Line: Spurs -1, Total: 213.5
Last Meeting: The Spurs defeated the Rockets 122-116 in San Antonio on 12/28/12
Matchup
The two best teams in Texas will have a Sunday showdown in Houston, as the San Antonio Spurs take on the Rockets at 7:00 ET. The Spurs are the best team in the Western Conference and are currently on a four-game winning streak. San Antonio will enjoy the services of Tony Parker, who suited up for the first time in 8 games on Friday in a win against the Jazz. Meanwhile, the Rockets have won four of their last five and continue to score the basketball with ease. Houston will need to continue winning games if they want to make the playoffs. The San Antonio Spurs have the best record in the West, providing them with home court advantage throughout the playoffs. With a 2 ½ game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs look to be the favorites to come out of the West and make the Finals. Houston currently finds themselves the 7-seed in the West and have a 2 ½ game lead over the Lakers for the last spot in the postseason. The Rockets are only a half game back from the 6th seed and the Golden State Warriors.
The two best teams in Texas will have a Sunday showdown in Houston, as the San Antonio Spurs take on the Rockets at 7:00 ET. The Spurs are the best team in the Western Conference and are currently on a four-game winning streak. San Antonio will enjoy the services of Tony Parker, who suited up for the first time in 8 games on Friday in a win against the Jazz. Meanwhile, the Rockets have won four of their last five and continue to score the basketball with ease. Houston will need to continue winning games if they want to make the playoffs. The San Antonio Spurs have the best record in the West, providing them with home court advantage throughout the playoffs. With a 2 ½ game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs look to be the favorites to come out of the West and make the Finals. Houston currently finds themselves the 7-seed in the West and have a 2 ½ game lead over the Lakers for the last spot in the postseason. The Rockets are only a half game back from the 6th seed and the Golden State Warriors.
Betting Information
The Rockets are 38-31 straight up and 36-32 against the spread on the season. At home, Houston is 24-10 SU and 21-13 ATS. Against the total, the Rockets are 35-34 Over and are averaging 106.5 PPG, which is the best in the league. San Antonio has a record of 53-16 SU and 37-30 ATS. While playing on the road, the Spurs are 23-12 SU and 19-16 ATS. Against the total, San Antonio is 38-31 Under on the year and are putting up 104.4 PPG.
The Rockets are 38-31 straight up and 36-32 against the spread on the season. At home, Houston is 24-10 SU and 21-13 ATS. Against the total, the Rockets are 35-34 Over and are averaging 106.5 PPG, which is the best in the league. San Antonio has a record of 53-16 SU and 37-30 ATS. While playing on the road, the Spurs are 23-12 SU and 19-16 ATS. Against the total, San Antonio is 38-31 Under on the year and are putting up 104.4 PPG.
After missing a few weeks due to an injured thumb, Rockets rookie Terrence Jones is ready to play, but not for Houston. The Rockets sent the recovering Jones to play for Rio Grande Valley of the NBA’s D-League. Jones is averaging 3.1 PPG.
What to watch for
Expect a high final score and for the total to go over, as both the Rockets and Spurs are among the top five teams in the league in scoring. Houston is scoring more than any other team, while the Spurs are the 4th highest scoring team this season.
Expect a high final score and for the total to go over, as both the Rockets and Spurs are among the top five teams in the league in scoring. Houston is scoring more than any other team, while the Spurs are the 4th highest scoring team this season.
A major reason for the Spurs four-game winning streak has been the play of future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan. In each of his past four games, Duncan has procured a double-double and is averaging 25.5 PPG and 15 RPG over that stretch. Watch for Duncan to continue his dominance in Houston. If the Rockets want to win this game, they will need a quality night from Omer Asik. The Houston center is averaging 10.2 PPG and 11.7 RPG on the year, and is a vital peg in the success of the Rockets. Watch for Asik to come up big and grab a double-double in this one.
The pick
If Houston isn’t careful, this game could be a potential first round playoff matchup that does not benefit the Rockets due to San Antonio’s relentless ability to win. However, the Rockets been playing great basketball, especially inside the Toyota Center, which is why they will win this contest. While the Spurs should be able to keep up with the pace of scoring, I believe the Rockets will begin to pull away late and come away with a close victory, 119-115.
If Houston isn’t careful, this game could be a potential first round playoff matchup that does not benefit the Rockets due to San Antonio’s relentless ability to win. However, the Rockets been playing great basketball, especially inside the Toyota Center, which is why they will win this contest. While the Spurs should be able to keep up with the pace of scoring, I believe the Rockets will begin to pull away late and come away with a close victory, 119-115.
Source: ESPN
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