The Golden State Warriors (1-0) and Houston Rockets (0-1) will face off in Game 2 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Rockets are 3.5-point favorites over the Warriors on the spread (Rockets -3.5), with the over/under set at 204.5 total points. Houston is a -165 favorite to win outright, while Golden State is +140 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Warriors vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, April 23.
Warriors vs Rockets Prediction, Picks for NBA Playoffs Game 2
My Rockets vs. Warriors Game 2 best bet is on Jimmy Butler Over 22.5 Points, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Jimmy Butler Over 22.5 Points (-125)
Warriors vs Rockets Game 2 Betting Odds
| Warriors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 204.5 -110o / -110u | +140 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 204.5 -110o / -110u | -165 |
- Warriors vs. Rockets spread: Rockets -3.5
- Warriors vs. Rockets over/under: 204.5 total points
- Warriors vs. Rockets moneyline: Warriors +140, Rockets -165
- Warriors vs. Rockets best bet:Jimmy Butler Over 22.5 Points
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Game 2 Preview
There are some that felt the Warriors needed to avoid the Play-In Tournament to get rest for their veteran stars, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. They had that opportunity when they hosted the Clippers on the final day of the regular season, but fell in overtime.
The Warriors did secure four days off when they defeated the Grizzlies in the 7-8 game of the Play-In Tournament. They certainly defended like a team that was well rested in Game 1 of this series a few days ago.
Golden State held the Rockets to a season-low 85 points, 39% from the field, and 21% from three-point range. Curry and Butler led the way offensively, scoring 56 of the Warriors' 95 points as they snatched away homecourt advantage in Game 1.
The Warriors have now defeated the Rockets once, and now they will look to take a 2-0 lead back to the Chase Center. However, they will face a highly motivated Houston' team in Game 2 tonight.
Entering Wednesday's Game 2s, three of the five teams that lost in Game 1 evened up the series, including the Lakers who did so at home, similarly to what the Rockets will look to do tonight.
Houston may be encouraged by the fact that despite the lack of offense, the Rockets were able to trim a 23-point deficit down to three. However, they may continue struggling to score against Golden State in the halfcourt. In the regular season, Houston shot just 35.8% from as a team and top defenders Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Steven Adams do not add a great deal of shooting.
Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring and threes made in the regular season, but he scored just seven points on 2-for-10 from the field on Sunday. They will need him to bounce back tonight, but he has struggled against the Warriors throughout his career.
Ime Udoka will likely look to play through Alperen Sengun again. The All-Star big man had 26 points and nine rebounds in Game 1. He has recorded a double-double in five of his last seven games against the Warriors.
Warriors vs Rockets Betting Predictions
Butler has earned the nickname "Playoff Jimmy" after leading several Heat playoff runs over the last few years. He has averaged 27 points per game over his last 40 playoff games.
This year, Jimmy started a little early with 28, 24, and 30 points in his final three regular season games. He has scored at least 23 points in each of his last five games, averaging 29 per game in that span.
Slowing down Curry will be Houston's primary focus, particularly after he scored 31 on 12-for-19 from the field on Sunday. Butler may have to pick up the offense in Game 2 if Curry is limited or trapped. Butler went 10-for-19 from the field himself, but he attempted just six free throws. He has averaged 10 free throw attempts per game over his last five games.
For the Rockets, I will be backing Sengun and Thompson on the glass. Sengun has pulled down at least eight rebounds in seven straight games against the Warriors and in seven of his last 10 games. Thompson has had six rebounds in five straight games against Golden State and eight of his last 10 games.
For the last leg, I am going with an alternate Under at 210 total points, as the last five meetings between these teams have had 203 points or less scored in them. I am moving it back a bit in case there is a little positive regression. We still get almost +300 odds on this parlay at the alternate number.
Warriors vs Rockets Game 2 Best Bet
- Jimmy Butler Over 22.5 Points (-125)
Warriors vs Rockets Parlay for Game 2
- Under 210
- Amen Thompson 6+ Rebounds
- Jimmy Butler Over 23+ Points
- Alperen Sengun 8+ Rebounds
Parlay Payout: +285
Rockets vs. Warriors Betting Trends
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