PREMIUM
Rogers' Friday Night ESPN SHOWCASE >> 9-3 (75%) in Playoffs, 16-6 L22 NBA!
(NBA) Houston vs. Oklahoma City,
Total: 224.00 | -102.00 Under
Result: Win
Total: 224.00 | -102.00 Under
Result: Win
The set-up: Russell Westbrook keeps saying that winning is all that matters but a third straight loss to the Rockets in Game 3 will all but end OKC's chances in this series with Houston. Westbrook payed poorly in Game 1 and the OKC big men were dominated by Houston's frontcourt, getting outrebounded 56-41 in a 118-87 Houston blowout. Then in Game 2, Westbrook produced the highest-scoring triple-double in playoff history with 51 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds but he wilted in the fourth quarter and the Thunder fell 115-111. Westbrook was just 4-of-18 shooting while playing the entire final quarter and it equated to a major missed opportunity as Oklahoma City let a 15-point, first-half lead slip away.
Houston: Harden is averaging 36 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists so far, with the biggest stat being Houston's 2-0 lead in the series. The Rockets received 93 of their 115 points in Game 2 from the backcourt quartet of Harden, Eric Gordon (22 points), Lou Williams (21) and Patrick Beverley (15). Primarily known for his defensive prowess, Beverley is averaging 18 points on 14-of-22 in the first two games. A worry for Houston is Ryan Anderson, who is averaging four points on 2-of-14 shooting, including 11 straight misses from three-point range.
Oklahoma City: Head coach Billy Donovan questioned his decision not to have Westbrook take his customary break on the bench to start the fourth quarter of Game 2 but Westbrook is not OKC's problem. The supporting class has just not stepped up, starting with SG Victor Oladipo (15.9 PPG), who has been awful. He's averaging 8.5 points on 5-of-26 shooting. The center duo of Steven Adams (5.5 & 6.0) and Enes Kanter (6.0 & 2.0) have been "no-shows" as well. During the regular season, Kanter averaged 14.3 & 6.7 and Adams 11.3 & 7.7.
The pick: It's now or never for OKC and there's clearly plenty of room for improvement for each player other than Westbrook. Houston allowed 110.8 PPG on the road during the regular season (so OKC should score) but remember, only Golden State is averaging more points than Houston's 115.3 per. Make the Over an 8* play.
Houston: Harden is averaging 36 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists so far, with the biggest stat being Houston's 2-0 lead in the series. The Rockets received 93 of their 115 points in Game 2 from the backcourt quartet of Harden, Eric Gordon (22 points), Lou Williams (21) and Patrick Beverley (15). Primarily known for his defensive prowess, Beverley is averaging 18 points on 14-of-22 in the first two games. A worry for Houston is Ryan Anderson, who is averaging four points on 2-of-14 shooting, including 11 straight misses from three-point range.
Oklahoma City: Head coach Billy Donovan questioned his decision not to have Westbrook take his customary break on the bench to start the fourth quarter of Game 2 but Westbrook is not OKC's problem. The supporting class has just not stepped up, starting with SG Victor Oladipo (15.9 PPG), who has been awful. He's averaging 8.5 points on 5-of-26 shooting. The center duo of Steven Adams (5.5 & 6.0) and Enes Kanter (6.0 & 2.0) have been "no-shows" as well. During the regular season, Kanter averaged 14.3 & 6.7 and Adams 11.3 & 7.7.
The pick: It's now or never for OKC and there's clearly plenty of room for improvement for each player other than Westbrook. Houston allowed 110.8 PPG on the road during the regular season (so OKC should score) but remember, only Golden State is averaging more points than Houston's 115.3 per. Make the Over an 8* play.
