Houston was utterly stagnant last game offensively without Kevin Durant but all sings are pointing to him playing tonight. Even with all those struggles, the Rockets and Lakers combined for 205 points in the opener. So you'd sure think getting to 207 wouldn't be that hard if KD returns -- the model has 216 points. I'm starting to see some totals moving up so better grab it now. Half unit like all totals.
The Rockets only scored 98 points with Kevin Durant (knee) sitting out Game 1. Still, Alperen Sengun recorded six assists. He is an excellent passer, averaging 6.2 assists per game for the season. Over his final 14 regular season games, he had at least six assists nine times. That included a 10-assist performance against the Lakers. I expect Durant to play Tuesday, which would afford Sengun with even more opportunities to hit this over.
FanDuel. IтАЩm operating under the assumption Kevin Durant will suit up for the Rockets, and play close to his normal workload. Even with that, this is a low line for Jabari Smith Jr., who has cleared this number now in all four matchups against the Lakers. If not for anything, Smith Jr. is hardly going to come off the floor, having played 43 minutes in Game 1. The former number 1 pick had a 69% success rate clearing this number in 39 games this season when playing 36+ minutes. Alperen Sengun has a tough individual matchup against an activated DeтАЩAndre Ayton, and DurantтАЩs health remains a wild-card. IтАЩd bet this to over 21.5.
There is optimism Rockets leading scorer Kevin Durant (knee) will play Tuesday, although he is listed as a gametime decision. Either way, I like Houston to bounce back. Houston allowed the Lakers to shoot 61 percent overall Sunday, with Luke Kennard going 5 for 5 from deep. The Rockets ranked sixth in defensive rating during the regular season, and it wasn't because of Durant. They'll adjust defensively and shoot better Tuesday.
Thybulle closed Sunday's 132-123 victory over the Jazz with 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-7 3Pt), one rebound, one assist, one block and three steals in 26 minutes.
Reaves finished with 29 points (7-12 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 11-13 FT), one rebound, four assists, two blocks and one steal across 36 minutes during Sunday's 132-123 victory over the Jazz.
Doncic posted 52 points (17-30 FG, 8-18 3Pt, 10-11 FT), eight rebounds, 10 assists and two steals over 38 minutes during Sunday's 132-123 win over the Jazz.
Adams has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Hawks due to a right soleus strain.
Capela totaled two points (1-1 FG), three rebounds and one assist over 11 minutes during Saturday's 121-114 victory over Atlanta.
Sengun had 17 points (6-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 33 minutes during Saturday's 121-114 win over Atlanta.
Eason produced 19 points (8-15 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), three rebounds, one block and one steal across 31 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 121-114 victory over the Hawks.
Durant ended Saturday's 121-114 win over the Hawks with 22 points (8-15 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one block across 37 minutes.
Thompson finished with 17 points (4-12 FG, 9-9 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal over 39 minutes during Saturday's 121-114 win over the Hawks.
Sheppard totaled 19 points (7-13 FG, 5-11 3Pt), six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three turnovers across 30 minutes in Saturday's 121-114 win over the Hawks.
