The Houston Rockets will finish up a three-game road trip with games on Friday and Saturday nights in Portland. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you need to make the best bets at Tipico Sportsbook.
The first Rockets-Blazers game tips at 9:00 p.m. CDT and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.
With a slim lead in the 2022 NBA draft positioning race, the Rockets are now entering a softer portion of their closing schedule. Over the next week-plus, Houston’s next five games are against Portland (twice), San Antonio, and Sacramento (twice). The final three will be back home, at Toyota Center. Those three teams rank from No. 11 through No. 13 in the Western Conference, and all are at least 16 games below .500.
Thus, the outlook likely depends on your perspective. To some, it’s a chance for the young and rebuilding Rockets to gain some momentum with additional wins as they look to build for the future. To others, it could be seen as an opportunity to squander the type of elite draft talent that may be required to ultimately lift the Rockets to a contending level.
As for the present, not only is it a road back-to-back, but it’s also the conclusion of a rough stretch with five games in seven nights for the Rockets. Thus, expect Stephen Silas to be conservative with minutes and veterans such as Eric Gordon, who is likely to sit out one of those games.
By comparison, however, Portland’s roster situation is much more dire. That’s why the Rockets (18-55), despite having the NBA’s worst record, are actually favored over the host Trail Blazers (27-45).
If you haven't been paying attention to Portland, their roster is a mess. #Rockets next 2 games are against them. This is the Portland box score from the last game. Points for them are a struggle. Very easily could see the Rockets winning both games. https://t.co/Aesh0wiqxE pic.twitter.com/isyKXFWMOS
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) March 24, 2022
