The Houston Rockets (9-18) have beaten a number of top teams in recent outings and will now look to do it again at home against the Miami Heat (14-15).
Despite the recent improvement in form, the Rockets are four-point underdogs in the clash with bookmaker BetOnline having the odds at -115. You can back Miami to beat the four-point spread with odds at -105.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 15th, 9:00 A.M. (EST)
Houston’s hot spell started on Dec. 2 with a victory over Phoenix and during a very successful two-week period, the team has gone on to add the scalps of Philadelphia and Milwaukee to its collection.
Jalen Green has led the Rockets in scoring in all of the team’s recent victories. It’s clear that he will need to maintain his form Thursday if Houston wants to see further success.
Green is a very exciting player, but he tends to be inconsistent with his performances and the Heat will look to put him off his game early on. The 20-year-old is averaging close to 22 points per game for the season, but his shooting efficiency is below 42 percent and if Green’s shots aren’t dropping, he’s doing more harm than good for his squad.
Miami’s 14-15 record is far from impressive, but the team has battled injuries throughout the campaign and two Conference Finals appearances in three years show all you need to know about their quality. The Heat are a stacked team with multiple weapons to hurt the opposition.
This season, you really never know who takes the court for Miami until tip-off, but there shouldn’t be many absentees this time around. Jimmy Butler had a rest day on Wednesday against OKC and should be fired up to go Thursday night.
Butler is having another nice all-around season in Miami, averaging a team-high 21.7 points per game with 6.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Green has plenty to learn from him as Butler remains an effective performer even when his shot is off some nights.
The Rockets have built their recent success on very good defensive play but history suggests that it won’t be a slow-burner on Thursday. The over has gone 11-5 in the last 16 games when these two teams have met up in Houston. Butler, who grew up near Houston, has enjoyed going back to Texas with his crew, as Miami is 5-1 against the spread in the last six road outings against the Rockets.
