The Trail Blazers have won 12 of their last 15 games entering Thursday's game against visiting Houston. Portland is covering 56 percent of my simulations; look for the Blazers to snap their three-game skid in this series as they continue their playoff push.

The Blazers have won seven of their last eight, including three straight home games. But I think the Rockets are in a good situational spot when they visit Portland on Thursday. Both teams are among the worst defensive clubs in the NBA, giving up 109 ppg each. Houston has more weapons to bring ot this shootout, and needs to take advantage of this winnable game before facing Golden State for the second time this week.