New York Knicks @ Houston Rockets
United States: NBA Basketball
Saturday 28 January 2012 - Tip Off 8pm ET
1am (British Standard Time)

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Preview

Both of these teams played last night as the Houston Rockets (11-8) entertain the New York Knicks (7-12) in front of their own fans. It is a match that could be lacking some of the star power as both teams are set to miss their best players on Saturday night.

Houston crushed the Washington Wizards here last night, even though they did not have the service of Kevin Martin. Martin has averaged 20 points per game this season, making him the leading scorer on the Rockets, and he had been in fine form by scoring 29 points per game over his last 4 games to help Houston keeping going onwards and upwards.

Martin has a problem with his right foot and was rested last night, while his status is set for day-to-day as far as this game is concerned. If he cannot go, Chase Budinger will continue in the starting rotation after scoring 21 points, his most for the season, last night.

On the other side of the court, the New York Knicks will visit Houston off the back of a close loss to the Miami Heat last night, but without the services of Carmelo Anthony who has been given a few days to get his health back up after playing with some injuries.

Anthony has led the way in a poor start to the season for the Knicks, averaging 23 points per game but with question marks about the amout he holds the ball. There has also been a slow down of the production of Amare Stoudemire this season, some blaming Anthony's role in the team for that.

The Knicks tried 43 shots from beyond the arc last night in the absence of Anthony, the second most attempts in the franchise history. While they did hit 18 of those, it seems a lot of effort that can end badly if they are not connecting with their efforts.

Bill Walker is going to come in for Anthony again, after scoring 21 points last night against the Heat. Baron Davis is also not quite ready to make his first appearance for the Knicks this season.

Head to Head

Houston have a powerful record against the Knicks in recent seasons, winning 12 of the last 13 games in the series, including 6 in a row at home.

The Rockets have covered the spread in the last 4 home games against the Knicks.

Houston are 7-3 against the spread at home this season, New York are 4-6 on the road.

Houston are 6-3 against the spread as the favourite, New York are just 1-5 when the underdog.

Other Interesting Trends

Houston are 6-2 against the spread in their last 8 games as the favourite of between 5 and 10.5 points.

They are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games against teams from the Western Conference.

The are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games when playing the second of back to back nights.

New York are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games as the road underdog being given between 5 and 10.5 points.

However, they have lost their last 4 games against the spread against Western Conference teams.

They are 2-9 against the spread in their last 11 games when playing the second of back to back nights.

Prediction

I am going to back the Houston Rockets to hit the Knicks with another loss here for the following reasons:

First, the Knicks have been poor on the defensive side of the ball and they are going to allow the Rockets to score points.

Second, Houston had a relatively easy night last night against Washington, while the Knicks had a tough loss at Miami last night and may overlook this game against a non-Conference team.

Third, the Knicks could be in big trouble if they try to use the 3 pointers again tonight, especially if they are not hitting them at the same pace as last night.

The Pick :

Houston Rockets 104-91 New York Knicks

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back the Houston Rockets -6.5 Points @ 1.95