NBA Predictions: Are the Rockets a lock to cover at the Nuggets? 3/18/17

Rockets vs. Nuggets Pick

Will the Houston Rockets have any trouble when they go on the road to face the desperate Denver Nuggets tonight at 9:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Houston is the slim favorite on the road, as the Rockets are getting odds of -2.5 points against the Nuggets. The over/under total for the game is listed at 239.5 points. Houston won the lone meeting at Denver earlier this season, 128-110 on Dec. 2.

NBA Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends

Houston is coming off a 128-112 loss at New Orleans last night to snap a three-game winning streak. The Rockets are now 47-22 on the season and firmly planted in the third seed in the West. They are 39-30 against the spread this season, largely because of their offense. Houston averages an impressive 115.4 points per game. They are putting up 118.2 per game over their last five. James Harden is certainly making a strong argument for MVP, as he is averaging 29.1 points, 8 rebounds and 11.2 assists per game this season. Eric Gordon is adding 16.5 points per game.

Denver is on a nice run right now, winning four straight to improve to 33-35 on the season. They have established a 2.5-game cushion for the final seed in the West right now over the Blazers. Denver has covered in their last four wins and are now 37-31 against the spread this season. On the season, Denver averages 111.2 points per game while allowing 110.8 on defense. However, over its last five games, the Nuggets are putting up 122 points per game while allowing just 107.5. Danilo Gallinari is averaging 17.7 points per game to lead the team while Nikola Jokic is adding 16.1 points and 8.4 boards per game.

Bet on Rockets vs. Nuggets

This game should provide plenty of offense. Both teams know how to score, but the Rockets are the kings of offense. Houston can do what Denver does, but only better. Both defenses are poor, so I don’t see Denver being able to improve on that tonight to keep pace with the Rockets. Denver is due for a letdown as well, as they are currently on their longest win streak of the season.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ROCKETS -2.5