Here’s why I like Houston in the bubble: The Rockets are playing their style no matter whom they face. They've shot the ball well in their scrimmages, and I believe the smaller venue will benefit them from deep. Small Ball + Harden + Westbrook = Win.

This is an important game for both teams. The Rockets are tied with the Thunder for the fifth seed in the West, and the Mavericks are sitting in the seventh spot, three games back of both clubs in the loss column. Dallas would love to jump up at least one spot to potentially avoid the Clippers in the first round. Houston suffered a tough blow with guard Eric Gordon (ankle) hitting the shelf for a week or two, and the Mavs have also been excellent on the road by posting a 21-10-2 record ATS. Dallas covers.