Houston at Dallas

Houston ran like the wind the last game and took a wild 130-128 victory. Now they play their second straight road game after that track meet, and the Rockets are 1-5 ATS after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. It will be tough to close this series out against a talented and veteran Dallas team. Dallas is third in the NBA in points scored and dumping problem-child Rajon Rondo certainly helped the team as Dirk Nowitzki and Monte Ellis each had 34 points. Dirk was 10-of-19 shooting with eight rebounds and four assists, while Ellis had nine assists. It's clear those veterans have taken charge of scoring and ball-handling with Rondo out, and the Mavs are a better team because of it. Dallas has had five games this season giving up 120 or more points, and they are 5-0 the next game, as well as 3-2 UNDER the total playing better defense. After giving up 127 points in a home loss to Cleveland, the Mavs were home the next game and held the uptempo Los Angeles Clippers to 24 first quarter points and 99 for the game in a win. The Mavericks are 7-2 ATS after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. In addition, Dallas coach Rick Carlisle took issue with several calls, but had his harshest words for the referees when Dwight Howard pushed Devin Harris out of bounds. "That stuff's got to stop," Carlisle said. "Howard is throwing people all over the place. And that can't happen in Game 4." Look for a better defensive effort by the home team early on, maybe even some hometown calls, and grab the home dog for the game with the home team 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings. Play Dallas and the First Half UNDER the total.