NBA Betting? Rockets vs Cavs Predictions
Wednesday night NBA betting action sees the Houston Rockets taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Ohio. Cappers Picks provides free NBA handicapping tips all season long.
If the Cavaliers aren’t at rock bottom, they’re certainly pretty close. Following their loss to Philadelphia, Cleveland gets ready to welcome in James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
NBA Basketball Odds
Houston Rockets (23-11) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (19-16)
Wednesday, Jan 7
7:00 PM ET
Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, Ohio)
ESPN
NBA Betting Lines: Houston -6
NBA O/U: 198
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The Rockets are attempting to rebound from a road loss to the Bulls on Monday.
Houston
The Rockets are experiencing their first hiccup of the 2014-2015 season. Losers of 4 of their last 6, the Rockets fell in their 3rd consecutive road contest on Monday night in a 114-105 decision against the Chicago Bulls.
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Harden shot 0 of 9 from the field in the 2nd half and failed to execute down the stretch. James Harden has been clutch all season long down the stretch up until Monday.
Harden’s success this season has been mainly from behind the arc and from the free throw line. He’s made 270 free throws on the season, which ranks first among all players. He’s averaging 27.0 points a game which ranks 2nd in the NBA.
Helping Harden on a regular basis is C Dwight Howard. Howard scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Monday’s loss. He’s struggled as of late on the road, like most of the Rockets’ players have. On the season, Howard is averaging 17.8 points and 11.5 rebounds.
Houston was won 4 straight against the Cavaliers. In the most previous match up, the Rockets took a 118-111 decision. Harden scored 37 in that contest and is averaging 28.5 points over the 4 game winning streak vs. the Cavs.
Cleveland
Things have been less than stellar for Cleveland. Things got more awkward on Monday when Dion Waiters was pulled from the game and sent to the locker room to be informed he was getting traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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In return, Cleveland acquired J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert from the Knicks in the 3 team deal. While Shumpert continues to battle a shoulder injury, J.R. Smith may be in uniform come Wednesday night. While Smith has been known for his problems on and off the court, his 10.9 points per game could be a big contribution to the Cavs. His tough mentality could be exactly what the Cavs need on the defensive end as well.
With Lebron out, Kevin Love has continued to pick up the offense for Cleveland. Love had 28 points and 19 rebounds in the loss on Monday in Philadelphia. Love is scoring 28.3 points a game over the last 3 games.
He should be getting some help come Wednesday, as Kyrie Irving is expected to be in the lineup. Irving has been battling back tightness and sat out Monday’s contest. Irving is averaging 20.4 points on the season.
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Cleveland is 4-7 vs the West this season.
NBA Handicapping Trends:
- Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
- Rockets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
- Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
- Cavaliers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Free 4* NBA Basketball Pick: Cleveland +6
With Kyrie Irving returning and the Cavaliers coming off an embarrassing defeat to Philadelphia, taking the points here makes sense. Irving and Love know they must lead this team with Lebron James out and will do so on Wednesday.
Cleveland 104, Houston 102
This game will come down to the wire, with the Cavs having a chance to get the outright win.
Check out our Updated NBA Betting Odds.
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