The Houston Rockets re-established control of their second round series in a resounding way in Game 3. The Rockets jumped out to a big lead and never let off the gas to take a 2-1 lead on the Utah Jazz heading into the pivotal Game 4.
Utah is at home again next time out but must put together a much better performance in order to have a shot at knotting this series up once again. The Jazz picked up a win in Houston and now needs to defend its home court or else the Rockets will have a chance to close out the series at home in Game 5.
The Rockets would love to take all the drama out of this series by capturing Game 4 and they will be the favorites. However, Utah figures to make this one much more competitive in NBA basketball wagering.
Game 4 of this NBA Playoff Series is on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 8 p.m. ET at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. The contest will be nationally televised on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
Odds Analysis
The Rockets easily covered in Game 3 and have now been listed as 5-point favorites in this one. Houston was a 4.5-point favorite last time out, so the oddsmakers are giving them a little bit more credit heading into this one.
The scoring total is listed at 208.5 points for this one. The “under” could be the more common pick because while Houston can score efficiently, the pace in this series has been slower than usual.
The moneyline should be released soon, and the Rockets will be favored in NBA basketball betting.
Last Time Out
The Rockets took a 17-point lead after one quarter and pushed it to 30 by halftime. The Jazz never got close and Houston cruised to the 113-92 victory. James Harden finished with 25 points and 12 assists, while Clint Capela had 11 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, playing fantastic on defense the entire game. Eric Gordon had a big game off the bench, finishing with 25 points while nailing 8-of-13 from the field, including four three-pointers.
Utah was led by Royce O’Neale, who had 17 points on 7-of-10 from the field, but overall the Jazz starters really underwhelmed. The Jazz shot 41.7 percent from the field, and it was even worse until late when Utah got some buckets when the game was already decided.
Player To Watch
Donovan Mitchell -- Utah’s star rookie guard had a disastrous outing in Game 3, finishing with only 10 points and three assists. He shot 4-of-16 from the field and hit only 2-of-7 from the three-point line. With point guard Ricky Rubio sidelined because of a hamstring injury, more of the onus on offense is on Mitchell’s shoulders. He couldn’t get anything going last time out and has to step it up in Game 4 or his team will be in trouble.
Rubio is expected to miss Game 4 while starting power forward Derrick Favors left Game 3 early with a sprained ankle, and it’s unknown if he will be available. If both of those guys have to sit, Mitchell is going to need to carry a heavy load.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Utah isn’t going to get dominated again, but the Rockets’ defensive game-plan looks sound. Mitchell is going to be guarded closely, and it doesn’t look like the Jazz has enough firepower around him to stay close enough to the Rockets.
Houston is the choice to win Game 4, and to do so rather easily. While this one won’t be a laugher like the previous game, the Rockets are the superior team and should be able to take care of business to head home with a 3-1 lead in NBA basketball betting.
NBA ATS Pick: Rockets 104, Jazz 97
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