The Houston Rockets are on the precipice of rolling into the Western Conference semifinals. The Rockets rallied to knock off the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round matchup. Houston returns home with a chance to close out the series in Game 5.
The Rockets’ supporting cast was the difference last time out, and players like Nene, Lou Williams and Eric Gordon are the reason why Houston is in control. While Russell Westbrook and James Harden are the superstars, Houston has the better depth and that has become apparent.
Westbrook has had a big-time series but Oklahoma City needs others to step up in order to get this series back home. The Rockets play well in Houston and they should be solid favorites to win this game and move on to face either the San Antonio Spurs or Memphis Grizzlies in the second round.
This war on the floor will go down Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will be televised live on TNT.
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NBA Odds
The Thunder was a one-point favorite in Game 3 and had control much of the game, but the Rockets rallied for the 113-109 win to cover the spread. The scoring total was set at 224 points and the “under” was the correct call as the pace wasn’t in hyperdrive like many of Houston’s games this season.
Oklahoma City is now 48-38 straight up and 46-40 against the spread on the season. The Thunder has covered in 20 of 43 attempts on the road this season and need not only a cover but an upset win to keep the series alive. Oklahoma City is 14-20 against the spread as the underdog on the season.
The Rockets are 58-28 straight up and 45-40-1 against the spread. Houston has covered in 19 of 43 games at home this season. The Rockets are 33-35 against the spread as the favorites.
Last Time Out
The Rockets scored 40 points in the final quarter to erase a four-point deficit and come away with the win. Nene was the spark, as he had 28 points and didn’t miss any of his 12 shots from the field. Gordon and Williams played a vital role, picking up the slack as Harden didn’t have his best game.
Harden finished with 16 points on 5-of-16 from the field, but had eight assists and seven rebounds while hitting a critical shot in the final minute. Westbrook had a triple-double in the first half, compiling 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists at intermission, but didn’t play great in the final two quarters. He finished with 35 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists and three steals, but shot only 10-of-28 from the floor.
The Rockets purposely fouled Andre Roberson in the fourth quarter and he finished the game only 2-of-12 from the free throw line, which allowed Houston to stretch a slight lead.
Player To Watch
Harden - The Rockets star was fantastic through the first three games of the series, averaging 38.7 points per game on 47 percent shooting while making an incredible 44 free throws in that stretch. He took a step back in Game 4, and said afterward he was dealing with an injured ankle.
Harden will have one day off before returning to action for Game 5. If he isn’t his usual fantastic self, that would certainly help the Thunder as they try to spring the upset.
Harden seems most affected with his quickness and elevation on his jumpshot, two vital components to his game.
Free NBA ATS Pick
Harden is critical to his team’s success, and if he is limited it could make it tougher for Houston. However, the supporting cast stepped up last time out and is ready to do so again in this one.
Westbrook should shoot better from the field in Game 5 and he needs to hope he will get enough help from the others on the Thunder. If Harden is slowed, that should be enough for Oklahoma City to hang around, but expect the Rockets to win this game and close out the first-round series.
NBA Odds: Rockets 111, Thunder 107
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