On Saturday, 04/26, the Houston Rockets (1-1) will host the Golden State Warriors (1-1) for Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Rockets won Game 2 by 15 points (109-94) to avenge the Game 1 loss. Will the Warriors make amends in Game 3 after a disappointing Game 2 outing? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
The Rockets played like a second seed in Game 2
The Rockets unlocked their best in the second game of the series. After scoring just 85 in the previous game, they were in red-hot form. The team exploded for 60 points in the first half, acquiring a decisive 14-point lead.
The Dubs did recover from a poor 18-point first quarter, but had dug too deep a hole, allowing 26+ in the first three quarters. For the Rockets, Jalen Green was the biggest difference-maker. He nailed 8 triples en route to 38 points after a disappointing 7 points (20% FG) in the series opener.
Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks scooped up 16 points alongside Alperen Sengun’s 17. Tari Eason was a big factor with 14 points off the bench. The story was reversed for the Warriors. Curry followed a 30-point effort with a 21-point night, committing 6 turnovers. The biggest turning point was Jimmy Butler’s injury in the first quarter, leaving the Dubs with thinned-down personnel.
Brandin Podziemski also left the game early, which caused huge fluctuations in the Warriors’ combination. The onus fell on Curry, but he couldn’t do much in the face of a fiery Houston attack. The Dubs will hope both Butler and Podz are back for the next game, or they can suffer a similar fate.
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 DOUBTFUL. Brandin Podziemski is QUESTIONABLE.
The Dubs haven’t crossed the 95-point mark in the first two games. Meanwhile, Houston showed their ability to cross the 110 mark. Overall, the series has followed low-scoring trends, indicating an increase in intensity during the postseason. The series will now shift to Golden State, and I feel that will somehow increase the scoring output here. In Game 3, I see the scoring going past the 200 mark for the first time.
Stephen Curry to put up over 27.5 points: Warriors PG has gone over/under the expected mark in the first two games. I expect an explosive return in Game 3 on the home floor. I believe he will accumulate 30+ points.
Jalen Green to score over 22.5 points: The Rockets guard exploded for a near 40-point performance in Game 2 after an underwhelming 7-point return in Game 1. I expect him to figure in the 22-26 points range here.
Alperen Sengun to grab over 10.5 rebounds: Sengun accumulated 16 rebounds in Game 2, cleaning up a ton of Dubs garbage. The Rockets center can be in the 11-14 range.
Main pick: Stephen Curry O 26.5 for -110 at BetMGM
The Rockets proved their mettle in Game 2. Their incredible two-way performance has brought the series back into their hold. Meanwhile, an injury to Dubs’ premier Wing, Butler, has opened up further avenues. But the Warriors are a different beast on their home floor.
They would be gearing up for a grand performance. Will it be enough to stave off Houston without their second-best scorer? This is where I believe Houston will eke out an advantage. They can snatch one away from home here.
Safe Spread Pick: Rockets -1.5 for +125 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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