Jazz vs. Rockets Prediction
The Houston Rockets have bounced back from its lone poor performance in the Western Conference Semifinals versus the Utah Jazz with a pair of victories. Can Houston win again tonight and cover the spread as a double-digit favorite to complete the series win?
Game Snapshot
505 Utah Jazz at 506 Houston Rockets Prediction
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Toyota Center at 8PM ET
TV: TNT
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Rockets are a 12-point favorite to win on the moneyline. The total sits at 207.5 points. As of Tuesday morning, 55 percent of public bets are being placed on host Houston. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Jazz without Rubio, Exum
Utah point guard Ricky Rubio is getting closer to a return, but he might not have a chance as the Jazz are double-digit underdogs tonight in Houston and Rubio has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. He has not played since Game 6 in the first round against Oklahoma City as he played seven minutes before leaving the contest. He is averaging 13.1 pointa, 5.1 assists and 4.6 boards on the season. Rubio even has a triple-double this postseason with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 3 as the Jazz won 115-102 at home versus the Thunder. With Utah rookie Donovan Mitchell best suited as a combo guard rather than a main ballhandler tasked with distributing at this point of his career, Rubio off the court is a big absence for the Jazz.
Rockets flaunt strong defense again
The Rockets are easily more known for their offensive prowess, but as they proved in the last two wins against Utah the defense isn’t too shabby either. After a 113-92 road win in Game 3, Houston was right back at it last game with a 100-87 triumph again on the road to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Rockets held the Jazz to 32-of-83 shooting and 7-of-29 from 3-point range, while forcing 16 turnovers. After taking a 10-point lead into halftime, Houston held Utah to only 39 points in the second half.
NBA Betting Trends
Utah
The Jazz are 0-5 ATS in their last five games played on one day of rest. The under is 5-0 in the last five Utah games played on one day of rest.
Houston
The Rockets are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings. The over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Houston.
Prediction:
Houston seems to have figured out its issues, at least on defense, after the Game 2 letdown. While the Jazz are very strong defensively, the Rockets should be able to find plenty of offense tonight on their home floor to roll to a victory here and advance to the Western Conference Finals. This game has blowout written all over it.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ROCKETS -12