Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Pick – NBA, August 31, 2020

The Houston Rockets destroyed the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-80 in Game 5, and are in a pole position to book their place in Round 2 with another victory in Game 6. The Oklahoma City Thunder will have a lot harder job now when Russell Westbrook is healthy and playing, but Billy Donovan’s team will not give up without a fight. The Game 6 tip-off is set at 9 PM ET.

These conference rivals have faced eight times this season, including five meetings in the playoffs, and the series is tied at 4-4. Here is my Rockets vs. Thunder betting preview for Game 6.

For the sixth time in this series, the sportsbooks are giving a role of a favorite to Houston, and if you think the Rockets will cling the series on Monday, you can back them on -5.5 spread. The total is set at 226, a bit higher than Game 5 total of 224.5. The previous encounter went Under, so betting on points here is tricky. Betting on basketball and particularly NBA is quite popular, but in case you didn’t find the markets and odds that you are looking for in this table, you can always visit these NBA betting sites and see what they have to offer.

The Rockets displayed the most dominant performance in the playoffs thus far in a massive Game 5 victory. Houston dismantled the Thunder in the second half and allowed only 35 points and scored even 66 on the other end. Mike D’Antoni’s side kept OKC to miserable 31.5% from the floor and to seven triples, while they made 19. Houston also recorded 28 assists opposite Thunder’s 11 and committed seven turnovers fewer than OKC (11-18).

James Harden led his team with 31 points and five assists. Robert Covington followed him with 22 points, seven rebounds, and game-high three steals, while Eric Gordon had 20 points and four boards. Russell Westbrook, who returned to the floor from an injury, finished the tilt with seven points, game-high seven dishes, and six rebounds in 24 minutes.

A strong performance in Game 5! @HoustonFCU l #OneMission pic.twitter.com/dxw2QJeY2N

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 30, 2020

Oklahoma City played the weakest offensive game of the season as they scored just 80 points against the Houston Rockets, who are not known for a particularly good defense. Billy Donovan must be disappointed with such a performance, and he will demand from his players to bounce back here, so expect a whole another story.

Dennis Schroder led the Thunder in a loss with 19 points off the bench, but he also earned two technical fouls and was forced to finish the game early. Chris Paul added 16 points and six rebounds, Steven Adams posted a double-double of 12 points and game-high 14 boards, while Darius Bazley recorded a double-double of ten points and 12 rebounds.

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— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 30, 2020

It’s now or never (in this year’s playoffs) for the Thunder, and they must show us their A-game if they want to extend the series to seven games. Undoubtedly, the Thunder will display a much better performance from Game 5 demolition, but I am not sure they can beat Houston, although I favored them after coming from a 2-0 deficit to tie the series. Still, I am backing the Thunder to cover the spread and stay close in this one.

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