The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors are in a tight battle for a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Home teams have won all four games so far in this series, with the Warriors set to host game five at Oracle Arena on Wednesday night. This is a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals matchup that saw the Warriors moving on in seven games. If the Rockets are going to get some revenge this season, then they are going to have to win a game on the road at some point.
Golden State won the first two games in this series by a combined ten points, and they have looked vulnerable at times this season. The Warriors missed a great chance to take a 3-0 series lead after game three, and have now let the Rockets right back in it. Houston won games three and four by nine combined points but was just good enough to even up the series. The Rockets have already won a game on the road in the playoffs and will need to do it again on Wednesday night. Golden State is a -6.0 point favorite over the Rockets in this game.
Warriors Struggling to Make Shots
The Golden State Warriors have some of the best shooters in the world on their roster, but they haven’t been shooting it well in this series. Golden State went just 8-33 from the three-point line in the game four loss, and the “Splash Brothers” have been inconsistent so far in the playoffs. The Warriors also got just 11 points from their bench in the most recent loss, and this has become a trend in recent games. The Warriors haven’t been playing like the best offense in the NBA in this series.
Kevin Durant might be in his final season with the Golden State Warriors, but he is going out with a bang. Durant is averaging 35.4 points so far in the postseason and has put up some monster numbers throughout. The reigning NBA Finals MVP has established himself as one of the most clutch players in the league, and he is carrying this Warriors squad. Stephen Curry had a 30 point performance in game four but had been struggling big time against the Rockets. These two superstars must score at a high level for their team to win.
Rockets Need Some Help From Bench Players
The Houston Rockets have gotten back into this series, but they still have some things to work on. Houston got just 18 points from their bench in game four of the series, and just two reserves played more than four minutes. There is no doubt that the Rockets will continue to ride their starters, but the bench will have to provide something in game five. The Rockets knocked down 17 three-pointers in game four and will need to shoot it well again.
James Harden has had a rough series in terms of staying healthy, but it hasn’t slowed his scoring down at all. The reigning league MVP poured in 38 points in game four and is averaging 31 points per game in the playoffs. Fellow veteran Chris Paul has chipped in with 17 points and five assists per game, and Eric Gordon is knocking down shots like crazy for the Rockets. Houston hasn’t been playing well in all aspects of the game, but their offense has been carrying them.
Golden State Cruises to Game Five Win
The Warriors have not been playing very well in the last two games, but playing at home is usually great for them. Houston was able to even up the series, but they haven’t been playing their best ball either. Home teams have dominated this series so far, and that won’t change in game five. Bet the Golden State Warriors -6.0 over the Houston Rockets.