On the whole, the great unknowns are what make playoff NBA bets so precarious. Houston would be favored to win their playoff series against the Thunder. Until former Oklahoma City great Russell Westbrook was injured that is. Westbrook is out indefinitely with a quad issue. As a result, the series script has been flipped. Houston won the first two games. But OKC roared back to win the next two. This series is dead even and best of three. Of great concern is the Rockets prospects without Westbrook. Oklahoma City has seized the momentum. James Harden has lost his partner.
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – Game 5
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 6:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | The Field House, Orlando, Florida |
| Rockets vs. Thunder TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | +3½ (-110) | 225½ (-110) | +140 |  |
| Rockets | -3½ (-110) | 225½ (-110) | -160 | |
| ||||
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder SBG Odds Overview
At the onset of this series, the Rockets were the online gambling public choice. Westbrook’s absence has changed that. Of course, too many gamblers overreact to injuries. But even sharps now see that James Harden is fully exposed. Houston has not found an answer.
Houston Rockets Team Overview
Of great concern is that Rockets defense that ranked 23rd in the NBA. Houston ranked second for scoring offense but that was with Westbrook. In Monday’s 117-114 loss to OKC Harden scored 32 points. However, Westbrook’s 27.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game were badly needed. And the ultimate deciding factor missing in the loss.
Key Houston Rockets: SG James Harden 32.0 PTS, 7.8 REB, 8.8 AST, 44.4 FG%, 32.7 3P%, 83.8 FT%, G Eric Gordon 19.3 PTS, 3.0 REB, 3.3 AST, 38.2 FG%, 20.6 3P%, 85.7 FT%, PF Jeff Green 17.3 PTS, 6.3 REB, 2.5 AST, 56.5 FG%, 48.1 3P%, 66.7 FT%
Oklahoma City Thunder Team Overview
Namely, Billy Donovan has proven to be an elite NBA coach this season. Following the loss of his two best players from last year he masterfully adjusted. Chris Paul has answered the call. To show he scored 26 points in both games three and four.
Key Oklahoma City Thunder: PG Chris Paul 21.5 PTS, 7.0 REB, 4.8 AST, 50.0 FG%, 34.6 3P%, 81.8 FT%, SG Shai Gilgeous Alexander 20.3 PTS, 7.3 REB, 3.8 AST, 45.0 FG%, 40.9 3P%, 94.7 FT%, PG Dennis Schroder 19.5 PTS, 2.8 REB, 4.3 AST, 44.4 FG%, 30.8 3P%, 77.8 FT%
Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets Against the Spread
The Thunder are:
- 4-6 against the spread in their last 10 games
- 5-2 over the total in their seven most recent matchups
- 10-2 vs. the line as a dog to the Rockets
- 2-7 under the total when getting points vs. Houston
The Rockets are:
- 6-5 vs. the odds in their last 11 games
- 3-7 under the total in their 10 most recent matchups
- 4-10 on the board in their last 14 games against Oklahoma City
- 3-7-1 under the total in their last 11 games with the Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets NBA SBG Best Bet
As mentioned earlier the Thunder have shown strong NBA bets value with Houston. Oklahoma City’s superior defense is another key asset. Donovan has shown a team can be more than the total sum of parts. And that he can win without a superstar laden lineup.
Thunder vs. Rockets SBG Best Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder