Utah at Houston

Houston likes to run, but faces a Utah squad that is all about defense and slowing down the tempo. Utah is fourth in the NBA in points allowed, eighth in field goal shooting defense. But the offense is #17 in points scored, #26 from the charity stripe. Houston can play great defense, too, #10 in points allowed, second at defending beyond the arc. When these teams last met in this arena it was a defensive first half, with Houston leading 50-37. Both teams finished shooting under 38% for the game, including 22-of-72 from long range. The wagering value for Game 1 is on a low scoring first half. Play the first-half UNDER.