Free NBA Playoffs Pick: Rockets vs Warriors Lines
Looking for Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors free playoff picks? NBA betting sees the Rockets taking on the Warriors on Saturday April 16, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball playoff matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions.
(41-41) Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors (73-9)
Round 1: Game 1
Date: Saturday April 16, 2016
Time: 3:30PM EST
Venue: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California
NBA Moneyline Odds: Off
NBA Betting Odds: Warriors -13
NBA Betting Total: 225
Live NBA Odds
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For TodayClick here to view… NBA ATS Stats & Expert NBA Betting Insight for this game!
After setting the regular season record for wins, the Warriors can now turn to defending their title and it all starts with the Rockets in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals. After both entering the season with championship aspirations, the two teams have headed in opposite directions.
Houston tread water around .500 for most of the season and snuck into the final playoff spot, while Golden State went on a historic run of success and looks like the favorite to repeat.
This series should be a track meet with both teams preferring a free flowing style of game with a lot of quick shots and a ton of long distance shooting. The Warriors won all 3 regular season meetings between the two teams this year.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets punched their playoff ticket on the season’s final day and find themselves in the unenviable position of facing the Warriors in the first round.
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There’s no doubt that this team can score. The Rockets averaged 106.5 points per game, good for 4th in the league.
The problem lies at the other end of the court, where they give up nearly as many points (106.4) as they score.
Dwight Howard is truly the X-Factor of this series, if he can find a way to dominate the Warriors in the middle, Houston will be able to put up a fight.
Look for Golden State to run a heavy amount of small ball lineups with Draymond Green at center to put pressure on J.B. Bickerstaff in regards to his rotations.
If Dwight can’t handle the mismatches, the Rockets may be forced to sit him more than usual.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors possess the MVP, an All-Defensive First Team forward, incredible depth and the ultimate 6th man, the Oracle crowd.
There are few if any weaknesses on this team and even a high scoring squad like the Rockets is going to have a hard time posing a threat to the Dubs.
Thompson and Curry were the league’s most prolific 3-point shooters this season with 278 and 402 respectively on the season.
They will be licking their chops at an opportunity to play against a defense that allowed the 2nd most 3-point attempts in the NBA.
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This is a team that knows how to win on their home court. This season G-State finished with only 2 home losses and I don’t see them dropping their first playoff game.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600
- Rockets are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 Conference Quarterfinals games
- Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game
- Warriors are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 Conference Quarterfinals games
- Warriors are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 vs. NBA Southwest
- Rockets are 4-9 ATS in the last 13 meetings
Free Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Prediction:
The Warriors defend their home court fiercely and have yet to show any real team weaknesses this season.
I’m sure James Harden wills the Rockets to a win, maybe two, but the first game is not the time it will happen.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: UNDER 225
Warriors give the Oracle crowd a show on the opening night and take the early series lead.
NBA Free Score Prediction: Warriors 115 – Rockets 105
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