The Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks game (October 19th, 2022) will mark the start of the NBA regular season for both teams. The Hawks are entering as significant favorites for the game with Unibet sportsbook making them -9.5 at home. However, the Rockets are worth taking in this contest as they have a player that might be below the radar right now.
The Pick: Houston +9.5 with Unibet at 24/25
Tari Easo, the 17th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, had a good preseason. He played a lot of minutes and his highlights included a double-double against the Miami Heat. In 28 minutes, he grabbed 12 rebounds and scored 19 points. Eason also had 24 points and 8 rebounds in a game against the Toronto Raptors.
Eason has impressed those that have been following the Rockets. During the preseason he went from 66 to 1 for Rookie of the Year down to 10 to 1 with bet365 sportsbook.
Not much is expected of the Rockets this season and that's going to factor into their early-season spreads/handicaps. However, it really only takes one good player to make a big difference on an NBA team. Eason appears to be NBA-ready, he appears to be a difference maker, and that's something that not everyone will be aware of right now.
As of early Tuesday, Houston's higher pick, Jabari Smith Jr., was listed as day-to-day. However, the Atlanta Hawks have their injuries as well, namely Bogdan Bogdanovic (Out) and Clint Capela (day-to-day as of Tuesday morning).
Take the Rockets with a +9.5 handicap. They don't look that bad against a Hawks team that projects for a middle-of-the-pack finish.
Rockets vs Hawks (October 19th, 2022)
- Rockets +9.5 against Atlanta at (-104; about 24/25)
