Warriors vs. Rockets Prediction
The much-anticipated Western Conference Finals series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets is finally upon us. Will Houston grab the early series lead tonight in Game 1 as a small home favorite?
Game Snapshot
731 Golden State Warriors at 732 Houston Rockets
Monday, May 14, 2018
Toyota Center at 9PM ET
TV: TNT
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Rockets are a 1.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 225 points. As of Monday afternoon, 69 percent of public bets are pouring in on visiting Golden State. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Curry looking strong since return
Golden State point guard Steph Curry hasn’t skipped a beat since returning to action in the series against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing over a month with a knee injury. He came off the bench his first game back, but has since started the last three. Curry is averaging 24.5 points in the four playoff games and shooting 47.8 percent from the field including 44.1 percent from 3-point range. He is also averaging 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals. Kevin Durant is leading the Warriors in postseason scoring at 28.0 to go with 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks.
Paul finally into Western Conference Finals
Houston point guard Chris Paul was part of plenty of playoff disappointments as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, but the trade last summer to the Rockets has brought him new life. He was as instrumental as anyone in helping Houston win the last series against the Jazz, pouring in 41 points on 13-of-22 shooting with an absurd eight 3-pointer makes on 10 attempts. He also dished out 10 assists and grabbed seven rebounds. In the playoffs, he is averaging 21.8 points plus 6.4 assists and 5.5 rebounds. Paul is also an adept pickpocket, averaging 2.1 steals per in the playoffs after recording 1.7 per contest in the regular season.
NBA Betting Trends
Golden State
The Warriors are 6-1 ATS in their last seven conference finals games. The under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Houston
The Rockets are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings against Golden State in Houston. The under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Houston.
Prediction:
The regular season meetings were split 2-2 with each team going 1-1 straight up and ATS on their home floor. Houston won the last meeting on Jan. 20 on its home floor by a count of 116-108. I expect the Rockets to come out firing and make a statement that they are the team to beat as the top seed. If Paul can stay red-hot, the Warriors won’t have an answer as Curry is not known as a strong defender.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ROCKETS -1.5