Basketball fans are in for a treat later tonight as the NBA has two high-quality games that will definitely tickle the fancy of hoops lovers everywhere. First off, the Atlanta Hawks look to stretch their unbeaten run to five games when they take on the surging Houston Rockets.
Then, the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls lock horns in a critical Eastern Conference clash. Read on below for a breakdown of these two high-profile matchups and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks (7:30 PM ET)
Line: Houston Rockets (+8.5) at Atlanta Hawks (-8.5); total 199.0 – view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with a 105-103 overtime win Sunday over the Cleveland Cavaliers. James Harden came out on top against four-time NBA MVP LeBron James, putting up 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks in a sterling all-around performance.
Unfortunately for the Rockets, Harden will miss tonight’s game against the Hawks after incurring a one-game suspension following his unsportsmanlike kick to James’ groin area. With Harden and Dwight Howard both out, the onus is on Trevor Ariza to pick up the scoring cudgels for the Rockets against the Hawks.
Ariza is the Rockets’ third-leading scorer, averaging 12.6 PPG this season. Ariza scored 13 points in Houston’s 104-97 loss to Atlanta last December 20. He will face a tough task, though, against a Hawks team that is second in the league in scoring defense, allowing just 96.4 PPG.
The Rockets are 5-1 SU ATS in their last six meetings with the Hawks at Philips Arena.
You can check out a complete preview of the game here.
Writer’s Prediction
Atlanta wins, 100-90.
Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Washington Wizards (-1) at Chicago Bulls (+1); total 186.5 – view all NBA lines
There appears to be no end in sight to Chicago’s woes as they were humbled by the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-86, on Sunday night. It was the second defeat in three outings for the Bulls, who dropped down to 37-23 in the standings, third in the Eastern Conference.
To make matters worse for the Bulls, their leading scorer Jimmy Butler will be out for three to six weeks because of a Grade 2/3 ulnar ligament sprain. That is yet another crippling blow for the Bulls, who are already missing the services of Derrick Rose due to a torn meniscus in his right knee.
With their top two scorers sidelined, the Bulls will rely on Pau Gasol to carry the scoring load tonight against Washington. Gasol has averaged 14.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in the Bulls’ three meetings with the Wizards this season.
Washington is 2-1 against Chicago this season.
You can read a complete preview of the game here.
Writer’s Prediction
Washington wins, 92-87. Create a betting account now and bet on the best games for tonight.
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