Texas Shootout!
The Houston Rockets have already beaten both of last season’s NBA finalists, lopsided defeats at that. They still have to prove they can out gun their Texas nemesis.
The (5-2) Rockets look to end a six-game losing streak against the (5-1) San Antonio Spurs when the Southwest Division rivals meet Tuesday night. Houston comes in on a four-game winning streak after a 94-72 victory against defending NBA champion Miami Heat on Sunday. The Rockets beat Western Conference champion Dallas 107-76 on Nov. 4.
However, Houston has struggled against San Antonio. The Rockets have lost 13 of the last 15 meetings, although star swingman Tracy McGrady did not see action due to back problems in the final three match ups last season.
Receive Instant Cash Bonuses at Bodog.com!
The Rockets are hoping Yao Ming continues his rush as they try to defeat their long time foe, The Spurs. Yao had 34 points and 14 rebounds against the Heat's Shaquille O'Neal Sunday. This was two days after he had 35 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocks by destroying the New York Knicks Friday evening.
Emerging Spurs center Fabricio Oberto will get his first chance to defend Yao. Oberto, who only logged two minutes against Yao last season, has picked up at least four fouls in four of his last five games. With Yao playing well, McGrady has taken a back seat in the last two games for the Rockets. He's managed a total of 25 points, but has handed out 16 assists during that course.
Click here for Live NBA Point Spreads
San Antonio has also won four straight and is the league's only unbeaten road team at 3-0. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan combined for 57 points in a 100-92 victory over the Knicks on Saturday. The Spurs' leading scorer in four of their first six games, including Saturday night's 100-92 victory over the New York Knicks at AT&T Center, Parker spent the first half of the first quarter getting his teammates involved in the offense.
Once Parker got Tim Duncan rolling in the low post, he took on the bulk of the scoring load in the final three periods himself. After scoring only six in the first quarter, he scored 27 in the final three, finishing with 33 points. All six of Parker's assists came in the first quarter, five of them before he attempted his first shot. His 12-for-17 shooting in Saturday's victory pushed his shooting percentage for the season to 55.5.
This promises to be a monster of a game, pitting Yao and Duncan, McGrady and Parker and the rest of the staff for both teams. The Spurs come in as a road favorite, we like the home doggie +1½. The total is 177 for a game that would come as a defensive show, we like the over. Good Luck!!
