The Houston Rockets face off against the Chicago Bulls in this mid week battle of playoff contending teams. The Rockets start a three-game home stand off after playing five of six on the road. The Bulls meanwhile have lost two of three on this six game road trip that ends in Orlando on Sunday. These are both good teams that are likely heading to the playoffs but the Rockets are playing better and will take this game at home.

Rested home team- The Rockets have not played since Saturday and have been home and rested since. The Rockets are 4-1SU and ATS in games where they have had three or more days of rest.

Home court advantage- The Rockets are 16-7 at home this season 14-9 ATS in those games. They will look to revenge a 114-105 loss at Chicago to the Bulls back on Jan. 5th.

X-Factor- The Rockets have just been playing better of late. Chicago has lost nine of 14 after Friday's 99-93 defeat in Phoenix. The recent struggles have coincided with the absence of Mike Dunleavy, who has been sidelined since Jan. 3 with an ankle injury. The Rockets have won four of five despite the uncertain status of Dwight Howard. James Harden continues to pace the Rockets' offense regardless of Howard's status. He leads the NBA with 27.0 points per game.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Rockets (8*)