posted March 21, 2008 at 15:35 in NBA Free Picks

The Houston Rockets, (46-22 SU, 40-27-1 ATS, 28-39-1 O/U), enter tonight’s contest riding a two-game losing streak in the BetUS.com Sportsbook after having their historic 22-game winning streak snapped by the Boston Celtics on Tuesday and falling to the New Orleans Hornets 90-69 on Wednesday.

The Golden State Warriors, (42-25 SU, 29-38 ATS, 37-28-2 O/U), also come into tonight’s matchup off a loss, falling to the lowly Los Angeles Clippers 116-100 on Wednesday.

The Rockets have struggled immensely on offense lately, scoring just 34 points after halftime against the Celtics while putting up just 25 points after the break against the Hornets.

"This is a time where we really need to be mentally tough and focused going into every game," said Rockets swingman Tracy McGrady. "We're on a two-game slide so we gotta get ourselves together. It's getting harder every game."

The Warriors lead the league in scoring, averaging 110.9 points per game, scoring over 100 points in each of their last 31 contests.
They play their next eight games against current Western Conference playoff teams.

The Rockets have won eight of their last ten and covered the spread in seven of ten over the same span.

The Warriors have won seven of their last ten but has managed to cover the spread in just five of ten over the same span.

Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Picks.

The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
The Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last five games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
The Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six Friday games.
The Warriors are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600.
The Under is 6-1 in Rockets last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
The Over is 4-0-1 in Warriors last five Friday games.
The Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
The Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Golden State.

Analysis: While I still think the Rockets will make an impact in the western conference playoffs, I also believe they are going to pick up their third consecutive loss in this contest, though this one won’t be a rout like their last two losses. Take the Warriors to cover by the narrowest of margins.

NBA Free Picks: Warriors -3½ Points/Under 209 Total Points

10:35 PM EST NBA Odds
Houston Rockets +3½ -110
Golden State Warriors -3½ -110
Over 209 -110
Under 209 -110

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