Fact or Fiction: The Rockets will be eliminated in Game 6.
Tom Haberstroh, ESPN Insider: Fact. These two teams are so evenly matched, it’s going to come down to home-court advantage, playing at the Rose Gar — er, Moda Center. LaMarcus Aldridge was plagued by foul trouble in Game 5, and I don’t see the Portland bench giving them zilch again. As much as this series deserves a Game 7, I don’t see the Blazers blowing this opportunity.
Tim MacMahon, ESPN Dallas: Fact. Why not pick the two longest playoff-series victory droughts to end on the same night? The Blazers haven’t advanced to the second round since 2000, but that will change with LaMarcus Aldridge having a big bounce-back performance after his Game 5 dud.
Andrew McNeill, 48 Minutes of Hell: Fact. Despite Houston’s numbers being better on the road in this series, this series ends at the Moda Center. Both teams’ defenses have been abysmal in the Rose City this series, and whichever team’s D comes to play tonight will win. I think that will be Portland’s.
Michael Wallace, Heat Index: Fact. Unlike the Hawks and Grizzlies last night, the Trail Blazers won’t squander this opportunity at home. Their balance, depth and health at this stage of the series will be enough to overwhelm Houston. Linsanity, as much of a pleasant surprise as it was in Game 5, won’t save the Rockets this time. If there’s any truth to the adage that role players perform better in big games at home, all signs point to Portland finally putting this series to rest.
Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN New York: Fiction. Let’s keep the Game 7 trend going. Blazers fans will have the place rocking but the Rockets have the firepower to subdue the hostile crowd. Harden and Howard find a way to force a Game 7 and shift the series from Rip City to Clutch City.
