5* NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME OF THE WEEK

Minnesota vs. Houston, 02/17/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 111 - 98

Point Spread: -4½/-110 Houston

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Loss

There is no way I can pass up on the Rockets -4.5 at home. Houston is 11-3 SU and 10-4 ATS in 14 home games this season. A big reason this line is so low is the fact that the Timberwolves have won two straight over Houston this season, including a 120-108 when at Houston back on Jan. 30. I expect Houston to come out extremely focused and motivated in this game. The Rockets opened up the season series with a 15-point win in Minnesota, and I think they are headed for another double-digit win tonight.

Minnesota is simply getting way too much respect here. The Timberwolves are without question a better team than a year ago, but as of right now they aren't a playoff team. They have lost four of their last five overall, with the only win coming at home against Charlotte.

Even with the two earlier losses to Minnesota the Rockets are 31-18 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. Houston is also 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games, while Minnesota is just 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5. BET THE ROCKETS!