Shootout Expected as Harden and Westbrook Battle Kyrie and Company

Two of the league’s five worst defenses. The NBA’s highest-scoring offense. Harden, Westbrook, Kyrie and more. Even though the Rockets are road favorites with a small spread, it’s hard for bettors to think about anything other than points being scored — and the total being challenged. 

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Nets are 1-3, while Houston is 3-1; the better start for the Rockets means they opened as a slight road favorite. With both defenses among the bottom five in the league in points allowed and with Houston’s offense the NBA’s best, the total unsurprisingly opened at a robust 240 points.

Houston News & Notes

One of the most consistently dominant offensive teams the past few seasons, the Rockets added former MVP Russell Westbrook — and the offense continues to hum along.

Through four games, Houston leads the NBA in scoring at 128 points per game, bolstered by a wild 159-158 win over Washington on Wednesday … and it didn’t go to overtime. James Harden scored a league-high 59 points in the contest and, following his 40-point effort the game before, leads the NBA at 36.8 points per game. Westbrook is averaging 22.5 points per contest, while leading the Rockets with 12 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game.

Arguably the league’s most talented backcourt duo, Harden and Westbrook get to play next against a Brooklyn team that has allowed six guards to score 20-plus points in its first four games. Look for both stars to continue their strong starts to the game and continue to fill the stat sheet on the road.

Brooklyn Nets & Notes

After making the playoffs last year, the Nets had a young team on the rise and upgraded by adding Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan (with Kevin Durant waiting for next year).

The early returns, however, haven’t been great, as the Nets are 1-3 and internal issues are already starting to creep in. While Irving is second in the NBA at 35.3 points per game, reports have already started to leak that he’s a distraction in the locker room, while their defense has been the downfall of the team early.

Brooklyn has allowed 122 points per game, fourth-most in the NBA, with the league’s most potent offensive club up next. The Nets were expected to be a middle-tier team in the East this season, but until their defense tightens up, Kyrie and company may not be enough to ensure the Nets live up to expectations.

Betting Pick: OVER 240

A guard-driven team against a defense that can’t stop guards. And oh yes, Houston also allows the second-most points per game. I’ll take the OVER.