Houston Rockets (11-16) at Philadelphia 76ers (18-10)
After 6 straight losses, it looks like the Rockets playoffs hopes are all but over now so it's all about building for next season. John Wall put up 29 pts against his former team last time out and will be looking to stop Ben Simmons in this matchup. Eric Gordon and Oladipo both missed the last game against the Wizards and are considered doubtful at this stage. So look for the younger Rockets to get more playing time.
The 76ers have lost their last 3 on the road but they should enjoy being back at home on Thursday. Last time out, Philly challenged the Jazz in Utah (134-123) but we know winning in Utah this season is extra tough. Ben Simmons tallied 42 pts in his best performance of the season and Harris also scored 37. With Embiid likely back on the floor, look for the trio to dominate this injury hit Rockets team.
While the 76ers have struggled on the road, they get a great matchup against the injury hit Rockets and Embiid should return from injury. They've also covered in 7 of the last 8 against Houston at home during the Harden era.
Stadium Record
The 76ers have won 6 of their last 7 home games. The Rockets have won 4 of their last 5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Philadelphia smashed Houston 134-96 last August but the Rockets have won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Miami Heat (11-16) at Golden State Warriors (15-13)
The Heat are playing for a playoff at the moment but their team chemistry just seems a bit off at the moment. They struggled against a Clippers last time out (125-118) who were missing Leonard/George. But it's hard to fault the form of Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Butler is coming off 30 pts, Adebayo scored 27 pts and collected 12 boards. Meanwhile, Herro scored 27 pts off the bench. So ultimately, the Heat just need more from the likes of Robinson and Olynyk.
Golden State currently sit 8th in the West and come off a huge 129-98 win over the Cavs on their home court. As usual, Steph Curry was unstoppable with 36 pts and Draymond Green showed no signs of injury with 16 assists. The Warriors have been a strong home team this season (10-6) and have won 3 of the last 4 so we're expecting another solid outing from this team on Thursday.
Interestingly, the Warriors are home underdogs at the moment and we like their odds of a home upset. As mentioned, they have a nice home record this season and also hold a 5-1 home advantage against Miami. The Heat are struggling at the moment as they rely heavily on Butler/Herro/Adebayo so look for the Warriors defence to shut them down.
Stadium Record
The Warriors are 5-2 in their last 7 games at home. The Heat have lost 5 of their last 6 here.
Head to Head Record
Miami has won the last 3 meetings, including a 113-101 result at this venue last season.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz (23-5) at Los Angeles Clippers (21-8)
The west leading Jazz just continue to fire after 8 straight wins and head to Los Angeles on the back of a perfect 4-0 home stand. In their most recent 134-123 victory over the 76ers, Clarkson continued his stellar season as the Jazz 6th man with 40 pts. Mitchell also added 24 pts and Joe Ingles added 20 pts. The Jazz have won 10 of 13 on the road this season so they'll be confident against the injury plagued Clippers.
Despite missing Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have won the last 2 against the Heat by 7 and Cavaliers by 17. However, the Jazz will pose a much tougher challenge. George is once again ruled out for this matchup and Leonard is considered questionable at this stage. They'll also be without Batum due to concussion.
It's simply hard to back against the Utah Jazz at the moment, especially against an undermanned Clippers team. The Jazz have also covered in 7 of their last 8 road games and we expect the trend to continue here.
Stadium Record
The Clippers hold an 8-2 home record. Utah has covered the line in 4 of their last 5 at this venue against the Clippers.
Head to Head Record
Utah won the earlier season meeting 106-100 and hold an 8-2 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
