2013 NBA Playoffs Thunder vs. Rockets Game 3 Picks & Predictions
By ATSSportsline.com
HOUSTON, TX (ATS Consultants) – The Thunder will look to take a three-games-to-none lead over the Rockets tonight in Houston but they'll be without one of their biggest stars. Tip off is at 9:30PM ET.
ODDS: Oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv have installed the Thunder as 1.5-point favorites over the Rockets, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 207 points.
LINE MOVEMENT: The Rockets opened as a 1-point underdog but the spread has been bet up to 1.5 at the majority of online and Vegas sports books. The total, meanwhile, opened at 211.5 and has been bet down to 207.
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the current wagers placed on tonight’s game, 51% of NBA public bettors currently favor the Rockets. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided to get the most updated public betting numbers.
NBA FREE PICK: Take the under. According to latest NBA trends, Oklahoma City is 0-6-1 Under last 7 vs. Southwest Division, 0-5 Under last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game, 7-20-2 Under last 29 overall and 7-19 Under last 26 on 2 days rest. Houston is 0-6 Under last 6 playing on 2 days rest, 2-10 under last 12 home games, and 7-22 Under last 29 following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Oklahoma City (62-22 SU, 50-32-2 ATS, 37-45-2 O/U) beat Houston on Wednesday to go up 2-0 in this first-round series but lost guard Russell Westbrook to a knee injury. This series has taken a major turn as the Thunder will have to play the rest of the series and possibly the playoffs without point guard Russell Westbrook. The speedy All-Star averages 23.2 points, 7.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game is not replaceable. He was the difference in the Thunder's win over Houston by three as he scored 29 points. Second-year guard Reggie Jackson, who is expected to take over, is a poor man's Westbrook. He's an athletic slasher but shoots just 23 percent from beyond the arc. He's just not a pure point guard and there will be chemistry issues in the first game played without Westbrook. The Thunder will need to control the tempo against a Houston team that will look to take advantage of Jackson and Derek Fisher at the point. The first two game went under the total with Westbrook in the game. With Jackson and others at the point, the Thunder will need to win with defense on the road and let Kevin Durant take over. The Thunder take on the Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday at 9:30pmET.
2013 NBA PLAYOFFS FREE PICK: THUNDER/ROCKETS UNDER 207
ATSSportsline.com has been providing winning sports picks since 1992. Want more from ATS Consultants? Click Free Picks to get daily winners delivered directly to your inbox with no obligation!