This game has all the makings of a high scoring affair with one of the association's hottest teams in the Houston Rockets taking on the Hawks in Atlanta. Houston is fresh off beating the Cavs 2x and the Celtics in their previous 3 games. Atlanta plays at the 2nd fastest pace, while Houston checks in at 11th in possessions per game. The Rockets have gotten huge contributions from Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks while the pair combined for 69 points last night. I think this game will be paced up.

Atlanta's Trae Young is averaging just 20.9 points at home this season and has not topped 18 in his past three overall, which so happened to come at home. Houston is a top-six defensive team in points allowed and field-goal percentage. Young is officially questionable with a hamstring injury but considered likely to play after sitting out last night. Our model has him at 23.1 points.

Perhaps this ends up being a letdown spot for the Rockets, but as I write this they are up on the Celtics after just sweeping a home/home with the Cavs and playing great ball. They are 9-4 ATS as a road favorite and 10-6 ATS vs the East and have easily discarded the lesser teams in the NBA; 9-3 ATS when a favorite of 5 points or more. Back-to-back games for sagging Hawks, too, who were 3-9 ATS in last 12 entering trip to MIN, having lost and failed to cover 3 straight at home, Hawks just 3-6 ATS with no rest. Hawks remain a defensive liability and bottom 10 in NBA defending 2-point shots; HOU attempts third-most 2s in NBA and can bully them.