On Sunday, 04/06, the Golden State Warriors (46-31) will host the Houston Rockets (51-27) in an inter-conference match-up. The Warriors have risen to the fifth position in the West, while the Rockets are looking poised to seal the second spot. Will the rising Warriros fend off a formidable Rockets here? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Warriors: They have been one of the best since including Jimmy Butler
The Golden State Warriors will enter the game after a terrific 14-point win against the Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets, as Stephen Curry had a 36-point outburst. It was one of their impressive wins of the season as they were in a back-to-back situation against a rested Nuggets unit. It was their fifth win in a row, and the squad is 21-6 since trading for Jimmy Butler.
Stephen Curry’s burden has decreased since his arrival. Butler’s playmaking, ball-handling, and shot-creation abilities have enhanced the offense. Meanwhile, he forms a terrific defensive duo with Draymond Green. Overall, the Warriors are creeping towards the third seed in the West and are emerging as legitimate contenders.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry | SG: Brandin Podzieksmi | SG: Moses Moody | SF: Jimmy Butler | PF/C: Draymond Green
Key Injuries/Updates: Nothing to report thus far.
Rockets: Incredible season continues
The Houston Rockets will enter the game after a 14-point win against the best record-holders, the Oklahoma City Thunder, as Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun had 30+ points apiece. It was their best win of the season against a full-strength Thunder team on an 11-game winning streak. The Rockets have won four of their last five games and are 14-2 since early March. They did well to recover from a 5-11 spell before that.
During the last 15 games, the Rockets have compiled 122.2 points per game(3rd), pinning down an incredible league-high 51.6 rebounds per game. Their defense has been impeccable, conceding just 108.5 PPG (6th) in the period. Green and Sengun have ben fantastic in this period. At the same time, the return of Floor General Fred Van Vleet has also been a huge factor. Their play will determine how far the team will go in the postseason.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Fred Van Vleet | SG: Jalen Green | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Amen Thompson | C: Alperen Sengun
Key Injuries/Updates: Nothing of significance to report.
Both teams have crossed the 120+ mark plenty lately, indicating their scoring prowess. On the other hand, they also have the defense to hold teams under 110. So, which way will this battle go? Perhaps somewhere in the late 220s and early 230ish mark. At any rate, I expect both teams to score at least 110 apiece.
Stephen Curry to score over 30.5 points: Curry is in a zone right now and has put up 41.7 PPG in the last three games, including a 52-point thunderbolt. I believe he will continue the trend of 30+ points games.
Jimmy Butler to dish over 5.5 assists: The all-around Wing has dished around 6 assists a game since March. I believe he will deliver 6-8 helpers here.
Alperen Sengun to dish over 5.5 assists: The Rockets center has dished 4.9 assists per game this season. I believe the terrific big man playmaker will be in the 6-9 range here.
Amen Thompson to score over 14.5 points: The Rockets forward has accumulated around 14.5 PPG since March. I believe he will be in the 15-17 range here.

The Dubs will fancy their chances at home against a stellar opponent. However, the Rockets are also in their best form these days, and their incredible balance has upset many opponents, too. Overall, I see Curry continuing his explosive form, which can be the decisive factor. I see a very close game, though, and the Dubs winning by around 3. The bookmakers have also assessed odds per that, thus, a spread pick here looks risky than usual because the game could swing either way and the margin can be thin.
Safe Spread Pick: Warriors -4.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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