This is a bad matchup for the Nets, who are short in the backcourt without injured Deron Williams and don't have the inside talent to contain Dwight Howard.



The Rockets are playing well while Brooklyn is not. Houston has won three in a row - all by 12 points or more. The Rockets rank third in the NBA in defense and are averaging 108.4 points in their last five games. James Harden is leading the league in scoring. The Rockets have improved their rotation since bringing Josh Smith off the bench.



The Nets have dropped five in a row, averaging less than 87 points per game during this span. Brooklyn traditionally struggles versus athletic teams. There is a fatigue issue, too, for the Nets playing for the sixth time in nine days. Houston has won 14 of the last 15 in the series going 11-4 ATS.



The Rockets have covered the past seven times when facing a below .500 team. The Nets are 5-15-1 ATS the last 21 times when meeting a foe with a road winning percentage above .600.