We have a rematch of last seasons WCSF as Houston Rockets host the Utah Jazz! Both teams have started the season a little slow at 1-2 so this game definitely hold importance. Rockets won the playoff series 4-1 last year and Utah will be hoping to get some revenge here and they will have a good shot at it since Houston will be without CP3 who is serving his suspension.
Houston Rockets
Houston have not heard a strong start to the reason as they have started 1-2 and primarily because of their struggles defensively. Chris Paul will serve his 2nd game of 2 game suspension therefore they will need Harden to have a big game. Furthermore, starting SF James Ennis is out with an injury and it’s been said that MCW will start alongside Harden with Gordon at the 3. Nene and Chriss are both questionable whereas Brandon Knight is out indefinitely
Predicted starting line-up – M.Carter Williams, J.Harden, E.Gordon, PJ Tucker, C.Capela
Injuries – M.Chriss, Nene – Questionable, B.Knight, J.Ennis – Out
Suspensions – C.Paul
Utah Jazz
Similarly, Utah have had a bit of a frustrating season start. After winning in Sacramento they followed up with 2 home losses to Golden State losing at the last second and then against Memphis. Donovan Mitchell has struggled so far and that may be the reason for their early struggles. Despite that, we can expect Utah to be fine and they are still one of the top teams in the West. They will be hopeful that they can get some sort of revenge here in Houston for last years WCSF. Raul Neto is the only player out for the Jazz tonight.
Predicted starting line-up – R.Rubio, D.Mitchell, J.Ingles, D.Favors, R.Gobert
Injuries – R.Neto – Out
Key Facts
Last season Houston beat Utah 8-1 in the season + playoff series. Domination
On average there are 236.6 ppg scored in Houston matches this season.
The rockets have gave up 115+ in every game this season. On average they give up 120.3 ppg. They have the 6th worst DEF RTG in the NBA
Rockets-Jazz games on average had 210 ppg last season including playoffs.
James Harden is averaging 28.3 ppg this season.
Eric Gordon averages 21.5 ppg for Houston when he starts dating back to last season. In his only game starting he scored 21 this season
Rockets are 34-8 at home since the start of last season.
On average there are 221 ppg scored in Jazz games this season.
Jazz only have the 21st best OFF RTG and 15th best DEF RTG (1st last year)
Jazz are 21-21 on the road since the start of last season
Joe Ingles is currently Utah’s highest scored with 19.3 ppg, Mitchell is close second with 19 ppg.
Betting Tips and Predictions
In this game we see value on a Jazz Win at 2.12. Houston are depleted and are still looking to find chemistry. Eric Gordon points over is worth the look considering that he always gets his scoring numbers up when he starts. We expect Eric to drop 22 points here tonight. Furthermore, Jazz over 108.5 pts is another pick of ours given how bad the Rockets are defensively right now and the fact that their top defensive guard CP3 is out. We’re looking at a 115-110 Win for Utah tonight.
Match Odds
Houston Rockets Win – 1.80 (Regular Time - 1.87)
Utah Jazz Win – 2.12 (Regular Time- 2.22)
Overtime – 12.00
Match Start – 25th October 2018 – 1am UK Time
