Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 2– 04/23/2025

On Wednesday, 04/23, the Houston Rockets will host the Golden State Warriors for Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Warriors put on a clinic in Game 1 and seized a 10-point win (95-85) away from home. Will the Rockets heed the wake-up call and rediscover their offensive mojo in Game 2? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors

Time: 8:30 PM (CT)
Venue: Toyota Center (Houston, Texas)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Match Preview

Warriors made a statement in Game 1

The Rockets’ offense was in shambles during the opening game of the series. It is a testament to the Warriors’ perimeter defense highlighted by the duo of Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. But credit also goes to Stephen Curry, who brought his A-game on the defensive end, showing that he can get serious during the playoffs.

They limited Rockets leading scorer Jalen Green to a 3/15 night while Fred Van Vleet was restricted to a horrendous 4/19 affair. They combined for 2/17 from the long range, indicating the Warriors’ superb perimeter defense.

Dillin Brooks and Amen Thompson combined for 19 points, 2 points better than the backcourt combination. Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun dominated Draymond Green with 26 points(11/18). The only silver lining in the starting lineup.

As for the Warriors, Stephen Curry did Steph things. The clutch guard made five triples(55$ clip!) in an excellent 31-point effort. His efforts were supported by a 25-point night by second-in-command Jimmy Butler.

The ageing Warriors team preferred a half-court style of basketball. They attempted just 76 field goals compared to 87 by the Rockets, while taking 14 free throws compared to 20 by Houston.

Thus, the Rockets may look to force a fast pace, but the Warriors are smart enough to take care of such adjustments.

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: Jimmy Butler | PF/C: Draymond Green

Key bench players: SG: Buddy Hield, PG: Gary Payton II, SF: Jonathan Kuminga, C: Quinten Post

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report.

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Total Over/Under Prediction

The first game accounted for merely 180 points, which was much lower than expected. Both teams are blessed with terrific defenders, but the scoring output is surprising because they also have high-octane scorers.

The Warriors enforced their pace, keeping in mind the long nature of a playoff series. They are experienced, calculated, and are likely to have a big scoring effort here. I believe Jalen Green will also find his stride. I expect the overall score to be around 210.

Golden State Warriors: Points: Over 102.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Total: Over 205.5 for -105 at BetMGM

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Stephen Curry to score over 26.5 points: Curry carried his late-season rhythm to the playoffs and put up 31 points against a team that had restricted him to just 3 not long ago. I believe he will be in for a 26+ points night again.

Jalen Green to score over 21.5 points: I expected the Rockets off-guard to get 20+ in the last game but he managed a measly 7-point night. However, I believe he will bounce back with a 20+ points effort.

Brandin Podziemski to score over 14.5 points: Energy bunny Podz had 14 in the last game, nailing 3 of his 8 attempts from long-range. I expect him to go past the 15-point mark here.

Main pick: Brandin Podziemski O 13.5 for -105 at BetMGM

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Match Prediction

The Rockets received a punch to the gut in Game 1. The gulf of experience showed in that game. However, they can also see it as a character-building exercise and learn from it. But the NBA playoffs scenario is brutal.

You can’t afford such lapses repeatedly and must be dialed in at every juncture. The Dubs know that better than any team. The Butler-Curry factor is for real, and it may overwhelm Houston again. I pick the Dubs to win again.

Safe Spread Pick: Warriors -1.5 for +110 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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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!