The Houston Rockets are in cruise control, knowing full well they will enter the playoffs with the best record in the NBA and the top seed in the Western Conference. They seem like serious contenders to Golden State’s crown and may rest some key players down the stretch to be primed to go. That would be music to the ears of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who must hit the road this week and face off with the Rockets in Houston.
If the Rockets are at full strength they will be heavy favorites to pick up a victory. However, if they decide to keep one or more of their stars on the bench it would have a huge effect on the NBA basketball betting spread.
The Thunder is in a wild race for a playoff spot, and while OKC is in good shape to make it, a berth has not been wrapped up. A solid finish could help the Thunder move up the standings and avoid the Rockets or Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, so there is a ton on the line in this one.
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Odds Analysis
The Thunder has gone 45-34 straight up and 32-46-1 against the spread on the season. Oklahoma City has covered in 16 of 39 attempts on the road this season. The Thunder has only been the underdog 12 times on the year and has covered in half of them.
The Rockets are an impressive 64-15 straight up and 41-36-2 against the spread. Houston is 17-22-1 against the spread at home this year. The Rockets are 39-32-2 attempting to cover as the favorite.
Matchup To Watch
Russell Westbrook vs. James Harden -- The former teammates have both blossomed into a pair of the best players in the NBA. Westbrook is the reigning MVP and is putting up another fantastic season.
He registered triple-doubles at an unmatched pace and might be the most dynamic player in the entire league. Harden seems to be the front-runner to win the MVP award this season as he has taken the Rockets to unparalleled heights.
The Thunder traded Harden to Houston several seasons ago and clearly wish they could have a do-over on that one. If Harden plays, the Rockets will be favored to win this game. Coach Mike D’Antoni has been resting his stars of late so keep a close eye on Harden’s availability.
Key Stat
34. That’s the number of losses for Oklahoma City on the season, which is the same as the Spurs, Timberwolves and Pelicans. The Jazz only have one fewer loss and the No. 9 seeded Nuggets only have one more, and it will be interesting to see how everything shakes out when it comes to the Western Conference playoff seedings.
Oklahoma City still has a shot to finish with the No. 4 seed, which would give it home court advantage in the first round of the postseason. That’s the best-case scenario, while the worst would be a lull to end the year and a trip to the lottery.
There is still much to be determined, and pulling an upset in this game would bea humongous lift for the Thunder.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Rockets have been rolling all year, and provided Harden plays they will be a solid favorite in this one. Houston doesn’t have a ton of motivation, but the trio of Harden, Chris Paul and Clint Capela is leading a dynamic group.
The Thunder boasts Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony but have not played at a high level consistently this year. Take Houston to win this game at home, but Oklahoma City could be the right choice to cover the spread in NBA basketball betting.
NBA Odds: Rockets 113, Thunder 107
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