The Houston Rockets (23-11) and their great offense will be 4.5-point favorites when they welcome the Philadelphia 76ers (23-13) and their exceptional defense. The game will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020.
Philadelphia 76ers at Houston Rockets ATS Odds
In the Rockets’ previous matchup, they comfortably covered the 6-point spread against the Denver Nuggets, 130-104. The 76ers, on the other hand, were blown out by the Indiana Pacers, 115-97, and were unable to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The Houston game finished 9 points over the projected point total of 225, while the Philadelphia game finished 4.5 points under the projected point total of 216.5.
Houston played a perfect game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.253 (above their season average of 0.227) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.539). For those same stats, Denver put up marks of 0.062 and 0.505, respectively. Philadelphia, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.8 (above their season average of 23.8). Houston rallied around James Harden, who contributed 35 points and six assists. Ben Simmons had a solid performance for Philadelphia, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Rockets won the last contest 107-91. Houston’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Philadelphia. The Rockets had a rate of 0.571 while the 76ers posted a mark of 0.384. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Of the 76ers’ 36 games, 18 have finished over, 16 have finished under and two have pushed. Philadelphia holds records of 23-13 straight up (SU) and 17-16-3 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Rockets’ 34 games, 19 have finished under the total. Additionally, Houston owns records of 23-11 SU and 18-16 ATS.
This showdown pits one of the league’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Houston ranks third in offensive efficiency and Philadelphia ranks fifth in defensive efficiency.
Philadelphia 76ers at Houston Rockets Free Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The 76ers average 47.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The Rockets rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.6).
- Philadelphia ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (27.5) while Houston ranks 27th (35.9).
- The 76ers rank 12th in fast break points per game (13.8) while the Rockets rank last in fast break points allowed per game (16.3).
- Philadelphia ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Houston ranks 19th (13.4).
- Philadelphia averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Houston ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
- The 76ers rank third in assists allowed per game (22.0) while the Rockets rank 26th (25.9).
- The 76ers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (40.4) while the Rockets rank 17th (45.9).
- Philadelphia ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while Houston ranks ninth (4.6).
- Houston ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while Philadelphia ranks 22nd (16.2).
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Houston is 3-0 and Philadelphia is 10-1.
- The Rockets are 23-10 when they score above 100 points, while the 76ers are 20-6.
- Houston is 8-8 ATS at home, while Philadelphia is 8-9-1 ATS on the road.
- Of the 76ers’ 18 road games, they have 9 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
- The Rockets have 8 overs and 8 unders in 16 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Philadelphia and Houston are both 3-2 ATS.
- The 76ers have 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games, while the Rockets have 3 unders and 2 overs
- During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.6 points per game (4.2 above their season average).
- The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 5.4 for the season.
