Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Point Spread Picks

The past three meetings have gone into overtime with Philadelphia winning the latest one 128-122 on Jan. 22. Houston will look to avenge that loss and, at the same time, extend its winning streak to eight games following the Rockets' 119-105 win over Phoenix on Tuesday. Kevin Durant led seven double-figure scorers with 24 points, and the Suns were held to 43 percent shooting, 7-for-31 from the 3-point line. The 76ers have lost two in a row by an average of 17.5 points against Detroit and San Antonio. They are 3-8 straight up in their past 11 April games dating to last season. Houston has won its past five home games and six of seven overall against the Eastern Conference. The Rockets are 5-1 UNDER their past six versus the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia has stayed UNDER three straight and five of six. Houston is #4 in the NBA, allowing only 109.4 points per game. Take the Rockets on the moneyline, and bet this game to stay UNDER. 

It is never a given that Joel Embiid and Paul George will play for the 76ers. Philadelphia doesn't need them to produce a high total, though. The 76ers have Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes, V.J. Edgecomb, and Kelly Oubre Jr. back healthy. There are only three players in the NBA averaging 30 points or more - Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Maxey. Only three teams have a higher free-throw percentage than the 76ers. The Rockets aren't nearly as accurate from the foul line as the 76ers, but they have the better offense. Houston ranks 12th in scoring, fifth in 3-point shooting, and sixth in field goal percentage. Kevin Durant is having another big season, averaging 25.9 points a game for the Rockets. Houston won't have injured center Steven Adams. That's a plus for the OVER as Adams has a limited offensive game, but is a strong rim protector. Take the OVER.

The Houston Rockets were a .500 team last season, but look like they've turned the corner as we head to the quarter-poll of the NBA season. The Rockets have a 13-6 record, and are just one game from the top of the NBA Western Conference. The 76ers are an unhealthy mess and have put themselves in a tenuous situation. Philadelphia is 3-13 on the season, and will be without Joel Embiid tonight as it stands right now. The West is 45-29 SU vs. the East right now, and here we have a short line, against a failing and injured team, taking on one of the best in the West. Make the play on Houston.