The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets have developed a nice rivalry in the last few seasons, and all of their games are must-see TV. Houston has gotten the better of Golden State in all three games this season, but the Warriors eliminated the Rockets a season ago. With some of the best offensive players in the league on the floor in this game, there should be a ton of points scored.
Houston is the hottest team in the NBA at the moment, winning nine straight games to improve their record to 42-25. The Rockets have risen to the third seed in the Western Conference, and lead the Southwest Division. Golden State has gone just 4-6 in their last 10 games, and they look vulnerable despite having the best record in the Western Conference. Houston is a 2.0 point favorite over the Warriors in this game.
Warriors Need More From Green
If the Golden State Warriors are going to win another NBA Championship, then they are going to need more production from Draymond Green. Green is still averaging 7.5 rebounds and a team-high 7.1 assists per game, but he isn’t a threat to score at all. The former All-Star is shooting just 25 percent from the three-point line, and teams are daring him to shoot.
Despite the recent struggles for the Warriors, they still lead the NBA in scoring at 118.2 points per night. It helps to have two of the best players in the league, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, putting up a combined 54 points per night. Golden State has been uncharacteristically bad on defense for much of the season, and that could be a problem against the Rockets.
Capela Key To Fueling Rockets
Ever since center Clint Capela has returned to the lineup for the Rockets, their offense and defense have been much improved. Capela is averaging 16.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game this season, and also anchors the Rockets defense with 1.6 blocks per game. The Rockets are still right around league average in both offense and defense, but they have the ability to improve these numbers in the final month of the season.
The reigning Most Valuable Player, James Harden, is averaging a league-high 36.2 points per game this season and has carried the Rockets offense at times. The problem is that Harden dominates the ball, and the Warriors will put a ton of people on him defensively. Shooting guards Eric Gordon and Gerald Green give the Rockets plenty of scoring on the second unit and will need to make shots in this game.
Rockets Beat Warriors Again
The Golden State Warriors will be fine when the playoffs start, but this team is limping into the postseason. Golden State isn’t very committed on the defensive end of the floor, and their offense has struggled at times this season. Houston is looking for their 10th straight win on Wednesday night, and they can score on anyone. The Rockets own the Warriors in the regular season, and they will beat them again on Wednesday night. Bet the Houston Rockets -2.0 over the Golden State Warriors.
