San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets: Game 5 Prediction, Betting Odds, TV Channel

Making a prediction in the 2017 NBA playoff series between the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets has been just about impossible with both teams winning two games by comfortable margins. They’ll meet in Game 5 Tuesday night in a contest that could ultimately swing the seven-game set.

San Antonio is a 5.5-point favorite at home, according to the betting line at OddsShark, though the series has been dead even up to this point. Both teams have picked up victories on their opponent’s home floor, and they are each dealing with key injuries.

The Spurs lost Tony Parker in Game 2 to a quadriceps injury that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the playoffs, no matter how far San Antonio goes. Now the Rockets will be forced to compete without their backup center.

Nene had been arguably Houston’s biggest surprise of the postseason, averaging 10.0 points per game on better than 70 percent shooting. The veteran played just two minutes in the Rockets’ Game 4 victory, and he’s done for the postseason with a thigh injury. Ryan Anderson, who starts at power forward, could be forced to replace Nene as the team’s center off the bench.

“It wouldn't be a very good situation if me and Clint (Capela) got into foul trouble. We want to play smart,” Ryan Anderson told reporters. “Coming off the bench is something I've done in my career and I'm fine with it. Whatever I have to do to help the team and whatever's best for this group.”

Houston point guard Patrick Beverley is expected to play in Game 5 after his grandfather passed away Sunday. Beverley learned of the news just shortly before the start of Game 4. He still played in the game, scoring 10 points and dishing out six assists in the Rockets’ 21-point win.

Both of the Rockets’ victories have come by more than 20 points. In each win, Houston has scored more than 125 points against the NBA’s best defense. In their two losses, the Rockets were held below the century mark.

Keeping Game 5 below the over/under of 214.5 would be advantageous for the Spurs, who like to play at one of the slowest paces in the league. A high-scoring affair, however, could mean that the Rockets will return home with a chance to clinch the series in Game 6.

Tuesday’s winner might come down to the play of each team’s star. Kawhi Leonard has lead the Spurs in almost every major category this postseason, and he’s averaging 30 points per game in San Antonio’s two victories against Houston. The small forward is scoring just 18.5 points per contest in their two losses.

James Harden has put up big numbers in every game except Houston’s Game 2 loss. He was limited to 13 points on three-of-17 shooting.

Game 4 is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EDT. TNT has the TV coverage, and fans can watch a free live stream online at tntdrama.com.

Prediction: San Antonio over Houston, 104-96