Houston vs Golden State NBA Hoops Handicapping
The Houston Rockets arrive in Oakland on Friday, leading the NBA in scoring and looking to beat the Warriors for the second time this season. [ad-4468020]
James Harden scored 34 points in the first meeting just six days ago, as Houston jumped out to an early lead and dominated visiting Golden State, 105 -83.
Date/Time: 10:30 PM ET, Friday, Dec. 13, 2013
Venue: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Broadcast: ESPN
Spread: Warriors -3.5
Over/Under: 211
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Dwight Howard collected 22 points and 18 rebounds in that match up, as Houston built up a 52-43 advantage on the glass.In the meantime, the Warriors Stephen Curry went 11-of-11 from the free-throw line en route to 22 points, but committed eight turnovers for the Warriors, who went 4-for-20 from the field in the first quarter.
The Warriors clawed their way back into the game however, but Houston still led at the half 61-37, before widening the gap to 28-points heading into the final quarter.
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The Warriors turned the ball over 22 times, leading to 23 points for the Rockets, something they will need to change if they want a shot of winning on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (13-10) lead the league in three-point field goal percentage and used it to beat visiting Dallas last time out.
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Curry scored 16 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead jumper with 1.5 seconds left, while hitting six three-pointers for the Warriors.
Defensively, Golden State turned it up, but again holding onto the ball was a problem, as Curry committed eight of the Warriors’18 turnovers.
Conversely, Houston (15-7) ranks in the bottom half of the league in scoring defense, but is outscoring opponents with its winning formula of strong inside-outside combinations and rapid ball movement leading to a boat load of three-pointers.
Nevertheless, the Rockets were winners of two straight heading into Thursday’s bout with Portland, thanks to an improved effort on the defensive end.
Matt’s Prediction:
Both the Rockets and Warriors are shooting and scoring at a good clip, but the Warriors are falling short on the boards and handling the ball poorly.
I expect this one to be close as both teams trade baskets through the first three stanzas, before Houston takes control and pulls away for the win.
Rockets 102, Warriors 91
