Parlay the Rockets and the Over – Houston at Charlotte

Take Yao, Rockets, To Take Down Improved Bobcats

The Houston Rockets (42-24 SU, 31-34-1 ATS, 33-33 O/U) had their three-game winning streak snapped in its 102-96 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, failing to cover the spread as 3.5-point home favorites in the process.

Houston placed six players in double figure scoring as the game played Under the 201-point O/U total in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

The Charlotte Bobcats (28-36 SU, 38-26 ATS, 29-33-2 O/U) had their six-game winning streak snapped in its 100-86 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, failing to cover the spread as 5.5-point road underdogs as I predicted that day (link to Wednesday’s Bobcats/Spurs article).

Charlotte got a team-high 16 points from Emeka Okafor and Raja Bell in a losing effort.

Here is a look at tonight’s key NBA trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.

The Rockets are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games following an ATS loss.

The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.

The Bobcats are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

The Bobcats are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games following an ATS loss.

The Under is 5-0 in Bobcats last 5 games following a S.U. loss.

The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

NBA Odds

Houston Rockets -1 -110

Charlotte Bobcats +1 -110

Over 183½ -110

Under 183½ -110

Analysis: While the Charlotte Bobcats have improved their team in a big way with the additions of several solid veteran players like Raja bell and Boris Diaw, I like the Houston Rockets to win and cover the spread in this contest despite playing on the road tonight.

The Rockets have won six straight games against the Bobcats and will make it seven in a row tonight as they look to bounce back from their narrow loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

While these two teams have combined to play Under the spread in three straight matchups, I also like the Over tonight with Charlotte’s improved roster being able to put the ball in the hole on a more consistent basis these days.

NBA Free Picks: Rockets -1 Point/Over 183½ Total Points