Yao Ming Dynasty – Rockets look to Advance Tonight

Rockets Look To Finish Off Blazers Tonight, Advance For First Time in Yao Ming Era

The Houston Rockets (56-30 SU, 42-43-1 ATS, 42-44 O/U) will be looking to get out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in the Yao Ming era when they host the young Portland Trail Blazers (55-31 SU, 47-38 ATS, 40-44-1 O/U) at the Rose Garden tonight at 10 PM ET.

The Rockets beat the Blazers 89-88 as a 5-point home favorite in the BetOnline Sportsbook in Game 4 on Sunday while the combined score checked in Under the posted O/U total (182).

All-star center Yao Ming had a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds for Houston while veteran power forward Luis Scola chipped in with 17 points and eight rebounds in the win.

Portland got a team-high 31 points from shooting guard Brandon Roy while power forward LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and 10 rebounds.

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

The Rockets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.

The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog.

The Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.

The Trail Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.

The Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Portland.

The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Portland.

The Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

The Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

The Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

NBA Odds

Houston Rockets +5½ -110

Portland Trail Blazers -5½ -110

Over 182 -110

Under 182 -110

Analysis: While the Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their two home contests in this series, they have covered in both road contests in Portland and will do so again tonight as they look to finish off their younger and less experienced counterparts.

With no visible answer for Yao Ming, not to mention a rejuvenated Luis Scola and Shane Battier, I like the Rockets to finish off Portland tonight while covering the spread in the fourth consecutive close finish in this series.

I also like the Over to play out for the third consecutive game in Portland.

NBA Free Picks: Rockets +5½ Points/Over 182 Total Points