Rockets Look to Snap Two-Game Skid on the Road in Chicago
Friday night NBA action heads to the Windy City when the high scoring Houston Rockets visit the Chicago Bulls. The current line has Houston favored by 4.5 points with the over/under total on 223.
Entering this game, Houston has an overall record on the season of 44-21 straight up and 37-28 ATS. On the road, the Rockets are 21-12 SU and 22-11 ATS. Chicago on the season is 31-33 SU and ATS. At home, the Bulls are 19-13 SU and 16-16 ATS.
Chicago has had its problems of late and does not look like a team on their way to the playoffs. The Bulls have lost three straight and four of five including Wednesday’s 7-point loss to Orlando.
Houston has scored 100 points or more in 51 straight games, but issues on defense led to Wednesday’s loss of 115-108 to Utah. The Rockets have lost two straight and sit No. 3 in the West three games in front of Utah.
Houston’s streak of 18 straight games making 10 3-point shots or more ended against Utah. James Harden, Houston’s leading scorer had 35 points, which was his third consecutive games with 30 points or more, but had just 6 assists.
Chicago played Wednesday without veteran guard Dwayne Wade who sat out with a quadriceps injury. However, the team believes Wade will be ready Friday for Houston.
Wade is averaging just 11 points per games in his past 2 games played. The team is looking to his experience as the season heads down the home stretch to the playoffs.
Rajon Rondo the starting point guard for Chicago says players need the right mindset on a nightly basis.
Harden scored 42 points and grabbed 12 boards in the Rockets overtime victory of 121-117 over Chicago February 3.
Houston forward Ryan Anderson did not play against Utah due to a sore back, and is questionable against Chicago in Friday’s game.
Chicago power forward Bobby Portis scored only 8 points versus Orlando to snap a streak of four consecutive games in double figures.
Houston is 4-0 ATS in its past 4 games on the road.
The Rockets have covered the number in 2 of their past 10 games versus opponents in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago is 2-5 ATS in its past 7 games against teams from the Western Conference.
Prediction: Chicago is not playing well of late and Houston is not doing that much better, but the Rockets will take advantage of injuries to the Bulls. Lean here toward the Rockets.
