Utah is nowhere near a favorite with the NBA Finals Betting Odds. But that doesn’t detract from the fact they are vastly improved. With a defense that emerged as one of the best they eliminated Oklahoma City. But Houston is a definite step up in class. Powered by one of the NBA’s elite offenses the Rockets are top seed in the West. Houston’s high-octane attack is the ultimate challenge to the proud Utah defense. Beyond that the Rockets can play some defense as well. Few teams are as complete. Thus, Utah’s lack of offense is problematic here.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets Game 2
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 7 p.m. Eastern
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz | +11 (-110) | 204(-110) |  |
| Rockets | -11 (-110) | 204 (-110) | |
| |||
Jazz vs. Rockets TV Coverage: TNT
Game 1
Opening this best of seven series at Houston the Rockets covered 110-96. NBA leading scorer James Harden had 41 points in the win. Games three and four of this series will be at Utah. If necessary game six will return to Houston. Game six would return to Utah. Toyota Center would host a game seven. The Rockets are a top NBA Finals Betting Odds choice. During the regular season they were not a reliable betting value at home. Just 17 payouts in 41 home games meant red ink for gamblers.
Houston
So far in the playoffs Houston has covered the spread in four out of six games. Toyota center has seen the Rockets cover three of their four post season tilts. Harden is averaging over 30 points per outing so far in the playoffs. Head coach Mike D’Antoni has done a phenomenal job in making Houston a full court team. Defense used to be a liability but no more. Beyond that D’Antoni was often derided for his past team’s lack of defense. So he has redeemed himself as much as his club.
Big names on court
Harden is central to the success of Houston. But he is hardly alone. In the regular season Clint Capela powered to 11 rebounds per game. In the playoffs Capela has been even better. He has stepped up his rebounding to 14 per game. Game one was another stellar performance with 12 boards for the Houston center. What little offense Utah generates comes from Donovan Mitchell. The guard is averaging 27 points per game in post season.
Team vs. Team
Houston has seven sportsbook online payouts in their last 10 vs. the Jazz. Eight of those ten games went over the total. Toyota Center has seen the Rockets cover seven of the last nine against Utah. Six of the last seven in this series at Houston have soared over the number.
Matchup to Watch
Houston is a justifiable NBA Finals Betting Odds favorite. The Rockets are a complete team. Utah should be admired for making it this far. Defeating Oklahoma City in the opening round is indicative of their ability. But the Jazz have nowhere near the firepower of Houston. In this matchup the gravity will eventually give. Utah is not capable of consistently hanging with such a big dog.
Jazz vs. Rockets NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Houston should wear down Utah and get the money.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Houston Rockets
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Rockets 118, Jazz 99
Check out highlights of Houston’s Game One Win!