Aug. 4. 2020.
at 10:33 AM

Houston vs. Portland: A Clash Between Small Ball & Tall Ball

@jeremyculture

Aug. 4. 9:05 pm

EDT

Houston Rockets

-4

Portland Trail Blazers

244.5

Odds available at Bet MGM
on Aug. 4. 2020.
at 10:33 am
(pst).

Tuesday’s NBA action will conclude with a matchup between the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers will be given the home court nod in their third game inside the Orlando bubble.

The Rockets are coming off a massive win against the Bucks, vying for playoff seeding. For Portland, it’s win or go home. They sit in a tight race for the final playoff spot in the West and must-win.

This game is a clash of styles. Houston has become known for their small ball. They are starting Robert Covington (6′ 7″) at the center position. Portland’s hope rests in center Jusuf Nurkic and young power forward Zach Collins. Two bigs the team missed for nearly the whole season.

Free Spread Pick

This bet isn’t about the size disparity. It’s 100% on Portland’s inability to defend the three-point line. The Blazers needed Rodney Hood (Achilles) and Trevor Ariza (Personal), who are both away from the team. Portland’s interior defense is solid with Nurkic, Collins, and Hassan Whiteside, but fouls could become a real issue with Russel Westbrook and James Harden driving to the basket. I think the Blazers are overrated, and this is a bad line. Though the heart and will of Damian Lillard have burned me many times before, I don’t think he’ll have enough in this game.