Houston at Oklahoma City

A tough matchup for Houston, a team that likes to run and gun but they face one of the most undervalued defensive teams in the league. Yes, Oklahoma City is third in the NBA in points scored, but their defense is outstanding, tied for ninth in points allowed and second in the NBA in field goal shooting defense allowing .425% shooting. The only team better than them? The choking defense of the Pacers. Oklahoma City has been overvalued by oddsmakers on totals as they are on an 18-7-2 run UNDER the total and a 9-1-2 UNDER against the Western Conference. They will bring that attacking defense early against a Houston team that will be a bit out of sync offensively not having played since Wednesday, an offense predicated on timing and rhythm, so look for less scoring in the first half.  As far as the game, the home team holds all the cards with their balance, defense and star power. The Thunder is 16-6 ATS in their last 22 home games and 43-19-3 ATS against the Western Conference. The Rockets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games and 6-14-1 ATS against the NBA Northwest division. And when these teams meet the home team is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings, plus the Rockets are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings in Oklahoma City. Two plays: Play the Rockets/Thunder First Half UNDER the Total and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1.