Houston at Golden State NBA Pick, Prediction & TV Info

It’s the final meeting of the season between Golden State and Houston on Friday night unless the NBA’s top two offenses meet in the playoffs. It would only be in the Western Conference Finals, and I doubt Houston gets past San Antonio, so Friday should be it. The Warriors will be sizable home NBA betting favorites.

Houston at Golden State NBA Pick, Prediction & TV Info

When: Friday, March 31, 10:30 PM ET Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland TV: ESPN Stream: NBA.tv Radio: Houston / Golden State NBA Odds: Warriors favored by TBA

Why Bet on Rockets?

James Harden is probably going to win this year’s NBA MVP Award after Golden State’s Steph Curry won it the past two years. However, Harden acknowledged after Tuesday’s 5-of- 20 shooting performance in a 113-106 home loss to these Warriors that his left (shooting) wrist is giving him problems, but he doesn’t anticipate spending any time on the sidelines. “It’s pretty tough, man, I’m not going to lie,” said Harden of fighting through the pain with his wrist. “I don’t like to feel sorry for myself at all, but just the shot is short and frustrating when you can’t really follow through and whatnot. I’m going to continue to go out there and do my best.” With about two minutes to go in the third quarter he drove the lane, lost the ball and quickly grabbed his wrist. On the next possession, he let Lou Williams bring the ball downcourt. Harden continued his point guard responsibilities after the pain subsided. Harden his 20th triple-double of the season with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists, but he was 1-of- 9 on 3-pointers. He became the first player in league history to score 2,000 points and produce 2,000 points on assists in a single season. If Harden sits, it’s going to be because he’s hurt, but he hasn’t missed a game this season and it’s doubtful he’s about to start now. He also is in a tight race with Russell Westbrook for the MVP. Harden’s 20 triple-doubles in a season is a mark achieved by only three others in NBA history, including Westbrook earlier this year. Prior to this season, the feat hadn’t been accomplished in nearly 50 years. After falling Tuesday night, the Rockets are 1-2 against the Warriors this season, with both losses coming at home. Golden State has limited one of Houston’s best weapons (3-point shooting) better than any other team has this season. The Rockets are shooting just 23.6 percent from long range vs. the Warriors.

Why Bet on Golden State?

The Warriors led from start to finish in Tuesday’s 113-106 victory in Houston. The Rockets were down 17 after one quarter, failing to make adjustments on the defensive end as the Warriors got easy looks at the basket on cuts into the lane and hit open shots. Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala have had Harden’s number this season. When guarded by one of the two, Harden has more turnovers (11) than made field goals (nine) and just one 3-pointer. Curry hit 11-of- 22 shots and three 3-pointers for 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals in Tuesday’s win. Thompson hit 10-of- 20 shots and five 3-pointers for 25 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Draymond Green had 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and a 3-pointer on Tuesday and hit 9-of- 15 shots in 33 minutes for one of his better games in a while. Green suffered a minor ankle strain but says he’s fine. The Warriors clinched their third straight season with 60-plus wins on Tuesday, putting them in rare company. Only five other teams have accomplished the feat, and only one (1984-88 Lakers) has ever posted a longer streak. the Warriors became just the second team in NBA history to win 200 games over a three-year span. The Warriors gave an update on Kevin Durant on Wednesday and his knee will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days. KD’s comeback window is for the final three home games from April 8 to April 12. Durant has been doing some running, shooting and jumping with the plan to intensify his level of movement over the next several days. He is expected to have a return to contact in practice once he’s progressed to more high-intensity workouts. Golden State did lose at home to Houston on Dec. 1 132-127 in double OT. Harden had 29 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists. The teams combined to shoot an NBA-record 88 3s, 44 apiece. Durant had 39 points and 13 rebounds.

Houston at Golden State Pick: Golden State Warriors

Harden isn’t 100 percent and the Warriors guard him tough. No way Golden State will allow Houston to sweep in Oakland this season.