San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets Betting Preview
May 9, 2017
Date & time: Tuesday, May 9 @8:00 PM
Venue: AT&T Center (San Antonio)
Head to head record
Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs 125-104 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs 92-103 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets 121-96 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets 99-126 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets 112-110 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets prediction
All eyes will be on AT&T Center when Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs face each other in Game 5 of the Western Conference semis. Rockets leveled the series to 2-2 on Sunday, meaning that a close encounter appears on the cards.
No Parker, no party
San Antonio Spurs did well to beat Houston Rockets at Toyota Center (103-92) in Game 3, but the match was marked by Tony Parker’s injury. The French superstar was sorely missed in Sunday’s clash against Rockets and it is no surprise Mike D’Antoni’s men leveled the series. Spurs now need to find a way to take control of the tie without Parker and that is easier said than done. Patty Mills will certainly spend more time on the court in upcoming games, but, as always, a man to watch in the home team will be Kawhi Leonard, who failed to impress in the 125-104 loss to Houston in Game 4. San Antonio are tough to beat at home, but they will have to be at their sharpest in Tuesday’s showdown if they are to regain the lead in the play-offs series against Rockets.
Tony Parker is definitely out of contention with a knee injury, but he is the only absentee in the home team. Coach Gregg Popovich has no other selection worries ahead of Game 5.
Routine win in Game 4
Houston Rockets quickly bounced back from a 103-92 loss to San Antonio Spurs, with the team beating Gregg Popovich’s men 125-104 at their Toyota Center. Key player James Harden led Houston to the triumph with 28 points and 12 assists and he is likely to prove a handful for Spurs in Tuesday’s match at AT&T Center. Seeing that San Antonio ace Tony Parker remains in the recovery room, many people expect that Rockets are going to win Game 5, but they will have to prove their worth on the court. Rockets were outclassed by Spurs at AT&T Center last time out and the visitors must prevent Kawhi Leonard from scoring more than 25 points if they are to emerge triumphant in Tuesday’s game. Eric Gordon scored 22 points in the 125-104 victory over San Antonio, meaning that Spurs should have him at bay as well.
Nene Hilario is sidelined with a groin problem, whilst Chinanu Onuako misses the game through suspension. Coach Mike D’Antoni is unlikely to make changes to the starting line-up that faced Spurs in Game 4.
Interesting facts
- San Antonio recorded four wins in last five home games
- Kawhi Leonard has been averaging 24.3 points in the series against Houston
- Rockets conceded 100+ points in 10 of their last 11 away games
- Houston made 19 three-point shots in Game 4
- Tony Parker is out for the rest of the series
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets betting pick
San Antonio Spurs outclassed Houston Rockets in their last meeting at AT&T Center, but they will be without Tony Parker in Tuesday’s encounter against Mike D’Antoni’s charges. James Harden impressed in the 125-104 triumph over Spurs, “The Beard” is enjoying a season to remember and he is likely to lead Rockets to yet another away win in the 2017 NBA play-offs.
Pick: Houston Rockets +5.5
Odds: -110
