Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards Betting Preview
Where: Verizon Center — Washington, D.C.
When: Monday, November 7, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets (+1.5) vs. Washington Wizards (-1.5); total: 216.0– view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: CSMA
Writer’s Prediction: Washington Wizards
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Betting on the Houston Rockets (+1.5)
Houston’s been scoring and scoring this season. They’re averaging 110.2 points per contest, the fourth-highest overall, and James Harden has basically carried almost the entire load for them offensively.
Harden is posting 31.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 12.3 assists, while shooting 40.7 percent from down town across six games. But a big night from him doesn’t always guarantee a W for the Rockets, who are 3-3 thus far. Their terrible defense can pretty much explain that.
The Rockets have given up more than 100 points in all but two games, including 128 points during the loss to the Cavaliers last Tuesday. Houston nearly allowed that much points on Saturday night, as the Hawks beat them 112-97. Harden tallied 30 points and 12 assists in that game, but once again, their poor defense stabbed them in the back.
This upcoming road trip with the Wizards should be another testy matchup. They are another team that can pile up the points, particularly through their premier backcourt tandem of John Wall and Bradley Beal. Plus, Washington’s defense has held its last two opponents below 100 points, so Houston’s going to need someone else besides Harden to provide the buckets.
Betting on the Washington Wizards (-1.5)
John Wall’s presence was clearly missed during Saturday night’s road trip to Orlando. The Wizards collectively shot below 40 percent from the field and struggled to knock down some baskets down the stretch, resulting to an 88-86 loss.
Washington, though, will have its star point guard back to dictate the offense against the visiting Rockets this Monday night. Wall, who had surgeries on both knees during the off-season, is averaging 22.0 points, 10.0 assists and 2.5 steals in four games. His ability to make plays for himself and others is going to cause many different problems for Houston.
Hence, the pair of Bradley Beal and Markieff Morris should see a number of open looks to score with the opposing defense heavily focused on Wall.
Beal, who had a rough shooting night against the Magic, is racking up 17.0 points with 2.6 assists this season. Morris, on the other hand, is adding in 15.0 points with 6.2 boards, including back-to-back 18-point efforts versus Orlando and Atlanta.
Guarding James Harden is the biggest problem for the Wizards, however. He’s surely going to get his shots, but the key is to make him earn it. That means to always force him right, put a hand on his face and play honest D for 48 minutes.
Writer’s Prediction
Wizards (-1.5) win a thriller, 111-107.
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