Preview - Betting Tip
Houston Rockets - Utah Jazz Rockets and Utah are in a big fight for the playoffs, although here Houston has an upper hand. Due to its weaker results Utah lost the eight position, but still has a chance by the end of the regular season to squeeze in the top eight. So this match can change very much the outcome of the season for these teams. Begins: 21.03.2013 – 02:00 CET
Houston Rockets
Houston is currently the seventh in the West but right next to are the Lakers, while Utah Jazz is in the ninth place. The difference between these three teams is almost minimal, so every game, every victory or defeat has double weight. Houston’s effect is 36 wins and 31 defeats, and in the last ten matches has achieved the half-effect, i.e. five victories and five defeats. At home are very good, with 22 wins and only 10 defeats, but against teams from the West have negative effect, 17-23. Fortunately enough, against the Jazz have a positive statistic, because in the previous three matches of the season had won those two times. In the first match were defeated with 91-102, mostly due to Harden’s illness, but the next two were won with 124-116 and 125-80 (this victory was interesting, because in the second half of the match in Salt Lake City the fans supported guests, the Rockets). In March, the Rockets are in a relatively better shape than the Jazz. They are the second team of the league in attack, but also the second worst team of the league when it comes to defence. The team has been led by great Harden who is supported by Lin, Parsons and excellent rebounder Asik. The bench is an average, although recently have somewhat fortify it bringing back its former player Brooks.
Probable lineups Houston Rockets: Lin, Harden, Parsons, Motiejunas, Asik
Utah Jazz
Utah is aware that they are not in the right form, and that should be improved as soon as possible. In March they were not successful, which reflected on the ultimate outcome and resulted with falling out from the first eight teams of the West. It is good for them that Portland has a solid lag behind them, so their ninth place is not in danger, but they need Lakers or Houston to enter in a series of defeats in order to eventually re-enter the group of teams that goes in the playoffs. Of course, they need wins too and one such against Houston would be more than great. Before this match played against the Knicks at home, and now are moving to Texas. In their home arena have scored 10 wins and 24 defeats so far. They are much more inefficient than Houston, and score nearly five points less than the Rockets. It’s hard to say they play more cautiously, but in any case, have focused more on stronger defence then the Rockets. Millsap and Jefferson led the team, although it is still not certain whether will remain in it the next season (if they don’t qualify for the playoffs, we tip they wouldn’t). The backcourt line is solid, but not of exceptionally good quality and one of more positive revelation of the season for them is the shooting guard Hayward, who has a good season behind (14.1 points, 3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in average). The problem is how to stop Harden, although they could and should move the focus of the game under the baskets.
Probable lineups Utah Jazz: Williams, Foye, Hayward, Millsap, Jefferson
Houston Rockets – Utah Jazz
Both teams need victory, but especially the guests as they are chasing the playoffs. That’s why we think this match could be played a little more cautious on both sides, and therefore be less efficient then this season’s average.
Better's Tip: Under 213.5
Stake: 4/10
