NBA Betting: March 5

It’s a busy Wednesday night in the NBA with ten games on the schedule. The Rockets will look to follow up their impressive win over the Heat on Tuesday by pounding the lowly Magic, while the Eastern Conference-leading Pacers hope to rebound against the Bobcats after falling at home to the Warriors. Also searching for a bounce back performances after disappointing Monday losses are the Bulls and Trail Blazers. Here’s a rundown of the night’s action, including the latest point spreads.

HOUSTON AT ORLANDO (+6.5)

The Rockets took down the mighty Heat on Tuesday by winning the battle of the boards 46-33. Dwight Howard and Terrance Jones combined for 28 rebounds. A letdown is a legitimate concern for Houston, who is 0-8 ATS in the last eight matchups versus Orlando, and 1-4 ATS in their last five back-to-back games. Magic lost the first meeting in December 98-88 when Howard went for 20 points and 22 rebounds. James Harden has been quiet in the scoring column of late, but he does have 23 assists in his last two starts. Magic have been solid at home recently with wins over Oklahoma City and Indiana, but are just 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 versus winning opponents. Rockets have won 12 of 14 overall, but have won by more than 8 just once in four games. Despite the records, this is a tough one to call.

Bet Houston -6.5

CHICAGO AT DETROIT (+4)

The Bulls were rolling along with four straight wins until they were carved up by a Brooklyn buzzsaw on Monday. No offense to D.J. Augustin, but when he leads the team in scoring, the final score likely won’t be in Chicago’s favor. They dominated the glass as usual, but committed 25 turnovers, led by Joakim Noah’s six. Detroit’s Andre Drummond pulled down a career-high 26 rebounds against the Knicks and has totaled 60 boards in his last three outings. Chicago’s offense ranks 30th, while Detroit’s defense is 26th, so something has to give. Bulls won by 20 the last time they visited Motor City, but that was when Luol Deng was on the roster. The red hot Taj Gibson has scored 44 points in two meetings. Chicago is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 overall and 10-4 ATS in the last 14 at Detroit. Pistons are 14-19 ATS at home.

Bet Chicago -4

ATLANTA AT PORTLAND (-8.5)

The Hawks tumble down the standings has been ugly to witness. Losers of 11 of 12, Atlanta has also dropped seven in a row on the road. Despite this horrific stretch, they are still sitting 8th in the East. Point guard Jeff Teague is basically carrying the team, averaging 27.3 points and six assists in his last four games. Paul Millsap is expected to remain sidelined with a knee contusion, although the two days of rest should’ve accelerated the healing. The Blazers stumbled at home to the Lakers on Monday and are just 2-7 ATS at home in their last nine. Portland is superior in almost every area and should be motivated to beat an inferior opponent with playoff seeding in the West on the line. Atlanta is 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven road tilts, but 7-2 ATS in their last nine in Portland.

Bet Portland -8.5