Houston vs Chicago NBA Hoops Handicapping
Two teams hoping to move up in the Western Conference standings will square off on Thursday when the Chicago Bulls host the Houston Rockets. [ad-4468020]
Date/Time: 7 PM ET, Thursday, March 13, 2014
Venue:United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast: TNT
Spread: +2.5 Chicago
Over/Under: 194
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Houston (44-20) had its five-game winning streak come to an end at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, falling to the Thunder 106-98. Oklahoma City got the better end of the physical battle in a game that saw 47 fouls.
Meanwhile, James Harden, who Rockets is averaging 32 points in the last four games, had 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Rockets, while Chandler Parsons scored 19 points and Francisco Garcia added 11 off the bench.
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Houston possessed a 42-26 edge in point in the paint, but still needed more from Dwight Howard who was basically shut down for just nine points in 33 minutes.
That encounter with the Thunder should find the Rockets well prepared to go toe to toes with Chicago, who is one of the more physical teams in the league.
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The Bulls (35-29) however, have dropped three of their last five games, including a 104-96 home loss to Western Conference contender, the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.
Chicago fell behind 61-33 at the half and never recovered. It was also just the 14th time in 64 games the Bulls allowed an opponent to reach triple digits.
The offense was led by D.J. Augustin who is averaging 23 points on 15-of-23 shooting in the last two games, incusing 24 points off the bench.
Jimmy Butler added 23 points and Joakim Noah contributed 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists while Kirk Hinrich held up the defensive end.
Matt’s Prediction:
The Bulls, have only lost four times in their last 15 games.
But Houston has taken four straight in the series, including a 109-94 triumph at home back on Dec. 18. The Rockets are also only favored by a couple points so I’ll definitely be taking them to win and cover in what should be a intriguing clash of styles.
Houston 98, Chicago 95
