*8* SURE SHOT on Houston Rockets.

The Houston Rockets will be looking to bounce back from a 104-101 defeat at Orlando two days ago when they host fellow Texas franchise the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center Friday night. The Spurs have been arguably one of the hottest teams in basketball of late and their season-record is topped only by the Warriors, but this looks like too many points to cover against a pumped up local rival.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. James Harden - The Rockets superstar has dished out seven assists in each of his last two games while also contributing with an average of 33.5 points.

2. Home Cookin' - Houston has won six straight overall at home and its 5-0 ATS over the last five head-to-head meetings with the Spurs at Toyota Center.

3. X-Factor - The Spurs are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 against teams from the Southwest division.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Rockets (8*)