San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets Betting Preview
May 3, 2017
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 3 @9:30 PM
Venue: AT&T Center (San Antonio)
Head to head record
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets 99-126 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets 112-110 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs 100-102 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs 100-106 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets 99-101 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets prediction
San Antonio Spurs will be looking to get their revenge on Houston Rockets for a heavy 126-99 loss in Game 1. Gregg Popovich’s men are eager to tie the series, but Rockets have been in a splendid form of late.
Embarrassing defeat
As expected, San Antonio Spurs rolled over Memphis Grizzlies (4-1) to set up a meeting with Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semis. Many people expected that Gregg Popovich’s men would defeat Rockets in Game 1, but they were totally outclassed (99-126) by James Harden and Co. in Monday’s showdown. San Antonio defended three point shots poorly and that is the main reason why they failed to beat Houston at their AT&T Center. Spurs are desperate to get back on course and, no doubt, they will leave their hearts on the court in Wednesday’s clash against Rockets. Kawhi Leonard played below expectations in Game 1, but, no doubt, the team’s top scorer will pose a big threat for Rockets on Wednesday. It has to be noted that San Antonio Spurs recorded 31 wins at home in the regular season and that is certainly giving fans a reason for optimism.
Coach Gregg Popovich has no fresh injury worries, meaning that he can count on all of his starters for Wednesday’s game against Houston Rockets.
Three-point shot – main weapon
Despite being regarded as underdogs in Monday’s game at AT&T Center, Houston Rockets did remarkably well to crush San Antonio Spurs on the road (126-99). Rockets made no less than 22 three-pointers in the victory over Spurs, but it remains to be seen if they are capable of repeating such a terrific performance on Wednesday night. Key player James Harden scored 20 points in Game 1, while adding 14 assists and, no doubt, “The Beard” will be the man to watch in the away team when the two sides face each other in San Antonio for the second time in three days. Houston Rockets rolled over Oklahoma City Thunder in the previous round and they seem to be on top of their game at the moment. However, recording back-to-back wins over Spurs away from home is easier said than done. Trevor Ariza made 5 three-pointers in the 126-99 victory over San Antonio, meaning that Spurs should have him at bay.
Chinanu Onaku has yet to serve his ban, but coach Mike D’Antoni has no injury concerns ahead of Game 2. The coach is unlikely to make changes to the starting line-up: Beverley, Harden, Ariza, Anderson, Capela.
Interesting facts
- James Harden has been averaging 29.1 points this season
- San Antonio recorded three wins in last four home games in NBA
- Rockets had 30 assists in the 126-99 win over Spurs
- In three of last four meetings between the two teams Spurs emerged triumphant
- Spain ace Pau Gasol scored only 6 points in Game 1
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets betting pick
Houston Rockets proved their worth in the opening game of the play-off tie against San Antonio Spurs, but I believe that they were more than fortunate to make 22 three-pointers in Monday’s clash. Gregg Popovich is likely to find a cure for San Antonio shaky defence and seeing that Spurs are a real force to be reckoned with at home, there is every chance they will level the series to 1-1.
Pick: San Antonio -5.5
Odds: -110
