The Houston Rockets (10-3) put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head with the Portland Trail Blazers (5-8) at Toyota Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, November 18, 2019, and will air on NBATV.
Houston opened at William Hill as a 6.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 231.5 points.
Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets Free Prediction
The Trail Blazers come in on a high note after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in their last matchup, 121-116, as 1.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (237) finished over the projected point total of 225.5. Portland’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over San Antonio. The Trail Blazers had a rate of 20.0 (below their season average of 22.3), while the Spurs posted a mark of 15.2 (below their season average of 24.8). Portland was lifted by CJ McCollum, who was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 13-for-25 shooting.
In the Rockets’ previous game, they won big over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 125-105, despite being 2-point underdogs. The game’s total points (230) were just under the O/U total of 230.5. The Rockets forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.559 (above their season average of 0.523). James Harden was the game’s top scorer with 49 points on 16-for-41 shooting from the field.
After the Trail Blazers won two out of three games against the Rockets last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Portland won 110-101. The Trail Blazers had a better turnover percentage (8.1 vs. 11.8) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.2 vs. 25.0).
Portland comes into the contest with records of 5-8 straight up (SU) and 6-6-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Trail Blazers’ 13 games, seven have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Houston is 10-3 SU and 7-6 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Rockets are involved, as nine of their 13 games have ended under the total.
The physical Houston offense looks poised to dominate from the free throw line. The Rockets rank first in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.251, while Portland ranks 30th in FTA rate allowed (0.255).
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets Free Pick
Free NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Trail Blazers
Betting Trends
Portland is 5-2-1 ATS on the road with 4 overs, 3 unders and 1 push.
At home, Houston is 3-3 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Houston is 2-0 when they allow below 100 points, while Portland is 1-0.
When reaching 100 points, the Trail Blazers are 5-7 and the Rockets are 10-3.
Houston averages 15.0 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Portland ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (15.8).
The Rockets rank ninth in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th (13.5).
Portland ranks seventh in three pointers allowed per game (31.5) while Houston ranks 25th (36.8).
The Rockets rank eighth in rebounds per game (46.5) while the Trail Blazers rank 25th in rebounds allowed per game (48.2).
Portland ranks 13th in fast break points per game (13.8) while Houston ranks 26th in fast break points allowed per game (16.5).
The Rockets average 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Trail Blazers rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (6.3).
Houston averages 8.2 steals per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Portland ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
The Rockets rank 20th in points in the paint per game (44.9) while the Trail Blazers rank 25th (42.8).
Houston ranks 25th in assists per game (20.8) while Portland ranks 29th (17.8).
Over its last five games, Portland is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Houston is 5-0 ATS with 5 unders over its last five games.
The Trail Blazers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 1.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 115.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.0 points per game (12.2 below their season average).
