The set-up: From a situational stand point, this one sets up great as a higher-scoring shootout in my opinion. And I base that mostly on the fact in that I believe Houston is going to be pushing the pace of this contest from start to finish. The Rockets play with revenge here after falling 104-85 in the first meeting. The Rockets come in off a 107-104 road loss in Dallas, their third straight setback and seventh in their last nine games. Clearly Houston is out to "right the ship" tonight. Portland won't be going down without a fight though as it comes in with plenty of momentum with back-to-back victories. As mentioned off the top, from a situational stand point it sets up great as a shootout.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well though, but Portland has seen the total go "over" the number in seven of its last nine Western Conference road games following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Houston has seen the total go "over" in seven of its last nine home games in trying to revenge a blowout in-season loss to an opponent of 15 points or greater. This number is low, play the "over."

10* play