The Utah Jazz tries to even up their first round series against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in what should be a competitive game. The Rockets are only favored by 6.5 points. Will Houston take a commanding 2-0 series lead over Utah? Check out NBA Playoff betting odds, analysis, and a free pick!
Jazz vs Rockets Game 2 2019 NBA Playoffs Odds
Game 1 in H-Town was 🔥 Game 2 is on Wednesday. Arrive early, be loud and #RunAsOne 🎟» https://t.co/GZDz1orlFf pic.twitter.com/u08WgMAVYo
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 16, 2019
- When: Wednesday, April 17 at 9:30pm ET
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
- TV: TNT
- Opening ATS Odds: Rockets -6 ½
- Over/Under Total Odds: 212.5
The Rockets blew out the Utah Jazz 122-90 in the first game in this series, but the Jazz are much better than what they showed. Utah can hang with the Rockets. They’ve proven it this season.
The Jazz rank fourth in points allowed at 106.5. If they can contain Houston’s three-point shooters, and slow the game down, they can start dumping it into Rudy Gobert more. That’s the key because Utah’s got an edge along the front line. Gobert could be the catalyst for an incredible Jazz win.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Points/G: 111.7
- Field Goal %: 46.8
- 3-Point %: 335.6
- Free Throw %: 73.6
- Rebounds/G: 46.4
- Points/G: 106.5
- Field Goal %: 45.2
- 3-Point %: 35.3
- Free Throw %: 75.3
- Rebounds/G: 42.6
Why Houston Rockets are a good bet at -6.5
The Rockets had everything going for them in Game 1. James Harden had 29 points, 8 assists, and 10 rebounds. Chris Paul had 14 points, 7 assists, and 3 boards. Most importantly? The Rockets’ defense held Utah to 39% shooting from the field and 25.9% shooting from three.
If Houston continues playing defense like this, no team in the NBA will beat them. Not Golden State. Not Milwaukee. Definitely not Utah.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Points/G: 113.9
- Field Goal %: 44.9
- 3-Point %: 35.6
- Free Throw %: 79.1
- Rebounds/G: 42.1
- Points/G: 109.1
- Field Goal %: 46.6
- 3-Point %: 34
- Free Throw %: 76.8
- Rebounds/G: 45.4
NBA Playoffs Betting Trends for Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets
- Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points
- Jazz are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 versus the Western Conference
- Jazz are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Houston
- Rockets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall
- Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS win
- Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games
Jazz vs Rockets Game 2 Final Analysis
Houston used to dominate their opponents by getting more possessions. Coach Mike D’Antoni believed in a possession first philosophy. He’s changed his thinking big time. The Rockets are now winning by playing strong defense in both the half court and on the fast break.
Houston plays more like the Houston Cougars than the Houston Rockets. They can run and gun it if you wish to play that way and they’ll never stop looking for fast break opportunities. However, if you want to slow it down, they can beat you that way as well.
The Rockets showed up big time in the second half of the season. They should continue to show up on Wednesday night with a win and cover against the Jazz.
NBA Playoffs Betting Pick: Rockets -6 ½
