Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction

After their frenetic OT clash on December 27, Houston (7-9) and the Portland Trail Blazers (9-7) are undergoing significant changes - a mere month after their unpredictable first affair.

The two players who traded big numbers that night - James Harden and CJ McCollum - won't feature in what promises to be an intriguing Western Conference rematch.

The latter is sidelined for a month with a hairline fracture in his left foot, while the former was part of four-team blockbuster trade to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn two weeks ago.

The onus is on Damian Lillard, Portland's leading scorer (28.7 PPG) - to carry his teammates to victory after losing two of their last three games. As for their hosts in Houston, John Wall will have been energised by his 24-pt display vs former Wizards teammates overnight.

Can he and Victor Oladipo lead the charge as they target a fourth successive win? Read my basketball preview, for the best betting odds ahead of this compelling H2H matchup.

Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers Preview

Lillard had a double-double (26 pts, 10 assists) but shot 3-of-12 from deep as Portland was overcome down the stretch, losing 125-122 against the Oklahoma City Thunder last time out.

Gary Trent Jr (22 pts, two steals) and reserve guard Anfernee Simons (26 pts, two rebs) impressed - accounting for 70% of their made threes together.

They collectively shot just 14-of-41 (34.1%) from three-point range, with small forwards Derrick Jones Jr and Nassir Little among those forced to endure rough nights. Carmelo Anthony had a season-high 22 points against his former team - but ultimately shot 1-of-6 from deep.

Simply put, such numbers aren't good enough and won't help them create separation against a Rockets team who remain unpredictable as they continue life without their franchise player.

After contrasting wins away at Detroit (103-102) and Dallas (133-108), Houston were 107-88 winners at home to the Washington Wizards overnight. In his first appearance against a franchise he'd played nine seasons with, the matchup was a memorable one for Wall.

A warm embrace and pre-game handshake routine with All-Star guard Bradley Beal was in stark contrast to the trash talk that got he and Russell Westbrook technical fouls in the fourth quarter.

The pair - All-Star point guards themselves - were traded for one another this past offseason. It was Wall's best game since January 7, where he scored 28 points in their 114-107 defeat by the Indiana Pacers. He was on a minutes restriction (sore knee) and impressed, saying:

"I haven't played in two years so this is fun, to be somewhere you're wanted, that's the most important thing.

I never want to be anywhere I'm not wanted, this organisation wanted me here - they've shown nothing but love and trust for me since Day One."

This was also the first time both he and Victor Oladipo - a new acquisition as part of the Harden trade - had played together. Head coach Stephen Silas revealed that post-game their offence was disjointed for large periods, though it began to flow down the stretch and continue improving as they settle.

"The fourth quarter was good, was figuring out how they can make each other better and play to each other's strengths. It's a work in progress for sure."

Will that work continue to good effect on this occasion against an undermanned Blazers team?

Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers Betting Tips

This encounter is a tough one to predict, especially with injuries in mind. ESPN's Basketball Power Index shares that view and Houston are slightly favoured (50.9%) to prevail following last night's win.

Portland hopes to complete the double over their hosts while improving a 4-2 road record which should please Terry Stotts considering their defeats were against the LA Clippers and a Stephen Curry record-breaking display in early January.

This is the first of a tough six-game road trip for Lillard and co, without McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) among others. Can they overcome injuries to bounce back from their preventable defeat by OKC?

Houston is still finding their feet, and Christian Wood's absence (ankle) could ultimately prove decisive. However, in a battle of two weakened teams, they should have enough firepower to win.