Rockets vs Warriors NBA Playoffs Game 5 Lines & Game Prediction

Rockets vs Warriors NBA Playoffs Game 5 Lines & Game Prediction

Written by on May 8, 2019

On Monday night, the Houston Rockets drew even with the Golden State Warriors in their Western Conference semifinal round, as the 112-108 victory for Houston made the series a 2-2 deadlock. James Harden led the way with 38 points for Houston, although the Warriors nearly came back to tie, getting to within two points with 19 seconds on the clock. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry missed three-pointers in the waning seconds, and Houston held on for the win. Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 34 points after a 46-point effort in the Game 3 loss. Stephen Curry put up 11 points in the first period and finished the night with 30. Even so, the Warriors could not finish the comeback. Can they win Game 5 at home and put the pressure on Houston? Or will Houston push Golden State to the edge of elimination? Don’t miss our NBA betting preview of the latest installation of this Western Conference showdown.

Rockets vs Warriors NBA Playoffs Game 5 Lines & Game Prediction

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019, 10:30pm ET Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland TV: TNT Radio: KBME 790 AM Houston / 95.7 FM The Game Oakland Live Stream: ESPN+ NBA Odds: Golden State -6 / O/U 219.5

Why should you bet on Houston?

The Rockets return to Oracle Arena filled with confidence after winning both of the games down in the Lone Star State. In addition to Harden’s big scoring night, he had 10 rebounds. Eric Gordon went 6 for 17 and scored 20 points, P.J. Tucker had 17 points and 10 boards, and Chris Paul also added 13 points and five assists. As a team, the Rockets shot 17 for 50 from downtown in the game and used a 36-26 second quarter to pull ahead of the Warriors, a lead that they would need in the fourth period, when their shooting went cold. Houston has been consistent with bettors in games following a win, covering nine of their last 11 games in that situation. They have covered in five of their last seven Western Confrence semifinals matchups and in 12 of their last 16 overall. In their last eight games against Golden State, Houston has covered six times. If you like Houston, you see them pushing the Warriors hard once again on the road.

Why should you put your money on Golden State?

Golden State continues to get terrific performances out of Durant, who put up seven boards and five assists to go along with his 34 points. Curry dished out eight assists to go with his 30 points, and Draymond Green stacked up 15 points, 10 boards and five assists. They have some problems from behind the arc, going just 8 for 33 from three-point land, so it was not just those last two misses that left them high and dry in Game 4. Golden State has only covered once in their last five Western Conference semifinals games at home and just 11 times in their last 35 home games overall. So while they have covered seven times in their last 10 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600, they have not covered much lately, particularly at home. If you like Golden State, you see Curry’s continued recovery from a finger injury on his left hand to lead to shooting improvement and for the Warriors to revert to the style that has delivered for them all season long.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Rockets vs Warriors

The Warriors have put up a lot of clunkers at home this season. While they appear to have elevated their game to some degree for the postseason, they will have their hands full with a confident Houston team. It will be hard for Golden State to get enough offense  — and enough defense — to pull away from Houston. I like Golden State to win, 122-120 — which means that I see Houston covering in this one.