Rockets vs Warriors NBA Lines & Betting Analysis

Rockets vs Warriors NBA Lines & Betting Analysis

Written by on January 3, 2019

Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors will look to get some payback against James Harden and the Houston Rockets when they host their Western Conference rivals in an intriguing meeting on Thursday night. With the Dubs looking to improve their spotty play and Houston looking to extend its red-hot winning ways, let’s find out if the Warriors can cover the chalk as a near double-digit home favorite or whether the Rockets are the pick to get it done on the road.

Rockets vs Warriors NBA Lines & Betting Analysis

Why Bet On The Houston Rockets at +8?

Why should you consider betting on the Rockets in this contest? There are a bunch of good reasons. First, Houston is on fire, having won five straight and nine of their last 10 games overall including an emphatic 113-101 win over Memphis on Monday. Then, there’s the fact that James Harden is going completely bonkers in scoring 32 points or more in 10 straight games while dropping 41 or more in each of his last four games including 43 against the Grizzlies to kick off this week.

The Rockets are averaging 109.9 points per game (19th) while allowing 109.3 points per contest defensively (11th). For the season, Harden is averaging 33.3 points per game to lead the league in scoring while dishing out a stellar 8.4 assists to rank fifth while still-blossoming center Clint Capela is averaging 17 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Average Score For: 109.86
  • Field Goals: 44.71%
  • Three Points: 34.86%
  • Free Throws: 75.90%
  • Rebounds: 42.08
Defense:
  • Average Score Against: 108.28
  • Field Goals: 47.13%
  • Three Points: 33.96%
  • Free Throws: 75.53%
  • Rebounds: 42.94

Why Bet On The Golden State Warriors at -8?

Are the Warriors a safe bet vs the Rockets?

Why should you consider betting on Golden State as an 8-point home favorite? Well, there’s the fact that the Dubs are really looking to start playing better as we move into the new calendar year and have won six of nine and two straight coming into this contest including a132-109 blowout over Phoenix on Monday.

Then, there’s the fact that the Dubs have the more explosive offense in averaging 115.8 points per game to rank third in scoring. Another great reason to back the Warriors is because they’re playing at home where they’ve won 15 of 20 contests so far this season. Last but not least, the Warriors want revenge and they still have the better roster with four perennial all-stars while Houston has just two all-star caliber players with star point guard Chris Paul out of the lineup.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Average Score For: 115.82
  • Field Goals: 48.22%
  • Three Points: 38.17
  • Free Throws: 82.11%
  • Rebounds: 45.92
Defense:
  • Average Score Against: 111.26
  • Field Goals: 45.02%
  • Three Points: 33.78%
  • Free Throws: 74.95%
  • Rebounds: 43.42

Expert Analysis and Prediction for Rockets vs Warriors

I know the warriors have won two straight and hung a whopping 132 points or Memphis this week, but this is also the same team that dropped its two previous games including a pitiful 127-101 home loss to the rebuilding Lakers at home on Christmas. Having said that, the Houston Rockets are the easy pick to keep the final score inside the 8-point spread in this one.

The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win, 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 games against teams from the Western Conference. Conversely, Golden State is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games, 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games against their Western Conference counterparts, 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games against a team with a losing road record. I’ve got Golden State winning, but Houston to cover!

NBA Betting Pick: Warriors 115 Rockets 110