Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
April 18, 2017
Date & time: Wednesday, April 19 @8:00 PM
Venue: Toyota Center (Houston, Texas)
Head to head record
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder 118-87 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder 137-125 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder 118-116 (2016/2017 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets 99-102 (2016/2017 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets 105-103 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction
Houston Rockets will be looking to double their lead over Oklahoma City Thunder when the two teams face each other at Toyota Center for the second time in four days. Rockets hammered Thunder in game 1 and it remains to be seen if Russell Westbrook and his teammates are capable of getting their revenge on Mike D’Antoni’s troops.
Routine win in game 1
Houston Rockets rolled over Oklahoma City Thunder in game 1 (118-87), with James Harden scoring 37 points for the hosts, while providing nine assists for his teammates. Mike D’Antoni’s men aim to give fans yet another reason for celebration on Wednesday evening and it remains to be seen if they are capable of extending their winning run at home to three games. James Harden is undisputedly the team’s key player and all eyes will be on the “Beard” when the two teams face each other at Toyota Center. It is well known that Houston Rockets impressed in the regular season, but they will have to be at their sharpest in the NBA play-offs if they are to win the trophy. Rockets won their last NBA title back in 1995 and, no doubt, they are eager to repeat the success.
Sam Dekker is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the match day. Coach Mike D’Antoni has no other selection worries ahead of game 2 and he can count on all of his key players for Wednesday’s clash.
Where is Russell Westbrook?
Over the years Russell Westbrook has established himself as one of the most significant NBA stars and he has been playing a key role in Oklahoma City Thunder ever since Kevin Durant left the club. “The Beastbrook” was producing scintillating displays in the regular season, but he failed to impress in the first game of the play-off series against Houston Rockets. Westbrook scored no more than 22 points and it is well known that he has been averaging 31.6 points this term. It is more than obvious that he is not capable of beating Rockets by himself and his teammates will have to be on top of their game in Wednesday’s clash at Toyota Center if they are to level the series at 1-1. It has to be noted, though, that Thunder recorded their last win over Houston on the road back in 2014 and that is the main reason why away win should not be considered.
Coach Billy Donovan has no selection worries ahead of the game and he is likely to field the same starting line-up that faced Houston on Sunday: Oladipo, Westbrook, Robertson, Gibson, Adams.
Interesting facts
- Oklahoma conceded 100+ points in five of their last six away games
- Thunder are on a seven-game losing run against Houston at Toyota Center
- James Harden has been averaging 29.1 points in NBA this season
- Rockets scored 110+points in three of their last four home games
- Russell Westbrook missed 17 shots in the 118-87 loss to Houston
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder betting pick
Houston Rockets proved their worth in Sunday’s game and they are likely to record yet another routine win over Oklahoma City Thunder. The hosts are obviously capable of preventing Russell Westbrook from scoring 30+ points and, taking everything into account, there is a big value in betting on Rockets.
Pick: Houston Rockets -7.5
Odds: -110
