Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets– Round 1 2014 NBA Playoffs Round 1, Game 5 – Betting Preview and Prediction

With a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Portland Trail Blazers now head to Texas intent on hammering the final nail in the coffin of the Houston Rockets’ playoff campaign. Can the Trail Blazers finish the series, or will the Rockets prevent a disappointing early exit? [polldaddy type=”iframe” survey=”8EB3ED7342A9CF3F” height=”auto” domain=”topbetseo” id=”test”]

Read on for everything you need to bet on Game 5 of what has been one of the more entertaining series in a thrill-packed first round of the NBA playoffs.
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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets Round 1, Game 5 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 (+5.5) at Houston (-5.5); total 213.5 – view all NBA lines

Game 6 (if necessary) – May 2, Houston at Portland

Game 7 (if necessary) – May 4, Portland at Houston

Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers

[sc:NBA240banner ]LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t have the huge numbers he put up in the first two games of the series but was nonetheless instrumental in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 123-120 win against the Houston Rockets in Game 4.

After scoring only 10 points in the first two quarters, Aldridge dropped 19 of his game-high 29 points in the second half and overtime.

Though both are high-scoring teams, the Trail Blazers have gotten more points off assists than Houston. They are averaging 20.8 APG. In Game 3, they had 25 assists while Houston had just 16.

Offense aside, the Trail Blazers have the edge in the series simply because they are more committed on defense, the same kind of attitude they need to have to finish the trigger-happy Rockets in Game 5.

The Trail Blazers had eight blocks in Game 3, including Aldridge’s big stop on James Harden’s potential game winner in the fourth period. They also managed 10 steals, none bigger than Wesley Matthews’ pick off Patrick Beverley with two seconds left in overtime, thus preserving Portland’s lead.

The Trail Blazers look to extend their road game winning streak when they visit the Rockets for Game 5. They are 6-0 SU and ATS in their last six games away from Portland.

With all these trends banking Portland’s way, +5.5 is an attractive price. Speaking of appealing numbers, you can claim a 50% bonus when you create a betting account today, and use it bet on this exciting Portland team.

Betting on the Houston Rockets

After being foiled again by Portland, the Rockets are now in desperation mode as they try to figure out a way on how to save their season. They return home for Game 5, where they are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games.

Since hitting the game winner in Game 3, Troy Daniels has been oozing with confidence. The rookie finished with 17 points, going 4-5 from the three-point area and hitting all three of his free throws on Sunday, keeping Houston in the game down the stretch.

Daniel’s explosion came at a time when the Rockets’ bench did not get its usual numbers from Jeremy Lin, who only had four points (1-6 FG, 2-2 FT) after scoring 13 in Game 3. Lin not only missed five shots, but all five were gift-wrapped baskets that almost anyone else on the floor would not have struggled with. Linsanity indeed!

James Harden shot a less atrocious 9-21 from the field (13-35 FG in Game 3) to finish with 28 points. Chandler Parson had a team-high 26 points, while Dwight Howard added 25. But as hot as the Rockets could be on offense, it has become apparent that they can’t beat Portland by dumping points alone on their opponent. They have to play tighter defense, too.

In Game 4, Houston let their 10-point halftime lead slip away when the Trail Blazers shot 24-47 (51.1%) in the second half and overtime. The Rockets also looked lost on defense as Portland dizzied them with their ball movement that resulted to 14 assists in that span.

The over is 8-2 in Houston’s last 10 home games.

Writer’s Prediction

With their season in the balance, the Rockets will play tighter defense in Game 5, causing the Trail Blazers’ scoring production to dip. Take the game to go under 213.5 and enjoy what should be a hard fought contest.
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