AccuScore’s computer simulates games 10,000 times to predict their outcome. Throughout the NBA season, we’ll be stacking up these forecasts against Las Vegas sports books' money-lines and point spreads. When AccuScore gives a team a better chance to win than the money-line odds imply or suggest a high chance of covering the spread or going OVER or UNDER the posted total, it’s a recommended play.
Dwight Howard's still out, but the Rockets keep winning.
Houston will look for its sixth win in seven games Friday night, while the Timberwolves try to bounce back from becoming the first team to lose to the 76ers this season. The game tips at 8:05 p.m. ET.
AccuScore has the Rockets as solid 67.9 percent favorites to win on Friday night. Houston’s money-line odds are -300 at William Hill in Las Vegas, which implies a 75 percent chance to win the game. The better play here is with the point spread.
Houston has a 53.5 percent chance of covering as 6.5-point favorites, a 4-star (out of 4) AccuScore trend. The Rockets are 6-3 ATS in their last nine games on the road.
The average score after 10,000-plus simulations is 105-97.
There is a 57 percent chance the total combined score stays UNDER 206. But with 16 of the Rockets’ last 20 games staying UNDER, the number has been bet down, and 205.5 at the Westgate is the highest number available as of Friday morning in Vegas.
Check updated spreads and totals on The Linemakers on Sporting News' live odds page.
Projected Leaders
James Harden: 33 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 6 TOs
Thaddeus Young: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
More NBA betting info: All of Friday's matchups | Power ratings | ATS standings
For more NBA picks visit AccuScore.com