Friday’s game between Portland and Houston features one of the NBA’s top backcourts of the present (Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum) facing off against a guard duo that hopes to be one of the best backcourts of the future (Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr.). We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over-under number, as well as all the information you need to make the smartest bet on Tipico Sportsbook.
The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. Central and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass. For the host Rockets, Friday also marks the debut of their new 2021-22 City uniforms and a custom blue court at Toyota Center to match.
The Rockets (1-10) enter Friday badly needing a win, having lost their last nine games. For Portland (5-7), a road game at lowly Houston presents a chance to snap their own two-game slide, as they look to convince Lillard that they can win at a high-enough level for him to stay put.
Trail Blazers at Rockets notable injuries:
Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (left thigh contusion) is probable. Considering that he played through the issue on Wednesday versus Detroit, it would be a surprise if Friday brings a different outcome. John Wall remains out due to a mutual decision for him not to play, with Houston prioritizing minutes for the development of younger players. Rookie big Alperen Sengun returns after missing one game due to illness.
Portland’s injury report lists Norman Powell as questionable due to a left quad strain. Like Porter, he played in his team’s most recent game.
The lines, courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook
- Point spread: Blazers -6.5
- Money line: Rockets +205 / Blazers -260
- Over-under: 222.5
Advice and prediction
The rebuilding Rockets were a rare favorite in their last game versus Detroit, and they underwhelmed in an 8-point home loss. Before that game, however, they fared well as an underdog with three competitive road losses (two by 1 and 2 points) versus the Lakers, Suns, and Nuggets.
It would be a surprise if Lillard can’t drag the Blazers across the finish line, but we’re betting on the Rockets to make amends for Wednesday’s poor showing and at least make it interesting for the final minutes.
Prediction: Blazers 114, Rockets 110
This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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