Portland at Houston

Portland has a chance to clinch a playoff berth for the first time in six seasons. They are playing very well right now, but will face a very stiff test today in Houston. The Rockets have won 15 of their last 17 home games thanks to stifling defense. They have held those 17 foes to just 91.1 points per game. Portland also plays very good defense, averaging 94.8 allowed per game this season and 93.0 over their last five games. I expect a high-intensity game (playoff atmosphere) in this one and a lot of defense. Portland is 24-13 UNDER the past two seasons when facing a team at .600 or better and 43-30 UNDER as an underdog over that span. They are also 29-12 UNDER during that span after scoring 105+ last game. Houston is 24-12 UNDER the past two seasons as a small home favorite (six or less). The UNDER gets the call here.