The Houston Rockets have won two straight games and seven of eight since starting the season 0-2, and they’ll look to make it three in a row at home on Friday night.
The Portland Trail Blazers stand in their way, and they’ve been inconsistent so far this season. The Blazers are 6-5 overall and 3-3 on the road, dropping their first two games of this road trip in Miami and Orlando before beating the Pelicans by eight as -8 favorites.
The oddsmakers have the Rockets as home favorites at the best betting sites for Friday night.
Let’s take a look at the odds, players to watch and my prediction for Friday night’s matchup.
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread
Moneyline
Total
Trail Blazers Injury Report
Rockets Injury Report
Jerami Grant OVER 16.5 Points (-111)
Trail Blazers power forward Jerami Grant saw his streak of four straight games with at least 17 points end on Wednesday night in New Orleans. He scored two points in just seven minutes before getting ejected from the game.
He should be motivated to return to form on Friday night, and I’m backing a hungry Grant in Houston.
Grant’s points per game fell due to Wednesday night’s shortened appearance, but he’s still at 18.1 PPG after entering that game at 19.7. He’s gone Over 16.5 points in nine of 11 games this season, barely missing with 16 in the other contests.
These are two of the highest-scoring teams in the league this season, and this total isn’t high enough on Friday night.
The Rockets average 124 points per game, with the Blazers not too far behind at 121. While Houston allows the sixth-fewest points (113) this season, Portland is among the bottom third with 119.1 points allowed per game.
All of that has led to the Blazers going over in eight of their 11 games, and the Rockets in eight of their 10 contests.
Pick: Over 236.5 (-105)
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Claim the latest DraftKings promo code offer today. Sign up and win your first $5 bet to get $300 in bonus bets instantly +3 months of NBA League Pass.
