Rockets vs Warriors NBA Pick: Can Houston Force A Game 6? (Apr 30)

• The Houston Rockets, who finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference, find themselves on the brink of elimination.
• Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors look to close out the series with three straight wins.
• These teams last played on Apr. 28, with the Warriors claiming a three-point victory.

One of the games on Wednesday’s NBA slate features the Houston Rockets hosting the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series. Can the Dubs close this thing out, or will Houston force a Game 6 in our Rockets vs Warriors pick?

Rockets-Warriors Game 4 Recap

After dropping Game 2, the Warriors have responded with the back-to-back victories. As a result, they are now only one win away from advancing to the next round.

Jimmy Butler III returned to the rotation and scored 27 points (including 14 in the fourth quarter) on 7-of-12 shooting from the field and 12-for-12 from the charity stripe. He also tallied five rebounds and six assists.

Brandin Podziemski finished with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists, knocking down six of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. Stephen Curry added 17 points.

On the other side of the matchup, Alperen Sengun was one of four starters who reached double figures. He spearheaded the Rockets’ offense with 31 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Fred VanVleet had a solid outing as well, finishing with 25 points and six assists. The former NBA champion also converted eight of his 12 attempts from 3-point range.

In the waning moments of this contest, Butler was clutch. He knocked down three free throws, grabbed the game-clinching rebound with four seconds left to play, and then knocked down two more free throws. In the game’s final sequence, VanVleet missed a contested 3-point shot at the buzzer, securing the win for Golden State.

Rockets vs Warriors Pick: Who Emerges Victorious In Game 5 Of This First-Round Matchup?

Can Golden State close out the series in Houston, or will the Rockets stave off elimination in the next matchup? Here’s a look at a few betting trends for both sides heading into Game 5.

• The Rockets are 10-3 straight-up (SU) in their last 13 home games.
• Houston is 1-7 against the spread in its previous eight home outings against Golden State.
• The Warriors are 17-3 in their last 20 matchups against the Rockets.
• Golden State is 7-1 ATS in its previous eight road contests against Houston.

Despite back-to-back road losses, the Rockets are favored to win by four points, according to BetOnline. With their season on the line, look for the Rockets to respond and cover the small spread as well.