The Houston Rockets (59-14) put their eight-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Atlanta Hawks (21-52) at Toyota Center. The game will air on ATTSN Southwest at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 25, 2018.
Atlanta Hawks at Houston Rockets Free Prediction
In the Hawks’ last game, they were beaten by the Golden State Warriors, 106-94. Golden State won the rebounding battle. The Warriors had 10 offensive rebounds and 46 total rebounds, while the Hawks had five and 44, respectively. Taurean Prince led Atlanta in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-18 shooting.
The Rockets won big over the New Orleans Pelicans in their last game, 114-91. Houston held the Pelicans to an effective field goal percentage of 0.427 (below their season average of 0.541). New Orleans, on the other hand, held the Rockets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.8 (below their season average of 21.9). With 18 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks, Clint Capela had a good performance for Houston.
Houston could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense goes up against one of the league’s worst defenses. The Rockets rank first in offensive efficiency, while Atlanta ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency. Also, the Hawks rank 21st in offensive rebounding percentage (21.5 percent), while the Rockets rank third in defensive rebounding percentage (79.9 percent).
Atlanta holds records of 21-52 straight up (SU) and 35-36-2 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Hawks’ games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Houston is 59-14 SU and 37-33-2 ATS. Just over half of Rockets games have also finished under the projected point total.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. James Harden scored a game-high 29 points in the first game, in which the Rockets beat the Hawks 119-104, covering as 9-point favorites. He also had 11 assists. The game finished with a total of 223 points, which was 8.5 points above the projected point total of 214.5 points. The Rockets had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (20.0 vs. 12.5) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.8 vs. 16.8).
Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Atlanta is 17-17-2 ATS on the road with 22 unders and 14 overs.
At home, Houston is 13-20-1 ATS with 17 overs and 17 unders.
Houston is 28-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Atlanta is 10-4.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Rockets are 57-11 and the Hawks are 18-29.
Houston ranks fifth in steals per game (8.5) while Atlanta ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (42.2) while the Hawks rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
Houston ranks eighth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while Atlanta ranks 27th (5.5).
The Rockets rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.6) while the Hawks rank 21st (44.0).
Houston ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (22.7) while Atlanta ranks last (26.0).
The Rockets average 17.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Hawks rank 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.8).
Atlanta ranks 14th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.4) while Houston ranks 28th (48.4).
The Rockets rank 15th in fast break points per game (11.5) while the Hawks rank 24th in fast break points allowed per game (13.2).
Houston ranks 20th in second chance points per game (11.6) while Atlanta ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Atlanta is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Houston is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 5.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 113.0 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.8 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
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