The Houston Rockets look to bounce back in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoff series when they host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 9:30PM ET at Toyota Center. Golden State leads the series 1-0 after a 95-85 win in Game 1.
The Rockets finished the regular season 52-30 and hold the 2-seed in the West. Golden State, the 7-seed, went 48-33. The Warriors have won four of the last five meetings, including three of four during the regular season. Houston needs a win to avoid going down 0-2 to San Francisco.
Rockets Preview – Shooting Woes Cost Them Game 1
Houston shot just 39% from the floor and made only 6-of-29 from three in Game 1. They grabbed 22 offensive rebounds but couldn’t convert those into enough points. Coach Ime Udoka said missed open shots and layups were the difference.
Alperen Sengun led the way with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet struggled, combining for just 17 points on 7-of-34 shooting. Jabari Smith Jr. came off the bench to provide a spark, going 3-for-3 for 11 points and 6 rebounds.
The Rockets must improve their offense, especially from the perimeter. They dominated the glass but still lost by 10. Houston will need better shooting from VanVleet and Green to even the series at home, where they are 29-13 this year.
Warriors Preview – Butler and Curry Lead the Charge
Stephen Curry scored 31 points and made five threes to lead Golden State in Game 1. Jimmy Butler added 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. The duo combined for 56 points and were key down the stretch.
The Warriors shot 47% from the field and made 12 threes. They were out-rebounded but played better defense and hit timely shots. Draymond Green had 6 rebounds and 3 steals, and Brandin Podziemski added 14 points and 8 boards.
Golden State has won eight of their last ten games and is healthy heading into Game 2. Butler has been a major addition since coming over from Miami, and Curry remains the engine of the team. They’ll look to take a 2-0 lead before heading home.
Betting Prediction
Houston is a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 204.5. Golden State covered the spread in Game 1 and has done so in eight of the last ten meetings with the Rockets. The total went under in each of the last four matchups.
Houston’s offense needs a big turnaround to win this game. Golden State has the playoff experience and is getting strong play from both stars and role players. Look for the Warriors to keep it close and possibly win again on the road.
Pick: Golden State Warriors +3.5 over Houston Rockets
This is going to be a great series. We are expecting another great game here. In the end, we are going to take the experience of the Golden State Warriors. Take the Warriors to cover and possibly beat the Rockets on Wednesday in Game 2.
