Houston Rockets @ Utah Jazz
The Houston Rockets made a bold move to acquire Kevin Martin at the NBA trade deadline but the move has not worked out as first viewed.
The Rockets are mired in a big slump that has landed them in last place in the Southwest Division. Houston has lost three straight and seven of their last 10 games, which is not what they had in mind when they bolstered their roster with Martin.
Meanwhile, the Jazz have been heading in the opposite direction. They had a bad start to the season but have won 34 of their last 49 games and are one of the hottest teams in the league. During that time, they have climbed to third in the West and are just one game out of second.
This is a mismatch and the Jazz should take advantage.
NBA Odds Pick: Jazz
Portland Trail Blazers @ Minnesota Timberwolves
The Portland Trail Blazers have been snake-bitten by injuries this year but they still don’t give up. No matter who goes down, they still scrap and fight.
The Blazers have won two straight games and are sitting in eighth in the Western Conference playoff standings. They get an easy matchup on Saturday but playing on the road is never easy in the NBA.
Portland will face Minnesota, who is dead last in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves have just 14 wins on the year and are just 9-20 at home.
It’s tough to bet against Portland in this matchup given the difference in caliber and given the difference in motivation. Minnesota is already playing for a high draft pick while the Blazers are aiming for the playoffs.
Sportsbook Reviews Pick: Trail Blazers
Detroit Pistons @ Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons are two of the more disappointing teams in the NBA this season as both have combined for just 36 wins and 77 losses.
While most people remember the Pistons as a proud franchise, the reality is that they have been an embarrassment this year considering their talent and they can’t be trusted in any betting scenario.
They have just seven road wins this year while the Warriors are somewhat decent at 12-18 at home. The Warriors like to run and gun at home and they should be able to outrun the Pistons as they venture out to the West Coast.
NBA Betting Pick: Warriors
