The first match I want to look at today involves the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets.
The Cavaliers are enjoying an okay season. They sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with an overall record of 17-12 (.586).
In their last 10 matches, they are 8-2, and at home, they have an iffy-looking 8-7 record.
Match – Cleveland Cavaliers v Houston Rockets
Where – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
When – Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
Time – 7.00pm ET
After a poor start to the season, the Houston Rockets embarked on a remarkable seven-match winning streak.
This run came to an end at the hand of the Bucks, when they dished out a 9 points defeat to the Rockets last Friday.
Over the last 10 matches, the Rockets are 8-2. This is a decent run of form for a side that is currently the third bottom of the Western Conference with a 9-18 (.333) overall record.
The key stat to take from the seven-match winning streak is that six of the wins came at the home of Rockets, the Toyota Center.
The Rockets’ away record stinks, it is 2-12.
The Cavaliers are roughly -400 to -500 with the sportsbooks, I’m not touching that.
In the handicap spread, they are giving up 9.5 points to the Rockets, I think they will cover that.
But given the Cavaliers’ dodgy home record, I’m instead going for over 220.5 points in the Total Points market.
The Rockets have been involved in some heavy-scoring matches of late, and I can see them conceding well over 100 points alone tonight.
Over 220.5 Total Points Cleveland Cavaliers v Houston Rockets
The last match I want to look at involves two in-form teams from the Western Conference, in what is arguably the match of the night.
Match – Utah Jazz v LA Clippers
Where – Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
When – Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
Time – 10pm ET
Taking the away team first this time, and the Clippers are on a run of four straight wins.
The Clippers’ win over city rivals the Lakers in early December seems to have sparked them into life.
They couldn’t immediately back that Lakers win up, as they lost 104-99 to the Kings the following night. But since then, they have gone four wins in a row.
Overall, the Clippers are 16-12 (.571) and are 6-4 in their last ten matches.
Tonight’s opponents completely trump that form though.
The Utah Jazz is third in the table with a 19-7 (.731) record – only the Suns and the Warriors are better.
In their last ten, they are 8-2. And at home, they are 9-4.
Odds of -400 on the Moneyline for a Jazz win isn’t the most appealing, but I think they can cover the handicap spread of -9.5, and I’m prepared to take the chance on that.
Jazz (-9.5) To Win On HandicapUtah Jazz v LA Clippers
Dean has a strong affinity for the English Premier League and cricket, but his extensive understanding of sports allows him to discuss a wide range of athletic topics. Previously, Dean has explored the world to attend events such as the FIFA World Cup and Ashes cricket matches, but currently, he prefers to enjoy sports from the coziness of his home.