Houston vs Rip City NBA Betting Odds
As we approach the quarter mark of the 2013-14 NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets have surprised people across the league. [ad-4468020]
Houston (15-7) @ Portland (18-4)
Thursday, Dec. 12 10:30 PM ET @ Moda Center
Spread: Portland -3
O/U: 214
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For Portland, nobody expected them to be atop the Western Conference at any point this year. For Houston, critics of Dwight Howard are shocked at how quickly the group has come together to form a contending roster. The two teams face off Thursday night in front of a national television audience.
Houston
Houston enters this contest as the top scoring team in the NBA, and while that’s a true indication of a talented offense, it’s more a testament to the pace they run each and every night.
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The Rockets run the fourth-fastest pace in the Association, as they push the tempo every chance they get. What’s even more impressive is how efficient they can be while running at such a frantic system.
Their offensive efficiency is the third-best in the NBA, placing them behind only the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers.
The key for Houston in this one must be defending the three-point line.
The team from Texas has been mediocre at best in that particular category, and it is going up against a squad that is shooting 41.5 percent from behind the arc—the second-best mark in the league.
Offensively, look for the Rockets to attack the paint early and often. Portland has struggled when it comes to defending the rim, and Houston has a number of weapons who can exploit that. Look for the team to feed Dwight Howard down low in traditional fashion, but keep your eye on James Harden as well.
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The 2-guard has a knack for getting to the rim in isolation sets, and breaking down the Blazers’ perimeter defense will open a world of opportunities for the ultra-talented 24-year-old.
Portland
If you like high-scoring affairs, make sure you tune into this one. Not only are the Rockets leading the NBA in scoring, but the Blazers are right behind them at No. 2. Both squads combine for 213.7 points per contest, while both defenses are in the bottom half of the league in points allowed.
The Rockets are going to look to score at the rim, but Portland will be okay with that as long as it stops the long ball. The team from the Northwest division has earned praise this season for its unique defensive strategy, as it has allowed looks down low by design to make life on the perimeter difficult for opponents.
The Rockets take more three-pointers than any team in the NBA, so don’t expect Portland to change its strategy Thursday night.
Offensively, the Rockets will be given the task of slowing down LaMarcus Aldridge. The power forward has looked like an MVP this season, and if he’s double teamed, he’s been solid at setting up his open teammates with long-distance looks.
The Trail Blazers have only lost four games this season, but unfortunately for them, the Rockets were one of them.
Portland has to cool down sometime, and while you can expect this one to be close, you shouldn’t be shocked if the Rockets steal one on the road.
Prediction: Houston 111 – Portland 105
