The Houston Rockets (39-25) and the Philadelphia 76ers (41-24) go head-to-head at Toyota Center. The Rockets will try to continue their six-game winning streak. The game can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8, 2019.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Betting Odds
The Rockets beat the Toronto Raptors in their last contest, 107-95, despite being 3.5-point underdogs. The 76ers, on the other hand, were topped by the Chicago Bulls, 108-107, and failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The Houston game finished 26 points under the projected point total of 228, while the Philadelphia game finished 15.5 points under the projected point total of 230.5.
Houston dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.188 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 11.7). For those same stats, Toronto was 0.135 and 11.9, respectively. Philadelphia, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.506 vs. 0.473). Houston was lifted by James Harden, who recorded 35 points. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons fueled Philadelphia with 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
In their first matchup this year, Joel Embiid led the 76ers to a 121-93 victory. He notched a double-double with 32 points and 14 rebounds. Philadelphia covered as a 5-point favorite and the two teams combined for 214 points, which was well under the projected point total of 234. The 76ers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Rockets. Philadelphia had a rate of 23.8, while Houston posted a mark of 11.8.
76ers games have gone under the O/U total 50.8 percent of the time. Philadelphia holds records of 41-24 straight up (SU) and 31-34 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Philadelphia, a little over half of Rockets games have finished over the total. Additionally, Houston owns records of 39-25 SU and 29-33-2 ATS.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, this will be a matchup of two heavyweights. The sweet-shooting Houston offense ranks third in the NBA in that metric at 0.537, while the top-notch Philadelphia defense is ranked second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.509). Furthermore, the 76ers are among the NBA’s best at getting to the line, ranking second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.245). The Rockets, meanhwile, rank 26th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.220.
Philadelphia 76ers at Houston Rockets ATS Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The 76ers rank third in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while the Rockets rank ninth (4.8).
- Philadelphia ranks third in assists per game (27.3) while Houston ranks 29th (20.9).
- The Rockets rank fifth in steals per game (8.5) while the 76ers rank 21st in steals allowed per game (8.2).
- Houston averages 18.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Philadelphia ranks 23rd in points off turnovers given up (17.7 per game).
- Philadelphia ranks ninth in second chance points per game (13.7) while Houston ranks 20th in second chance points allowed per game (13.8).
- The 76ers rank fifth in rebounds per game (47.0) while the Rockets rank 27th (41.5).
- The 76ers rank 18th in points in the paint per game (48.4) while the Rockets rank 29th (42.4).
- Philadelphia ranks eighth in fast break points per game (15.6) while Houston ranks 11th in fast break points allowed per game (13.1).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (44.7) while Philadelphia ranks 18th (30.8).
- Philadelphia is 9-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Houston is 10-2.
- When scoring over 100 points, the Rockets are 37-17 and the 76ers are 41-20.
- Philadelphia is 13-18 ATS on the road, while Houston is 16-14-1 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 17 of the 76ers’ 31 road games, while 20 of the Rockets’ 31 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Rockets are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the 76ers are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Houston has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Philadelphia has 5 unders.
- The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 2.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 111.4 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.6 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
