Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets Game 2 Preview
Where: Toyota Center — Houston, TX
When: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 – 8:00 PM ET
Line: Oklahoma City Thunder (+7.5) vs. Houston Rockets (-7.5) – total: 224.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
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Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder (+290)
The Thunder looked lost in trying to keep up with the Rockets’ fast-paced attack in Game 1, hence the resounding 118-87 defeat. Their scoring per quarter consistently dwindled from 29, to 25, to 20, to just 13 in the final period.
Russell Westbrook had his usual stat-stuffing night – 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists – but under that is a 26-percent shooting and nine turnovers. He and number two scorer, Victor Oladipo, combined to go a dreadful 7-for-35 from the floor.
It was utility man Andre Roberson, who’s mostly on the floor to defend and provide hustle plays, that had the most efficient game among all Thunder players. He made seven of his 10 shots (four threes) and posted one of the best stat lines of his career – 18 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
Aside from Westbrook and Oladipo, the Thunder would also need a much better presence from their bigs. Enes Kanter, Steven Adams, Domantas Sabonis, and Taj Gibson all failed to reach double figures and they only grabbed 11 rebounds together – only one was an offensive board.
OKC is 7-3 in its last 10 games on the road (6-4 ATS). However, the team has lost seven straight to Houston at Toyota center (1-6 ATS).
Betting on the Houston Rockets (-350)
As you may have guessed from the aforementioned score, the Rockets’ performance was a complete opposite from the Thunder.
Their own stat-stuffing machine, James Harden, had a big night, both in numbers and overall play. He scored a game-high 37 to go along his seven rebounds and nine assists, while backcourt partner, Patrick Beverley, sunk four threes and grabbed 10 boards en route to recording a postseason-best 21 points.
It continues in their big men. Clint Capela and Nene Hilario combined for 29 points, 12 rebounds (six offensive), and three blocks, with the latter going an efficient 7-for-8 in his shots in only 19 minutes of action.
Though another blowout victory is a bit unlikely, we should see the Harden and company go up 2-0 in the series this Wednesday. Beverly might not have 20-plus, or even reach double figures, in Game 2, but anyone between light out shooters Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, and Lou Williams could. The Rockets simply have to many weapons on offense.
Houston is 8-2 in its last 10 games at home (4-6 ATS).
Writer’s Prediction
The Rockets (-7.5) win, but barely fail in covering the spread, 110-104.
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