LaMarcus Aldridge’s descent back to earth meant that the Trail Blazers couldn’t quite close out the Rockets in Game 5. But they’ll have another golden opportunity to do so when they return to Portland for Game 6. Will the Blazers take their chance and close it out or can the Rockets extend this enthralling series to a Game 7?
This series has been a highlight amongst an amazing first round of the NBA playoffs. You can check our preview of Warriors-Clippers Game 6 that will define what has already been a historic series, as well as our breakdown of the Pacers-Hawks Game 6 that could see Atlanta end Indiana’s collapse at last.
Amidst all this action, it’s not too late to create a sports betting account and claim a 50% deposit bonus. Get set up with a bankroll and then read on to cash in on this prime basketball action.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers Round 1, Game 6 Betting Preview
Series Schedule & Results
Game 1 – April 20, Portland 122 Houston 120 (OT)
Game 2 – April 23, Portland 112, Houston, 105
Game 3 – April 25, Houston 121 (OT) Portland 116
Game 4 – April 27, Houston 120 Portland 123 (OT)
Game 5 – April 30, Portland 98 Houston 108
Game 6 – May 2, Houston (+3.5) at Portland (-3.5); total 213.0 – view all NBA lines
Game 7 (if necessary) – May 4, Portland at Houston
Betting on the Houston Rockets
[sc:NBA240banner ]Coach Kevin McHale’s decision to put Omer Asik into the starting line-up to match up better on defense is looking better by the game. Asik had his best game of the series on Wednesday night with 10 points and 15 rebounds in Game 5, which just so happened to coincide with LaMarcus Aldridge’s worst game. Another solid defensive effort from the Turk on Aldridge would be priceless for the Rockets.
The enigma that is James Harden (17 points, 5-for-15 FGs in Game 5) has been up-and-down in the series, but Chandler Parsons’ (20 PPG, 44% FG%) and Dwight Howard’s (26 PPG, 14 RPG) steady consistency are making up for Harden’s streakiness.
And with wild card guards Troy Daniels (17 points in Game 4) and Jeremy Lin (21 points in Game 5) ready to go off at any given game, Houston’s already potent offense just got a little more explosive.
The over is 6-1 in the Rockets’ last seven road games.
Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers
So LaMarcus Aldridge is human after all. After averaging over 35 PPG in the first four games, LMA was limited to just eight points in Game 5, by far his worst game of the series. As their Game 5 loss showed, the Blazers can’t withstand Aldridge being a non-factor, but it would be foolish to think he won’t return to form in Game 6 at home. The Blazers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 home games.
The insertion of Asik may have limited Aldridge’s advantage inside, but the Blazers still have two more advantages to exploit over the Rockets, which can be found in the backcourt. A hobbled Patrick Beverley has not been able to check Damian Lillard (25.6 PPG, 46% 3PFG%) all series, while Wesley Matthews (27 points in Game 5) is thoroughly outplaying his All-Star counterpart James Harden on both ends of the court.
The Blazers’ feast-or-famine bench failed to launch in Houston with just five points, but a return home in a do-or-die game should squeeze some much needed production from the Blazers’ reserves.
Writer’s Prediction
Aldridge’s stellar play returns, just in time for the Blazers to close out the Rockets in Portland, covering -3.5 and setting up a series with the winner of Dallas vs. San Antonio.
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