Rockets vs. Hawks: 3 Best Bets
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The Houston Rockets are looking to snap a three-game losing streak as they travel to take on the Atlanta Hawks. Houston is winless on their road trip, and with just one game left to go, is looking to return home on a positive note.
The Hawks are coming off a win against the Philadelphia 76ers, and have to travel back to Atlanta. Both teams are entering the game having played the night before, so fatigue, while a factor, will not be an excuse for either team.
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Atlanta has been fortunate this season and enters the game only Mouhamed Gueye listed out. The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason, and Steven Adams, with Cam Whitmore questionable with an ankle sprain after scoring 17 points last night.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, courtesy of the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Hawks -5.5 (-110)/Rockets +5.5 (-110)
Money line: Hawks (-250)/Rockets (+185)
Over/under: 241.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Jalen Green UNDER 24.5 points (-120)
Jalen Green only scored seven points last night on abysmal shooting, and he posted 16 points on bad shooting in Houston's earlier loss to Atlanta this season. With VanVleet not playing, Green will command all of Dejounte Murray's attention, making getting shots off much more difficult.
Opponent pick: Dejounte Murray OVER 21.5 points (-133)
Murray posted 21 points in the last matchup with the Rockets and has averaged 21.6 points over his last five games. He did not play in Atlanta's last two games, but all signs point to him making a return against the Rockets. Houston has a solid defense, but Murray should be able to chop up the depleted Houston backcourt.
Team pick: Rockets +5.5 (-110)
Despite a general lack of faith in Green to impact the game on either end of the court, there is optimism that Houston as a whole will be able to compete. Houston lost by seven points to Atlanta earlier in the season and is riding a losing streak, but both teams will be tired entering this game and Houston's gritty strength should be an advantage.
