Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Betting Preview
April 15, 2016
Date & Time: Saturday, April 16, 3:30 PM
Venue: Oracle Arena (Oakland, California)
Head to head record
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets 123-110 (2015/2016 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors 110-114 (2015/2016 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors 92-112 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets 123-101 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets 104-90 (2014/2015 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets prediction
NBA champions Golden State Warriors begin their title defence with a match against Houston Rockets. Warriors kick-off their NBA play-off campaign on Saturday and it remains to be seen if Rockets are capable of claiming a major scalp at Oracle Arena.
Impressive home record
Golden State Warriors impressed in the 2014/2015 NBA season, with the team beating LeBron James and Co. in the play-offs final. The reigning champions are eager to defend their trophy and seeing that they finished the regular season in top position in the Western Conference, it is no surprise Steve Carr’s men are regarded as favourites in the tie against Houston Rockets. Warriors have been producing outstanding performances at their Oracle Arena this season, with the team recording 39 wins and two defeats in front of home fans. Stephen Curry is enjoying yet another season to remember and, no doubt, he will play the main role in Steve Carr’s team in the NBA play-offs. “The Golden Boy” is averaging 30.1 points per game, meaning that Rockets should find it hard to contain the last season’s MVP.
Coach Steve Carr has no fresh injury worries ahead of the play-off opener and he is likely to count on all of his key players in Saturday’s match against Houston Rockets.
Eight-game losing run at Oracle Arena
Houston’s participation in the NBA play-offs was in great danger following a shocking 115-124 loss to Phoenix Suns on 8 April, but thanks to three consecutive victories over the likes of Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings the team eventually clinched eight position in the Western Conference. Houston did remarkably well to reach the Conference final last season, but Golden State proved to be a big catch for J.B. Bickerstaff’s men. Rockets are eager to get their revenge on Warriors for the 4-1 loss in the final, but you should have in mind that it has been three years since Houston recorded their last win at Oracle Arena (eight consecutive defeats). James Harden has been scoring a lot of points of late and he will be the man to watch in the away team in Saturday’s clash in Oakland. It has to be noted that “the Beard” scored 112 points in last three games.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has a full squad to choose from ahead of the trip to Oakland. The interim boss, though, is unlikely to count on the likes of Harrell and Goudelock this time out.
Interesting Facts
- Golden State conceded 100+ points in each of their last five home games
- Warriors scored 112+ points in each of their last four home matches
- Steve Carr’s troops are after their ninth consecutive win over Houston in Oakland
- Houston suffered five defeats in last seven away games
- Rockets scored 115+ points in previous four matches in NBA
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets betting pick
Many people would say that David faces Goliath at Oracle Arena. Golden State Warriors have been impressive at home this season and seeing that Houston Rockets often struggle in big matches, there is every chance Steve Carr’s team will kick off their NBA play-offs campaign with a victory over J.B. Bickerstaff’s charges. Taking everything into account, Warriors are likely to record their ninth consecutive win over Rockets at Oracle Arena.
Pick: Golden State -12.5
Odds: -110
