The defending champion Spurs have moved within a half game of Houston in the standings after taking the first game of this home and home set. I like the Rockets to execute a little revenge back in Houston on Friday night though.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - The Spurs have won the last two games in this series, but both of those wins came in San Antonio. They had lost six straight prior to that, and three straight visits to Houston.

2. Previous History - The Spurs have failed to cover in four straight against the Rockets in Houston, and in seven of the last nine meetings overall in this series. The Rockets have covered in six of their last seven at home versus a team with a winning record.

3. X-Factor - James Harden scored just 22 points in the loss to the Spurs Tuesday, but he tallied 41 in a win over the Thunder before that. Just a week removed from a career hight 51, he should be due for a big game tonight.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Rockets (10*)