The Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on February 13. This is the final game for both teams before the All-Star break. The Rockets are 34-20 and sit fourth in the Western Conference, while the Warriors are 27-27 and in 10th place. Houston won the last matchup on December 11, 91-90.
Houston comes off a 119-111 win over the Suns, but they will be without Tari Eason and Steven Adams for this game. The Warriors lost to the Mavericks 111-107, snapping their recent winning streak. With both teams dealing with injuries and lineup adjustments, this game will be important as they look to head into the break on a strong note.
Rockets Preview – Can Houston Overcome Injuries?
The Rockets have dealt with injuries but continue to find ways to win. Fred VanVleet remains out with an ankle injury, while Jabari Smith Jr. is close to returning from a hand injury. Despite missing key players, Houston has relied on balanced scoring to stay competitive.
Tari Eason had a big game against Phoenix, scoring 25 points with nine rebounds and three steals. Jalen Green added 22 points, and Amen Thompson recorded a triple-double. With Eason and Adams sitting out, the Rockets will need others to step up against Golden State.
Houston ranks fourth in the league in three-pointers made per game but struggles from the free-throw line. Their defense has been solid, ranking sixth in points allowed per game. The Rockets will look to use their home-court advantage, where they are 17-8 this season.
Warriors Preview – Can Golden State Find Consistency?
The Warriors have been inconsistent this season but showed flashes of potential since acquiring Jimmy Butler. In their last game, they erased a 15-point deficit but fell short against Dallas. Butler and Stephen Curry combined for 46 points in the loss.
Curry leads the team in scoring, averaging over 25 points per game. Butler has provided an all-around impact, averaging 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists since joining the team. Draymond Green continues to be a defensive anchor, contributing steals and blocks.
Golden State ranks fourth in field goal attempts per game but struggles with efficiency. They are 12-14 on the road this season and will look to improve before heading into the break. The Warriors need to cut down on turnovers to have a chance against Houston.
Betting Prediction
The Rockets are favored by 6.5 points, with the total set at 216.5. Houston has been strong at home, while Golden State has struggled on the road. The Rockets have won two of the last three meetings, including the one-point victory in December.
Golden State has trended toward the under in road games, while Houston has leaned toward the over. With the Rockets missing key players, this could be a close game. Expect Houston to win, but Golden State should keep it within the spread.
Pick: Golden State Warriors +6.5
Push comes to shove, the experience of the Warriors is the play here.
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