Houston Favored To Take 2-0 Series Lead vs OKC

No Russell Westbrook was no problem for the Rockets in Game 1 as Houston used 20 three-pointers to bury OKC 123-108. It’ll likely be tough to repeat that feat Thursday, however, as the Thunder are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Oddsmakers have made a major adjustment for Game 2, Sportsbook the Rockets as 2-point favorites after Houston closed as a 1-point underdog for Tuesday’s opener. The Thunder certainly don’t mind the underdog tag, going 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games in that role. Meanwhile, Houston is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 as chalk.

Oklahoma City News & Notes

The Thunder have shown a tendency to bounce back well from bad losses under head coach Billy Donovan, going 10-2 ATS in their last 12 outings following a loss by double digits. Donovan’s already hinted at some defensive changes after seeing Houston generate plenty of open looks on Tuesday when the Thunder forced just seven turnovers — half of Houston’s season average of 14.

Offensively, veteran point guard Chris Paul told reporters he plans to get Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams more involved. OKC’s front-court duo combined for 46 points in Game 1 but attempted just 30 field goals. The Thunder failed to capitalize on its significant size advantage inside, getting outscored 44-38 in the paint.

Houston News & Notes

The Rockets didn’t need Russell Westbrook in Game 1 and a sudden return to form by Eric Gordon was a big reason why. The guard replaced Westbrook in the starting lineup and scored 21 points and four assists in 30 minutes, shaking off the rust he displayed during the seeding round after missing six games due to a sprained ankle. It also didn’t hurt that the Rockets hit 20 of their 52 three-point attempts, led by James Harden’s six-for-13 performance from behind the arc.

Gordon, considered by head coach Mike D’Antoni as one of Houston’s best defenders, also helped the Rockets limit OKC’s frontcourt trio of Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder to just 12 of 35 shooting from the field.

Speaking of defense, the Rockets continue to hold their own at that end of the court against quality opponents. Houston is now 46-21-1 to the UNDER in its last 68 games against teams who boast winning percentages above .600. The Rockets have also stayed UNDER in six of eight bubble contests since Sportsbook their Orlando schedule with a wild 153-149 OT win over the Mavericks.

Betting Pick: Thunder +2.5

OKC’s stellar track record as an underdog — particularly when coming off a poor performance — suggests we’ll see a much better effort from the Thunder in Game 2. I’m expecting OKC to be more focused on scoring inside the paint and for Donovan to implement some new defensive wrinkles.