Houston at Washington

Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni has never been a proponent of defense and the team is #15 in points allowed, #20 in field goal shooting defense, and #13 at defending the three-pointer. Defense has been the problem the last four games, losing them all as a favorite, allowing 122, 128, 112 and 99 points. This is their third straight road game and the Rockets had to play last night, blowing a 26-point lead in a loss at Boston. Point guard Chris Paul (groin) could miss his fourth straight game, and the Rockets are 15-1 straight-up when he has played this season, 10-7 when he sits out. They head to Washington, the sixth seed in the East, a team that plays its best basketball at home. The Wizards have excellent balance, #12 in scoring and points allowed, top 10 defensively in field goal shooting allowed, #1 at defending the three-pointer. Washington has had a day of rest and is in bounce-back mode after an embarrassing loss to Atlanta, the worst team in the league, 113-99. Look for the angry and rested home dog to win the game. Play Washington on the moneyline.