Game 5 is such a critical game for both sides, and it’s hard to know what’s going to happen. The Spurs have controlled a pair of games in this series while Houston rolled in the other two.
While the first four games have been decided by double digits, these teams are pretty even in talent level and this might be the game that finally comes down to the wire. The Rockets could really set themselves up well with a win in this one but the Spurs should be favored as they are the home team and have the superior record.
This war on the floor will go down Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The game will be televised live on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Tuesday schedule.
NBA Odds
The Rockets were five-point favorites in Game 4 and easily covered that, using a big second half to cruise to a 125-104 victory. The “over” was the right choice on the scoring total, as the teams easily surpassed the 213.5 number.
Houston is now 61-30 straight up and 47-43-1 against the spread. The Rockets are 27-17-1 against the spread on the road and are 11-5-1 attempting to cover as the underdog.
The Spurs dropped to 67-25 straight up and 47-43-2 against the spread. San Antonio has played in 56 home games on the season and covered in half of them. The Spurs are 41-41-1 against the spread as the favorite on the year.
Last Time Out
The Rockets were hot from three-point range in Game 4, and when that happens, it usually portends a good result. Eric Gordon led the way with six three-pointers and Houston hit 19 of 43 from downtown on its way to the blowout win.
Houston only led by four points at halftime but scored 34 points in the third quarter to stretch the lead to 15 points. The Spurs were unable to mount a serious rally and both sides had backups in the game by the middle of the fourth quarter.
James Harden led the way with 28 points and 12 assists while Patrick Beverly added 10 points, six assists and four rebounds. Beverly was emotional in the game as he learned earlier in the day that his grandfather had passed away.
Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points apiece, but need to be more productive in Game 5.
Injury Report
The Spurs have gone 1-1 since losing Tony Parker for the remainder of the playoffs, but his absence could be critical since these teams seem so evenly matched. Dejounte Murray has joined the starting lineup as his replacement but had only eight points and three assists in 20 minutes as he is clearly not going to have the same type of impact as Parker.
The Rockets suffered a crucial injury in Game 4 as Nene Hilario endured a left groin pull early on. It didn’t affect the team’s fortunes in that one but keep an eye on his availability moving forward, as Nene has been a key piece.
Both teams are now down a key player, but at least the Rockets have the ability to get their player back in this series.
Free NBA ATS Pick
The Rockets put it together in Game 4, looking like the high-scoring team they showed so consistently during the regular season. However, they must be able to shoot it this well again in Game 5 to win a huge road game.
Even though San Antonio lost last time out and is missing Parker, don’t expect it to completely turn the tide. The Spurs are the choice to take care of business at home behind a huge game from Leonard.
San Antonio will get the win, but choose the Rockets to cover in what should be the best game of the series to this point.
NBA Odds: Spurs 111, Rockets 109
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