On Monday, 04/28, the Golden State Warriors (2-1) will host the Houston Rockets (1-2) in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Warriors put together an 11-point win to take a 2-1 lead against the second-seeded Rockets. Will the Warriors be able to take a decisive 3-1 lead, or will the Rockets live up to their seeding? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
The Warriors show their experience again
The Rockets missed a big chance to get ahead in the series during Game 3. The Warriors were without their second-best scorer and defender, Jimmy Butler. However, Houston managed another below-100-point night.
They started well, taking a 22-18 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Dubs cut it to the three points as the half-court buzzer sounded. But the Rockets refused to give up the lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 2-point lead.
Then the Dubs extracted the best out of their home court energy. The Warriors had a decisive 35-22 fourth quarter to close the deal. Stephen Curry led the way with 36 points, nailing five triples. He was unstoppable both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations.
The rest of the starters struggled to score (10/34), but the bench stepped up. Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield combined for 33 points. They helped the Dubs bench eke out a 43-28 point advantage against the Rockets’ bench.
While Draymond Green had a tough shooting night (3/11), he was a menace on the defensive end. He anchored the Warriors’ defense to limit Jalen Green to 4/11 shooting and Alperen Sengun to a 7/18 night.
Rockets Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Fred Van Vleet | SG: Jalen Green | SF: Dillon brooks | PF: Amen Thompson | C: Alperen Sengun
Key bench players: SF: Tari Eason, PF: Jabari Smith Jr., C: Steven Adams
Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report
Warriors Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry | SG: Brandin Podziemski | SG/SF: Moses Moody | SF: Jonathan Kuminga | PF/C: Draymond Green
Key bench players: SG: Buddy Hield, PG: Gary Payton II, SF: Jonathan Kuminga, C: Quinten Post
Injuries/Updates: Jimmy Butler is QUESTIONABLE.
The Warriors crossed the 100-point mark for the first time this series, but the total remained 205 for the third straight game. It indicates the defensive nature of the series. Houston couldn’t capitalize on a 109-point effort in Game 2 and fell under the 95-point mark for the second time in the series.
The Dubs looked relentless on their home floor and can effect another great defensive effort. I do see the overall scoring touching 205 for the first time here.
Stephen Curry to put up over 27.5 points: The Dubs Point Guard continued his red-hot form in Game 3 with a 36-point performance. He is in peak playoffs form and can end up with a 30+ points effort to rock the Chase Center
Jalen Green to score over 20.5 points: Green was limited to just 9 points in Game 3. It was surprising because he had an incredible 38-point night in Game 2. It is the best way to sum up his career. So, he can be around the 20-point mark here.
Alperen Sengun to grab over 10.5 rebounds: Sengun grabbed 11 rebounds in Game 3, after an electric 16-rebound performance in Game 2. I see him figuring in the 10+ rebounds range again.
Main pick: Jalen Green O 18.5 points for -115 at BetMGM
The Rockets need to do better in the series because the Dubs are both short-handed and less deep. The Dubs are using their playoff experience to the fullest, but they are vulnerable on the offensive end outside of Curry.
Thus, Houston hasn’t played to their potential yet. Their Game 3 performance has shaken faith in them. So, I fancy the Warriors to come on top here as the home favorites, but this has to be the closest game of all.
Safe Spread Pick: Warriors -3.5 for -120 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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