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posted April 3, 2008 at 16:55 in NBA Articles

The Houston Rockets, (49-25 SU, 41-31-2 ATS, 32-41-1 O/U), have looked out of sync ever since having their historic 22-game winning streak snapped by the Boston Celtics on March 18, and have gone a dismal 3-5 in eight contests since then, including a disheartening 99-98 road loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

"It's tough. You lose a game like this and you don't know what's going to happen," said Rockets head coach Rick Adelman. "That is why it is tough for all the teams in the West. This was a brutal loss."

The Rockets are in sixth place in the West with eight games remaining, and say their defensive intensity that fueled the second longest winning streak in league history, is suddenly missing.

"It seems like we are not defending with any sense of urgency," point guard Rafer Alston said. "The last two games, teams are just carving us up on defense. Once we start defending, then we can worry about the offense."

The Portland Trail Blazers, (38-36 SU, 37-37 ATS, 29-44-1 O/U), are also struggling after some surprising early-season success, having lost three consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook coming into tonight’s matchup, including a 104-91 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

"We want to come out with a winning record," said forward Travis Outlaw, who scored 23 points against the Lakers.

Blazers All-Star guard Brandon Roy is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game with a groin injury and have gone just 1-6 without him this season.

Despite winning six of their last ten, the Rockets are a pitiful 2-7-1 against the spread in their last ten games while the Blazers have posted identical 4-6 records both, straight up and against the spread.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my NBA Betting Picks.

The Rockets are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six vs. NBA Northwest.

The Rockets are 22-8-3 ATS in their last 33 Thursday games.

The Trail Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on zero days rest.

The Trail Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.

The Under is 6-0 in Rockets last six vs. NBA Northwest.

The Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last five overall.

The Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.

The Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Portland.

Analysis: While the Houston Rockets cost me in their last contest, failing to cover against a mediocre Sacramento Kings team on the road on Tuesday, I feel confident about coming right back with them tonight to beat the ailing young Blazers who have struggled immensely without Brandon Roy this season. Take the Rockets to cover the spread with the outright win tonight.

NBA Free Picks: Rockets -6 Points/Over 183 Total Points

10:35 PM EST NBA Betting Odds

Houston Rockets -6 -110

Portland Trailblazers +6 -110

Over 183 -110

Under 183 -110

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