Posted on
4/14/2008 4:14:42 PM
NBA Basketball Betting Odds - Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz
By D.S Williamson
Houston Rockets (+ 8.5) vs. Utah Jazz (- 8.5)
This NBA season has been amazing for sportsbook betting enthusiasts in the Western Conference. After a single key game this past Sunday the Los Angeles Lakers are now in the drivers’ seat for the top seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. The crazy thing is that the Houston Rockets aren’t that far behind. Neither are the Utah Jazz. In fact only a ½ game to 2 ½ games separates the top 6 seeds in the Western Conference. Because Utah has won their division, they are the 4th seed if the playoffs were to start today even though they have one more loss then the Houston Rockets.
That doesn’t mean that the Rockets don’t need to win this game. They do. They can rise all the way to the second seed if they were to finish the season with a better record then the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Hornets and nobody wants to have to go to Utah for the first-round. Let’s take a look at a few trends.
The Houston Rockets are 6 and 1 against the spread in their last 7 games versus a team from the NBA Northwest Division.
The Utah Jazz are 6 and 0 against the spread in their last 6 overall games.
The Under is 4 and 1 in the last 5 meetings between these two teams in Utah.
The Houston Rockets are 1 and 5 against the spread in the last 6 meetings between these two teams in Utah.
Shane Battier is day-to-day for the Houston Rockets while the Utah Jazz have no injuries to report. Of course, the Rockets will be without Yao Ming for the entire playoffs. Sure, there’s a lot at stake for the Rockets in this game, but do we really believe that coach Rick Adelman will push his fellas in this one?
Just making the playoffs is a huge boost for this team. They may have to play the Jazz in the first-round and that’s going to be tough. There’s no reason to push it this late in the season. Adelman will no doubt let this game unfold the way it’s supposed to - - the Jazz getting an early lead and then coasting to a win.
The Utah Jazz are 28 and 12 against the BetUS spread at home this season. They’ve only lost 4 games straight-up at home all season.
That makes them virtually unbeatable at home. What’s more important to Adelman then winning this game? Toughening up his Rockets for their series against the Jazz this weekend - - if it happens, of course.
In any case I don’t mind giving up the 8 ½ points when it’s Utah at home.
The BetUS line is Utah Jazz – 8 ½ against the spread at home versus the Houston Rockets.
I expect Utah to cover this spread easily on Monday night.
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