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Houston Rockets James Harden

Free NBA Picks: Best bets for Friday games 9 November 2018

Tagged: Free NBA Picks

Resurgent Rockets ready to extend their road run

Three more top-notch fixtures to feast on this Friday, which will all have implications on the top half of the Western Conference table.

First, James Harden's rockets travel to Oklahoma City as they look to continue their surge up the ladder in the West.

Then both the Clippers and Trail Blazers lock horns in what looms as an exciting match for spectators.

But the best is saved until last, when Giannis' Bucks aim to bowl over the Warriors on their home deck.

 

Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Odds: Rockets $1.52 (-4.5) / OKC $2.61 (+4.5)

Friday's fixtures commence at midday, when a resurgent Rockets side play for their fourth straight away win.

They take on an Oklahoma City side who will likely be without star man Russell Westbrook, after he suffered an ankle injury earlier this week.

However, in positive news for OKC fans, it didn't seem to matter on Thursday as they brushed aside the Cavaliers by 9 points.

Point guard Dennis Schroeder flourished in Westbrook's absence, shooting at .579% from the field on his way to 28 points.

Paul George also had a solid game with 18 points. Against a star-studded Houston line-up, it's George who will need to lead the way.

Another factor that is in Oklahoma's favour is that they have won their previous three games at home.

When the "OKC" chant rings out at full volume, the Chesapeake Energy Arena can become one of the most hostile courts for away teams.

Luckily for the Rockets, they seem to be having no problems on the road. In fact, they are flourishing.

After starting their campaign with only one win from their opening six fixtures, the Rockets have won their last three.

These three games have all come on the road, with James Harden leading the way.

He's scored 53 points in his previous two outings as he looks to replicate his MVP form of last season.

With solid contributions from Clint Capela, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, the Rockets will continue to win most games they contest.

If they can improve their trademark 3-point shooting, the Rockets will return to the dominant team they were last campaign.

NBA Betting StatisticsKey NBA Stat

  • The Rockets have won 9 of their last 10 road games against Northwest Division opponents: Houston to win @ $1.52

Free NBA PickFree NBA Pick: Houston to cover the -4.5 point line @ $1.92

Reasoning: There's just too much star power on the court for the Rockets. 

 

Los Angeles Clippers @ Portland Trail Blazers 

NBA Odds: Clippers $2.73 (+5.0) / Blazers $1.48 (-5.0)

Another quality fixture sees two of the West's quiet achievers do battle at the Moda Center.

The third-placed Blazers will host the fifth-placed Clippers in a fixture that sees both sides try to stay in contact with the Warriors on the Western Conference table.

Before the start of the season, all the hype in Los Angeles was around the Lakers, with not much attention given to the Clippers.

But it's been the younger brothers who have really stepped out of LeBron's shadow and impressed.

Not only have the Clippers won six from their opening ten, but they are scoring for fun.

Veteran Lou Williams has started the season in style, averaging 19 points per game.

With Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris both averaging 20+ points per game, the Clippers are sharing the load in attack.

If the Blazers haven't got their wits about them on defence, the Clippers could come through with a shock away win.

They would need to play at their best though, as an away game in Portland is one of the toughest road trips in the west.

The Trail Blazers will line up for their fifth consecutive home game here.

While they suffered a slight slip up at home against the Lakers, their subsequent two home games saw comfortable victories against the Timberwolves and Bucks.

Last time out CJ McCollum played his best game of the season, shooting five 3-pointers in a 40 point display.

As his backcourt partner Damian Lillard has been the main man this campaign, it was pleasing for Blazer fans too see their other star put in a top performance.

If these two both find their range early, the Clippers could be blown away.

NBA Betting StatisticsKey NBA Stat

  • The Trail Blazers have won 12 of their previous 13 games against Pacific Division opponents: Portland to win @ $1.48

Free NBA PickFree NBA Pick: Total match points to be over 222.5 @ $1.91

Reasoning: Both these teams are averaging 115+ points in their previous five games.

With the spread of scoring potential on both sides, the points could really rack up here. 

 

Milwaukee Bucks @ Golden State Warriors 

NBA Odds: Bucks $3.42 (+7.0) / Warriors $1.34 (-7.0)

The highlight fixture of the day sees the second-from-top team from the East pay a visit to the leading side from the West.

Coming up against the Warriors at the Oracle Arena is arguably the toughest challenge in world basketball. 

This season they have won six from six at home, by an average margin of 16 points.

While many fans of other teams complain about the Warriors stacked line-up, it is Steve Kerr's coaching and the team-first mentality that he has instilled that plays a big role in Golden State's success.

With three players of the calibre of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson all on the floor, there would usually be a clash as these egos compete for the limelight.

But the strength of the Warriors is that they continually look for the player in space, who has a better scoring opportunity.

By sharing the ball and playing as a team- both in offence and defence- the Warriors have become a near unbeatable team at home with the crowd behind their back.

Therefore, it speaks volumes about Milwaukee's progression under Mike Budenholzer that many are giving them a realistic chance to win.

Under Budenholzer, Milwaukee have adopted a game style that involves taking plenty of 3-point shots in offence, while defending the 3-point line in defence.

This strategy has paid dividends, especially with experienced guard Khris Middleton shooting at almost 50% from beyond the arc.

But it's the NBA MVP favourite Giannis Antetokounmpo who is the undoubted star man in Milwaukee.

The Greek Freak just does things on the court that other players would only dream of. 

His insane wingspan and athleticism allows him to perform dunks such as this over countryman Kosta Koufos in Milwaukee's recent thrashing of the Kings.

 

While the Warriors are in another league to their local rivals Sacramento, there is no doubt that that form reads well for Milwaukee in this clash.

 

NBA Betting StatisticsKey NBA Stat

  • The Bucks have covered the line in 8 of their last 9 road games against the Warriors: Milwaukee to cover the +7.0 point line @ $1.92

Free NBA PickFree NBA Pick: Milwaukee to cover the +7.0 point line @ $1.92

Reasoning: As all-conquering as the Warriors at home, Giannis and the Bucks will be up for this clash, and keep it competitive for a long way.

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