posted March 14, 2008 at 15:21 EST in NBA Betting Trends

Although the Charlotte Bobcats, (24-40 SU, 28-35-1 ATS, 36-27-1 O/U), were handed an emphatic 118-93 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in their last contest on Wednesday, they have been playing excellent basketball lately, winning five consecutive games prior to their loss to the Mavericks.

While the Bobcats have been winning more often than not lately, they will need a monster effort to halt the Houston Rockets’, (44-20 SU, 39-24-1 ATS, 27-36-1 O/U), historic 20-game winning streak.

The Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks 83-75 in the BetUS.com Sportsbook on Wednesday, becoming just the third team in league history to win 20 consecutive games, joining the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks also won 20 straight, and 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers who won 33 consecutive games.

"It's unbelievable," said Rockets swingman Tracy McGrady, who had a team-high 28 points against the Hawks. "For me to be on this team that has accomplished 20 straight wins, that has got to be right up there with the most gratifying things I've accomplished in this league. ... You look at the Bulls that were 72-10, they didn't even do it. So this is pretty remarkable."

The Rockets have not lost since falling to the Utah Jazz 97-89 on Jan. 27.

"You could see the guys, it really means something to get this and just keep not only the streak going, but keep moving in the right direction," Adelman said.

Charlotte has gone 5-5 in their last ten games while going 6-4 against the spread over the same span.

The Rockets have covered the spread in a whopping 12 straight games.

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

The Bobcats are 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on one days rest.

The Bobcats are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games as an underdog.

The Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.

The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400.

The Over is 4-0 in Bobcats last four road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

The Under is 4-1 in Rockets last five games playing on one days rest.

Analysis: The Bobcats were routed in their last contest and could be again tonight after the Rockets’ close call in their last game against the Hawks. Take the Rockets to cover the spread with the spectacular defense.

NBA Free Picks: Rockets -10½ Points/Under 194½ Total Points

08:35 PM EST NBA Betting Odds

Charlotte Bobcats +10½ -110

Houston Rockets -10½ -110

Over 194½ -110

Under 194½ -110

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