David Hess delivered again last night with the Portland–Philly Under, and he’s stepping right back in with a strong side play he trusts—this time on the NHL board. The matchup fits his numbers perfectly, the value is strong, and the release is just $7.00. A sharp, focused play ready to cash.
Member Notes
Today’s Free Picks
| Sport | Game Selection | Game Time |
|---|---|---|
| NBA | (513) Los Angeles Lakers at (514) Houston Rockets: Spread | 9:10pm EDT - Mar 16/2026 |
The PLAY: Houston Rockets -2.5 (-105)
16-2 Free Play Run, including 8-0 my last 8.
Houston -2.5 makes sense because this matchup tilts toward the team that has been elite at home all season and carries the far stronger defensive profile. The Lakers may have won five straight, but every one of those came in their own building, and their road résumé tells the real story: 1–6 in their last seven road games against teams with a winning record, and their defense travels poorly, allowing 48.4% shooting and ranking bottom‑ten in opponent efficiency. Houston has been a different animal at home—23–8, the No. 1 rebounding team in the league, and a top‑four defense in points allowed, opponent FG%, and opponent 3PT%. Their ability to control the glass and force long, contested possessions is a major problem for a Lakers team that sits 27th in rebounds and relies heavily on rhythm and pace. Houston’s offense is efficient enough at home, but it’s their defensive consistency and physicality that set the tone, and with the Lakers stepping up in class after a soft homestand, the Rockets are in the stronger position to cover this short number.