Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Betting Preview

Date & Time: Thursday, December 31, 7:00 PM

Venue: Toyota Center (Houston, Texas)

Head to head record

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)
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors 128-115 (2014/2015 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors 80-115 (2014/2015 NBA)

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors prediction

Defending champions Golden State Warriors will be looking to make amends for a loss to Dallas Mavericks when they take on Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in the final NBA game of the year. Warriors suffered their only second defeat of the season on Wednesday night and they certainly want to put icing on the cake on a successful 2015.

Back-to-back defeats

Houston Rockets gave fans some festive cheer on Christmas, with the team beating their bitter local rivals San Antonio Spurs at the Toyota Center. However, coach Daryl Morey then saw his men slip to back to back defeats to the likes of New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks, but despite losing previous two games Rockets remained in play-off places in the Western Conference. The team’s top scorer James Harden is up to 28.4 points per game and he will certainly prove a handful for the opposition defenders. Houston have been producing very good performances at home this season and it has to be noted that they have recorded seven wins in previous eight matches at their Toyota Center. Thursday’s game against the title holders is of big importance for the hosts as they want to strengthen their grip on a place in the play-offs.

Sam Dekker misses the match through injury (low back pain), but coach Daryl Morey has no other injury worries ahead of the visit of Golden State Warriors.

No Curry, no party

Golden State Warriors are enjoying yet another season to remember. The reigning champions have been producing splendid performances in the 2015/2016 NBA season, but they suffered their only second loss of the season last night. It has to be noted, though, that key player Stephen Curry missed the game with injury and he was sorely missed in the 114-91 defeat to Dallas Mavs. Warriors aim to finish the year on a high, but it remains to be seen if Curry will recover in time to face Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. Steve Kerr’s men failed to score more than 95 points in previous two away games and that is not giving the fans a reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Texas. In Stephen Curry’s absence, all eyes will be on Klay Thompson, who is averaging 19.3 points this season. It has to be noted that Warriors outclassed Rockets in their last meeting at the Toyota Center (112-92).

Stephen Curry is a major doubt and he faces a late fitness test, while Harrison Barnes, Leandro Barbosa and Kevon Looney remain in the treatment room.

Interesting Facts

• Houston scored 102+ points in seven of their previous eight home games
• Rockets recorded only one win over Warriors in previous five meetings
• Houston scored 128 points in their last meeting with GS at the Toyota Center
• Golden State scored 100+ points in 15 of their previous 17 matches on the road
• Warriors suffered back-to-back losses to Bucks and Mavs in previous two away games
• Steve Kerr’s men are averaging 114.1 points this season

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors betting pick

Houston Rockets are tough to beat at home and seeing that Golden State’s key player Stephen Curry is likely to miss Thursday’s game through injury, I believe that there is a big value in betting on the hosts. James Harden will certainly pose a big threat for the visitors and considering that Rockets recorded a 128-115 win over Steve Kerr’s team in their last meeting at the Toyota Center, home win should be considered this time out.

Pick: Houston to win

Odds: +110