Dallas at Houston

Dallas avoided the sweep last game thanks to 54.3% shooting and a 2-for-21 performance from Houston from beyond the arc. That combination is very unlikely to occur again. Houston knows they were outplayed last game and I think they bring more sense of urgency tonight. The fact remains that Dallas allows 103 points per game and that has ballooned to 117 per game vs. the Rockets. They are outmatched here and this Mavs team has gone just 16-30 ATS this season vs. winning teams including 9-20 ATS in the last 29 such games. Houston matches up well here as they are now 29-18 ATS this season vs. teams like Dallas that average 99+ points per game. Dallas is 9-18 ATS this season as an underdog including 3-12 ATS as an underdog in this range (3.5 to 9.5 points). Under Kevin McHale, the Rockets are 26-12 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points. Take the Rockets. Also take the first-half UNDER, which is set sky-high. Yes, these have been high-scoring games but this total is set in the stratosphere. And, under McHale, the Rockets are 105-77 UNDER in the first-half in games following a loss and 48-31 UNDER in home games after an ATS loss. I think the Rockets will be focused on better defense here after last game's debacle. Take the Houston and the first-half UNDER.