The Houston Rockets (1-8) visit Chase Center Sunday for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip off with the Golden State Warriors (7-1). Below, we look at the Rockets at Warriors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
After being up single digits at half against the New Orleans Pelicans Friday, the Warriors showed their class and ended up winning by 41 (126-85). They outscored New Orleans by more than 15 points in each of the last two quarters.
The Dubs are led by G Stephen Curry, but they are far more than just the two-time MVP as three-time All-Star F Draymond Green has stepped up in a big way.
As for the Rockets, they’ve been led by C Christian Wood. SG Jalen Green, the No. 2 overall pick in the most-recent NBA Draft, has been solid for Houston as well.
Both teams are positive against the spread. The Rockets, who are major underdogs Sunday, are 5-4 ATS, while the Warriors are 5-3 ATS.
Rockets at Warriors odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 2:48 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockets +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Warriors -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +11.5 (-108) | Warriors -11.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Rockets at Warriors key injuries
Rockets
- None
Warriors
- SF Andre Iguodala (hip) out
- SG Klay Thompson (Achilles) out
- C James Wiseman (knee) out
Rockets at Warriors odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Warriors 112, Rockets 104
Money line
PASS. The Rockets have a tad bit of value at +600, but I’m not betting on them to win and I wouldn’t advise you do either. It is the better side than the Warriors’ -1000 though.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS +11.5 (-108) as they should be able to hold down the Warriors.
G Kevin Porter Jr. and Green are athletic and should be able to track Curry and SG Jordan Poole. The Rockets’ strength is their defense, and having been giving double-figure points, I prefer Houston.
The Warriors have won three straight games by 20-plus points. While they’re a quality side, this streak has to end eventually. Houston has a star center, and Wood should be able to abuse Golden State C Kevon Looney with his offensive skill set some.
The Rockets lost to the Denver Nuggets 95-94 Saturday. On the season, they have the sixth-best opponents’ 3-point rate. They should be able to tame Golden State’s 3-point heavy players like Poole, Curry and G Damion Lee.
With that in mind, the Rockets should be able to keep it close.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 220.5 (-112) as Houston struggled immensely against Denver Saturday. Sure, Houston lost, but its defense held up against Denver MVP C Nikola Jokic. Both teams didn’t even reach 100 points.
The Rockets are 2-7 on the Over/Under with the Warriors 1-7. Golden State has been dominant on the Under because of its league-best defense.
With the Rockets a younger team, I’d prefer the experience, defensive-savvy team leading the way. Also, the Rockets are a bottom-three team in offensive rating.
Keeping that in mind, I’m cooking the Under.
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