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The Rockets and Spurs have split wins in this series which makes this game pivotal in determining which team makes it through. Houston opened as the 5.5-point underdog, but can San Antonio cover? Keep reading for the Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 preview.
Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 Preview: Rockets vs Spurs
- What: Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs
- When: Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 8:00 PM ET
- Where: AT&T Center – San Antonio, Texas
- Spread: Spurs -5.5
- Over/Under: 214.5
Betting on the Rockets?
The Rockets took their fate back into their hands in winning Game 4 and tying the series at two games a piece.
Behind an inspired performance from Rockets’ point-man James Harded, who wound up with 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting with 12 assists, Houston won 125-104.
Houston’s offense was firing on all cylinders and got major contributions from Trevor Ariza, who scored 16 points (7-9 FG), grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists along with 2 steals, while Eric Gordon and Lou Williams combined for 35 points off the bench.
Big man Nene’s season-ending injury will be a concern moving forward. His absence means that Houston will have to make some changes to its lineup with Eric Gordon likely starting and Ariza taking on more responsibility.
Betting on the Spurs?
The Rockets were relentless in Game 4 and there was nothing the Spurs could do to prevent shots from falling. Though San Antonio shot at 49 percent from the field, it wasn’t enough to catch up to Houston’s shooters who hit 52 percent as a team and went 19-of-43 from beyond the arc.
The Rockets also kept Kawhi Leonard at a minimum (16 points), while Danny Green (3 points, 1-4 FG) backpedaled to being irrelevant on offense. The only bright spot was Jonathon Simmons who scored 17 points, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, off the Spurs bench.
The Spurs will have to figure out how to slow down Houston’s shooters and if LaMarcus Aldridge and Leonard can combine to drive the offense then it should make this game extremely competitive.
Betting Trends
- Houston is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 games
- Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
- San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
- San Antonio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Game Prediction: With Nene’s absence, Houston finds itself at a disadvantage in the paint. However, the Rockets shooters will balance out things as they’ll be as effective as ever in this game. Nevertheless, San Antonio wins but does not cover.
