Rockets vs Trail Blazer Odds
The Houston Rockets needed a win in Game 3, and they got it on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers. Now it’s time for one team to show it wants it more before heading back to Clutch City for Game 5.[ad-4468020]
No. 4 Houston (1-2) @ No. 5 Portland (2-1)
Game 4 @ Moda Center
Sunday, April 27 9:30 PM ET (TNT)
Spread: PDX -2
Total: 215
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Houston
Up to this point, the Rockets and Blazers have combined for arguably the most entertaining series of the entire postseason. Two of the first three contests have gone to overtime (including the last one), and each game has been decided by an average of just 4.7 points.
CLICK GRAB OUR BEST Expert Hoops Picks for 2014 GAMBLING season!
Despite averaging 27.3 points per game in the first three outings, James Harden has been incredibly inefficient. He’s shooting just 26.7 percent from long range, and his field-goal percentage is an anemic 32.9 percent. If the Rockets are going to pose a real threat for Portland, they’re going to need Harden to step up. Luckily for them, Dwight Howard has made up the difference.
Entering Game 4, Howard is posting all-world numbers. He’s scoring 27.7 points per game, grabbing 14.3 rebounds and blocking 3.3 shots. On top of all that, he’s shooting 54.2 percent from the field, and while that’s lower than his regular-season numbers, it’s beyond respectable this time of year. The only problem is that LaMarcus Aldridge has outperformed him, making L.A. priority No. 1 on defense.
[ad-6571516]
Portland
In Game 3, the Rockets came out with a different starting lineup than the first two showdowns. They ran the twin towers set with Howard and Omer Asik on the block in an attempt to slow down Aldridge. Aldridge is averaging 37.3 points and 12 rebounds, and he’s the go-to option for the Blazers amid a myriad of other scorers.
Speaking of those scorers, Damian Lillard is having a very strong first playoff experience. The matchup between he and Patrick Beverley was supposed to be the one to watch out for, but at this juncture, it’s been Lillard with the advantage every step of the way. Then there’s Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews. The two perimeter players have proven they’re reliable when it counts the most, but in the case of Matthews, his value is found mostly on defense.
Despite being a great three-point shooter and a strong post-up guard, Matthews’ job is to slow down Harden. It’s clear that he’s done that up to this point. With Harden shooting as poorly as he is, credit goes to Matthews for not being afraid to get up close and personal.
The Blazers and Rockets have played seven times this season, and while most of them have been close, the games have gotten increasingly better as the season has progressed. Eventually, one of these teams will win by double digits, but this won’t be it. Expect the Blazers to get back on track in yet another close contest.
Prediction: Portland 115 – Houston 113
