Operating in the Pacific Northwest the Trailblazers are often overlooked by hoops fans. Yet this seems to help Portland’s value for betting on NBA Games. Few teams in pro basketball have been as profitable as the Blazers. Combining star difference maker Damian Lillard with a tough defense has been their secret sauce. Home court for the first round of the playoffs is currently in hand. Houston will bring a supreme test to that stout Portland defense. With James Harden the Rockets are a top offensive team. Beyond that they are currently the top seed in the Western Conference.
Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trailblazers
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 10:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click here!
Rockets vs. Trailblazers TV Coverage: TNT
Portland
Portland leads the Northwest Division and is owning the cashier’s cage. No team is hotter for betting on NBA Games with. Nine payouts in their last ten games has caught the full attention of gamblers. Under the total has also paid in six of their last eight matchups. Moda Center has been a great asset for the Blazers wagering success. Most relevant is the Trailblazers losing only 13 of 36 home games with the odds. Defensively strong they rank fifth best in the NBA. Head coach Terry Stotts could be coach of the year material.
Houston
Slumping lately at the sportsbook has been the Rockets. Of note is just two covers in their last five games. Eight of Houston’s last ten games have gone under the total. Rocket Fuel for their success is an offense that ranks second in the Association for scoring. Improving at a rapid rate is a defense that ranks 11th best in the NBA. Above average defense is good enough for a team that scores so well. Head coach Mike D’Antoni has enjoyed a career renaissance. Always known for his offensive prowess he has the perfect partner in Harden.
Big Names on Court
James Harden leads the NBA in scoring with 31 points per game. He also leads the Rockets in assists with nine per outing. Center Clint Capela keeps the Houston glass clean with 11 rebounds per tilt. Portland is led by Damian Lillard’s 27 points and seven assists per game. Pitching in is fellow guard CJ McCollum with 22 points per matchup.
Team vs Team
Head to head Portland has gotten the cash in two of their last three vs. Houston. Over the total has paid in six of the last seven in this series. Moda Center has seen the Blazers pay out in four of their last six vs. the Rockets. Four of the last five between these teams went over the number there as well. Under the total has paid in 21 of 36 Portland home games. Away from home Houston is an impressive 23-13 vs. the line.
Matchup to Watch
Matchup wise this one is appealing due to the stark contrasts in styles. With the offense of Houston vs. the defense of Portland the handicap is a challenge. Home court should be the betting on NBA Games difference here. Harden will earn what he gets in this one.
Rockets vs. Trailblazers NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Summarizing this one is Portland’s strong home edge at Moda Center. Most relevant is the Rockets poor record there. Getting the call are the Trailblazers!
NBA Betting Online Pick: Portland Trailblazers
betting on NBA games Prediction: Trailblazers 115, Rockets 108