Posted on
1/25/2008 4:28:57 PM
NBA Betting Odds – Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers
By Eric Williams
The young Portland Trail Blazers, (25-17 SU, 26-16 ATS, 17-24-1 O/U) have been one of the biggest surprises of the first half of the regular season, but the Blazers are currently trying to fight hitting the proverbial wall after alternating wins and losses in their last seven games, including a dismal 96-81 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.
The Houston Rockets, (23-19 SU, 20-21-1 ATS, 18-23-1 O/U) have won three consecutive games coming into this contest and seven of their last 10, while getting readjusted to having starting small forward Tracy McGrady back in the lineup – albeit in a new role as a high-scoring reserve.
The Rockets beat the Seattle Seahawks 109-107 on Wednesday as McGrady scored 28 points on 13-of-23 shooting while center Yao Ming added 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
The Blazers have struggled to score as of late, averaging 95.5 points in their last six games after putting up 104.1 per game in the previous eight.
The Rockets have won 12 of the last 16 meetings, against the Blazers including five of eight on the road and beat Portland 89-80 on Nov. 3.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks.
Key Rockets Trends
The Rockets are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Rockets are 6-1 ATS in their last six games as a road underdog.
The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as an underdog.
Key Trail Blazers Trends
The Trail Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. loss.
The Trail Blazers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games as a favorite.
The Trail Blazers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 5-1 in Rockets last six after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Under is 7-2 in Rockets last nine games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
The Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last five games as a favorite.
The Under is 4-0 in Trail Blazers last four games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
The Home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
The Rockets are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
Analysis: While the Rockets are playing a pretty good brand of basketball at the moment, I’m going to take the Blazers to win this game at home and cover the 2.5-point spread. Portland has not lost at home in 12 consecutive games and should feel much better being back at home after a seven-game road trip.
NBA Free Picks: Blazers -2½ Points/Over 184½ Total Points
10:05 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Houston Rockets +2½ -110
Portland Trailblazers -2½ -110
Over 184½ -110
Under 184½ -110
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