Rockets-Nets Preview

The Houston Rockets and the New Jersey Nets will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Izod Center. Oddsmakers currently have the Rockets listed as 4-point favorites versus the Nets, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Rockets held off a late surge to defeat the Timberwolves 109-102 on Saturday. The Rockets managed to cover the 5.5-point spread, while the 211 points sailed OVER the posted total of 192. Tracy McGrady had 23 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead the way. Yao Ming and Aaron Brooks each had 18 in the win. The Nets were upset 106-103 to the Heat last time out as 5-point favorites at home. The 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 195. Brook Lopez had 22 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double for the Nets, while Vince Carter and Devin Harris had 21 points apiece in the loss. Current streak: Houston has won 3 straight games. Team records: Houston: 18-9 SU, 14-13 ATS New Jersey: 13-13 SU, 14-12 ATS Houston most recently: When playing on Monday are 7-3 Before playing Cleveland are 5-5 After playing Minnesota are 5-5 After a win are 6-4 New Jersey most recently: When playing on Monday are 4-6 Before playing Indiana are 7-3 After playing Miami are 5-5 After a loss are 6-4 A few trends to consider: Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 9 games on the road Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New Jersey The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing Houston New Jersey is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games New Jersey is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home Next up: Houston at Cleveland, Tuesday, December 23 New Jersey at Indiana, Tuesday, December 23