While the Rockets would love to ascend back to among the top Western Conference contenders, they are not currently at the level of the Spurs and Golden State Warriors. San Antonio should be able to prove that by winning this showdown.
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Odds Analysis
The Spurs are 5-2 overall this season which includes a 4-0 mark on the road but that subpar mark at home. However, San Antonio went a ridiculous 40-1 at home last season and so three games in and it already can’t match that illustrious mark.
San Antonio is 4-2-1 against the spread this season and its games have gone “over” the scoring total in five of seven contests.
The Rockets are 3-3 straight up and 3-3 against the spread. They have covered in three of fives road games and will assuredly get some points as the underdog in this one.
Scheduling Situation
The Rockets have been faced with a brutal schedule to start the season, playing seven of their first eight games on the road. They are 2-3 through the first five and would love to improve on that against San Antonio.
There has to be some worry about fatigue setting in for the Rockets. The season is still young, but it’s not easy to fly all around the country for more than a week. Houston will surely be at a disadvantage because of its schedule, which is compounded by the fact that the Spurs have the more talented team as well.
This is the first of two consecutive games between these teams. The Rockets will welcome the Spurs to Houston on Saturday.
Player to Watch
James Harden - The Spurs have the more talented team overall and an elite defense, and there’s really only one way for the Rockets to pull off this upset, and that’s if their star guard goes berserk.
Harden has been awesome this season, averaging 31.5 points, 12.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds while shooting better than 50 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free throw line. He is a perennial All-Star and more has been put on his shoulders this season since Dwight Howard left in free agency.
In new coach Mike D’Antoni’s offense, Harden is given a lot of freedom and put in a great spot to succeed. He could be in the running for league MVP and hopes to lift up this roster which doesn’t compare to what San Antonio rolls out there.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Rockets have a superstar but the complementary pieces are still trying to find their footing. Houston looks like the epitome of a .500 team at this point, and that’s not to say it can’t beat San Antonio on the road, but it surely won’t be easy.
The Spurs have a nice balance on both ends of the floor. Kawhi Leonard has morphed into a star and is averaging 26.5 points and 5.4 rebounds along with his lockdown defense. LaMarcus Aldridge is contributing 18.8 points and 6.8 rebounds, while old standbys Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are still effective pieces.
Parker has been dealing with a knee injury, and his presence is an important one. It’s unknown if he will play against the Rockets, so check on that before the game.
Leonard is the perfect antidote for Harden, as he should be able to slow down the Rockets’ star. Everything else also points to a Spurs win in this showdown.
NBA Odds: Spurs 110, Rockets 102
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