Last Updated on April 21, 2017 7:30 pm by drew
Rockets vs. Thunder Game 3 Pick
Returning home, can the Oklahoma City Thunder find a way to get past the Houston Rockets in Game 3 tonight at 9:30PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Oklahoma City is favored at home, as the Thunder are getting odds of -2.5 points against the Rockets. The over/under total for the game is listed at 224 points.
NBA Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Houston established a 2-0 lead in the series with a 115-111 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday night. The Rockets have now won five straight over OKC and they are 8-2 against the spread in the last 10 meetings. The Thunder are now 47-37 on the season, 28-13 at home and 46-37-1 against the spread. Houston is 57-27 overall, 25-16 on the road and 43-41 against the spread.
The Thunder looked certain to even up the series when they held an 86-74 lead in the third quarter, but with Russell Westbrook on the bench, Houston made a big run and took over the game. When Westbrook returned in the fourth, he struggled on tired legs. He finished the game with 51 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists, but was just 17-of-43 shooting from the field and 2-of-11 from 3-point land. James Harden had 35 points and eight assists to lead Houston in the win while Eric Gordon and Lou Williams combined for 43 points off the bench.
The Thunder can’t rely solely on Westbrook, but I am not sure OKC has enough talent to support him. However, I am willing to take a chance on them at home. Westbrook should shoot a little better, as should his teammates. Houston isn’t likely to get the same scoring output from its supporting cast today, and their defense should allow the Thunder to get some easy baskets to build confidence.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER -2.5