Houston Rockets AT Portland Trailblazers
January 2nd, 2011 at 9:05 PM EST
Opening Line: Portland -3
Current Line: Portland -3.5
Opening Total: 188.5
Current Total: 189
Opening Moneyline: Portland -165 / Houston +145
Current Moneyline: Portland -170 / Houston +145
Both teams come into tonight’s game with 1 game winning streaks. The difference is that Houston has been doing well over the last 10, and Portland has not, really. Portland has won 5 of their last 10 and sit half a game of streaking Houston who has won 8 of their last 10. Since finding out that they are definitely without Yao Ming for the rest of the season, the Houston squad has rallied, with a new drive knowing they are not waiting on the lumbering giant to return.
In the last 8 games, Houston has averaged 108.9 a game and received a strong showing from Chase Budinger (22 points last game) and D-League addition Patrick Patterson (14th pick overall, was called up) who scored 15 and contributed 10 boards.
Portland is in a similar situation as Houston, finding out that they are “indefinitely” without Brandon Roy. The primary difference is that Portland is playing like they are awaiting a superstar’s return, while Houston is playing knowing that they won’t have theirs return.
Some betting trends:
Houston has won 6 of their past 7 and are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games. They have won 13 of the past 18 games against Portland and the total has gone UNDER In 6 of the last 8 between the teams. Houston has lost 5 of their last 6 road games to Portland.
Portland has won 5 of their last 7 but lost 3 straight before that. The total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 6 at home and they have won their last 5 at home.
Key matchups:
Luis Scola vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
With both teams missing their superstars, these two represent the best part of what is left for both teams. Scola is averaging 20 & 9 this year while Aldridge is going for 19 & 8. Both have excellent outside shots and are capable of creating their own offense. Aldridge had a strong showing last game, scoring 27 in an 11 point victory over Utah. He also had back to back 35 and 36 point games against Dallas and Minnesota. Scola has scored 20 or more in 5 of his last 9 games but has not scored 30 or more since December 7th. Aldridge isn’t known for being a particularly strong defender so Scola should have the ability to get 20+ tonight. Aldridge will give Scola problems, too, but overall their similar styles will probably negate one another overall.
Aaron Brooks & Kyle Lowry vs. Andre Miller
Both point guards are key to their offensive attack. Miller is a great creator for others and Brooks is a bit more shoot first, but creates shots for others with regularity as well. He’s recently been splitting minutes with Lowry, who does a little bit of everything and is a superior defender. Lowry has the speed to frustrate Andre Miller while he initiates the offense and Lowry plays passing lanes well too, resulting in a lot of steals and Rocket fast breaks. Brooks struggled last game against Toronto, going just 2 of 10 from the floor and scoring only 5. His speed though will enable him to have many more opportunities against the lead footed Andre Miller. Miller has the vet savvy in knowing how to defend quicker players, but sometimes that isn’t enough.
Tonight’s NBA Pick should be a good one according to NBA oddsmakers. Portland is slightly favored, but Houston can’t be slept on. Even though they are going to be without Yao likely forever, they have a good amount of depth and some good young players (Budinger, Patterson, Jordan Hill) and will continue to improve as time goes on.
