Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets Game 5 Preview
Where: Toyota Center — Houston, TX
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2017 – 8:00 PM ET
Line: Oklahoma City Thunder (+7) vs. Houston Rockets (-7); total: 224.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
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Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder (+260)
Game 4’s 113-109 loss became another indication of the Thunder’s inferiority and one-dimensionality. They couldn’t close the game out despite Russell Westbrook having a 35-14-14 triple-double and four other players also scoring in double figures. It’s good for Westbrook’s MVP candidacy, but bad for the team’s playoff chances moving forward.
Key helpers Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams combined for 33 points on 15-for-20 shooting, Jerami Grant made all of his five attempts for 10 points in just 14 minutes of play, and Andre Roberson chipped in 13 points, two steals, and an impressive five blocks. Roberson, however, became vital of OKC falling short in the final period, as he missed 10 of his 12 foul shots overall.
The series is now shifting back to Houston, where the Thunder are winless in four tries this season, two of which were in Games 1 and 2. Excluding a monster stat line from Westbrook and the OKC bench being unpredictable, not much should be expected from this squad.
Their season will likely be done on Tuesday. No one can consistently be the number two or three scorer, and it doesn’t look good because even having those options regularly still won’t be enough against a loaded Rockets offense.
Betting on the Houston Rockets (-320)
The Rockets’ second unit got a lot done in the win. Unlike the Thunder, they showed ability to step up whenever their star isn’t having his usual night.
With James Harden only going 5-for-16 for a quiet 16 points – one of his lowest scoring output this season when playing more than 30 minutes – the bench responded by contributing 62 points and 25 rebounds, obliterating the 22 points and nine rebounds from its OKC counterparts.
The 14-year veteran, Nene, led the way, as he tied a 42-year record for most field goals without a miss with his perfect 12-for-12 shooting night for 28 points and 10 boards. Eric Gordon and Lou Williams, meanwhile, each had 18 points.
As mentioned, they are just too poised and offensively equipped for the Thunder. The Rockets are still able to put up 114.8 PPG in the series despite not moving the ball like they normally do (only 17.5 APG).
Writer’s Prediction
The Rockets (-7) advance, but are unable to cover the spread.
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