Rockets vs. Trail Blazers: 3 Best Bets
After convincing wins over the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets dropped a close game to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets will hope to add some wins as they head west for a three-game road trip, starting with a battle against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers are out of the playoff race and lost their last two games. However, tonight kicks off a five-game homestand in Portland, so they will try to put together a winning streak. This is only the second time Houston has played the Blazers this season, and Portland snuck away with a win in overtime on Jan. 24.
Houston continues to be without Tari Eason and Steven Adams, but the Blazers have a much more loaded injury report. Malcolm Brogdon, Shaedon Sharpe, and Robert Williams III are all out, Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson are both doubtful, and Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, and Jabari Walker are all questionable.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) hugs Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) after their game at Toyota Center.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Lines
Point spread: Blazers +5.5 (-105)/Rockets -5.5 (-118)
Money line: Blazers (+185)/Rockets (-250)
Over/under: 218.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Alperen Sengun OVER 22.5 points (-111)
Alperen Sengun has been playing out of his mind recently, averaging 29.7 points over his last three games, including a career-high. Against Portland earlier this season, he scored 30 points and should be a problem for the injury-riddled Blazers.
Opponent pick: Anfernee Simons OVER 27.5 points (-125)
Who is going to score for the Blazers when pretty much everyone is out? Well, Simons has been scoring all season and leads the Blazers with 22.8 points per game. Much like Sengun, he's been red hot lately, averaging 31 points over his last three games. He also lit it up in the last matchup, dropping 33 points against Houston, so Dillon Brooks' defense clearly doesn't bother him.
Team pick: Houston -5.5 (-118)
With the Trail Blazers waving the white flag on their injury report, it's safe to say that the ball is in Houston's court. The Rockets are still fighting for a Play-In spot, and need every win they can get, so expect a full-hearted effort from at least one team in this game.
