The Houston Rockets (1-4, 0-3 Away) will try to slow down one of the league’s top scoring teams when they are on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers (4-1, 2-1 Home) on Friday. Houston lost to the Utah Jazz 109-101 at Vivint Arena on Wednesday, their third straight loss away from home.
With 24 points, Kevin Porter Jr. was the scoring leader in the loss. Eric Gordon was another key contributor with 16 points. The Rockets are 12th in the Western Conference. Portland lost in blowout fashion on Wednesday at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, falling to the Miami Heat 119-98. Damian Lillard recorded 22 points to top the scoresheet in the loss.
With 10 points and six assists, Josh Hart also produced a strong performance. The Trail Blazers are one game ahead of the Phoenix Suns atop the Western Conference, currently sitting in first. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Houston and Portland split their matchups last season, winning two games apiece. The Rockets triumphed in the last meeting 115-98 at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter on March 26.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 27 points and three assists. Brandon Williams and Trendon Watford had 15 points each in defeat. Jalen Green and Porter Jr., averaging 22.6 and 21.4 points per game, respectively, have led the Rockets in scoring early this season. Porter Jr. also has dished 5.4 assists per game. Meanwhile, Sengun is grabbing 10.0 rebounds per game. Lillard’s 31.0 points per game have powered the Blazers on offense.
He ranks as the eighth-highest scorer in the NBA. Lillard also has recorded 4.6 assists per game. Jusuf Nurkic has posted 11.6 rebounds per game. The Trail Blazers are averaging 113.4 points per game, ranking as one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league (4th). The teams have split their last 10 matchups at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter (5-5). Houston is looking for a first victory away from home this season in three games.
SportsTips’ NBA Pick:
Portland Trail Blazers (-210)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
