we ever want to get on their level, we need to do what they do.”
Houston got 23 points from Tracy McGrady, 19 points from Ron Artest and 18 apiece from blossoming guard Aaron Brooks and Yao Ming.
The Nets are coming off a dismal 106-103 loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday, failing to cover the spread as a 4.5-point home favorite in the BetUS Sportsbook.
New Jersey team has lost two straight and four of five at the IZOD Center to fall to 5-9 at home this season.
Rookie center Brook Lopez led the Nets with a team-high 22 points, adding 13 rebounds and five blocked shots for good measure.
Lopez is averaging 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in 19 starts since moving into the starting lineup back on Nov. 14.
“It makes it so much easier when he’s a threat,” Nets point guard Devin Harris told the team’s official Web site. “When he’s rolling to the basket the way he has, it creates so much space for everybody else. We’ll continue to work with him. His post moves are getting better, he’s gaining more confidence and we need him to play like that more.”
New Jersey also got 21 points apiece from its starting backcourt of Devin Harris and Vince Carter in the loss but allowed Miami shooting guard Dwyane Wade to put up a game-high 43 points on 13-for-22 shooting from the field.
Here is a look at tonight’s key betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick:
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston’s last 9 games on the road
Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey’s last 10 games when playing Houston
New Jersey is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
New Jersey is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
NBA Odds
Houston Rockets -4 -110
New Jersey Nets +4 -110
Over 197½ -110
Under 197½ -110
Analysis: While the New Jersey Nets are laying at home in this contest, I don’t think they will win or cover the spread as they play almost no defense at all on most occasions while the Rockets pride themselves on stopping their opponents.
Take Yao, T-Mac and company to pick up their fourth straight win.
