2016 NBA FUTURES – SERIES PICKS
Looking for Rockets vs. Warriors free series predictions & playoff picks? You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for NBA Futures. The Warriors enter the playoffs as the greatest regular season team in the history of the NBA. After dominating the Grizzlies at home for their 73rd win, they draw a Houston team who performed well below expectations on the season.
NBA Lines & Matchup Insight
NBA Betting – Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors First Round Series Preview and Picks
While an upset in this series is difficult to envision, it should be wildly entertaining for viewing purposes. While Curry is the presumptive MVP, James Harden will likely find himself in the top 5 on the ballot as well. There is some serious star power in this series.
Both the Warriors and the Rockets finished among the highest scoring teams in the league, 1st and 4th respectively. Is there any chance that the Rockets can play up to their potential and upset one of the best teams ever to play? Let’s take a closer look.
NBA Championship Lines – 2016 NBA Title Odds
- Rockets: 250-1 | Western Conference Odds: 100-1
- Warriors: 1-2 | Western Conference Odds: 5-11
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors Series Prices
- Houston Rockets: +875
- Golden State Warriors: -1300
Rockets vs. Warriors Round 1 Series Schedule
- GAME 1 – Rockets at Warriors, Sat., April 16, 3:30 p.m., ABC
- GAME 2 – Rockets at Warriors, Mon., April 18, 10:30 p.m., TNT
- GAME 3 – Warriors at Rockets, Thurs., April 21, 9:30 p.m., TNT
- GAME 4 – Warriors at Rockets, Sun., April 24, 3:30 p.m., ABC
- GAME 5 (if necessary) – Rockets at Warriors, Wed., April 27, TBD, TBD
- GAME 6 (if necessary) – Warriors at Rockets, Fri., April 29, TBD, TBD
- GAME 7 (if necessary) – Rockets at Warriors, Sun May 1, TBD, TNT
Rockets vs. Warriors Free Series Predictions: Guards
It’s hard to argue against the Warriors having the league’s best backcourt. Steph Curry is set to win his second consecutive MVP award and Klay Thompson is one of the league’s best offensive 2-guards.
Curry and Thompson finished the NBA season as the two most prolific 3 point shooters, finishing with 402 and 276 respectively.
Not only can these two shoot from deep, but they are extremely efficient. Curry’s triple slash sits at an elite 50.4/45.4/90.8, while Thompson registered a 47.0/42.5/87.3 line.
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The Warriors backups, Shaun Livingston and Leandro Barbosa, are both experienced vets who would be capable starters in the event that anything were to happen to the Warriors stars.
The Rockets are no slouches in the backcourt either. James Harden is a perennial MVP candidate as one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers. Harden finished second, only to Curry, in the scoring title race with 29.0 PPG.
He also ended the season with the 3rd most 3-pointers made (346) and 5th in assists per game (7.6).
Patrick Beverly represent the yin to Harden’s yang. While not offensively gifted, he is a bulldog on D and will not by intimidated by the matchup ahead.
If either of these players get injured, Houston is in a lot of trouble seeing as a 38-year-old Jason Terry is the next guard up.
Verdict: These two backcourts should put on a show each and every time out, but Golden State is clearly the better unit as far as talent and depth is concerned.
Rockets vs. Warriors Free Series Predictions: Forwards and Center
Things don’t get much easier for the Rockets as we shift focus to the frontcourt. Golden State possesses an amazing weapon in Draymond Green.
He is versatile enough to play 3 positions, should be considered one of the league’s best defensive players, and is capable of running the offense just as effectively as most point guards.
Harrison Barnes provides steady offense and good floor spacing. Andrew Bogut has been impressive on a per minute basis, submitting 7.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in a mere 20 mins.
As with their backcourt, the depth is impressive. Andre Iguodala is a fierce defender and excellent facilitator, Marreese Speights provides instant offense and the backup duo of Varejao and Ezeli provide additional rim protection behind Bogut.
Dwight Howard was once the most dominant centers in the NBA, but he has been reduced to a supporting role with the Rockets. If he can provide a vintage performance in this series, Houston may be able to make things interesting.
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Their rangy small forward duo of Ariza and Brewer offer solid on-ball D, but both are limited offensively. Michael Beasley has been a revelation for the Rockets after coming over from China putting up nearly 13 and 5 on 52% shooting.
Their power forward triumvirate of Smith, Jones and Motiejunas are one of the weakest position groups in this series.
Verdict: One again, Golden State has more talent among the starters and boasts impressive talent and depth on the bench.
Rockets vs. Warriors Free Series Predictions:
Is there really any way to bet against Golden State after what they just pulled off? Not a chance. James Harden should be able to carry them to a win at home and maybe the Rockets can pull off another win to boot, but there’s no way this series goes beyond 6 games.
Golden State goes through to the second round without much resistance.
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