NBA preview and tips: Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors (36-36) will visit the Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets (18-53) in an important game for their playoff chances.
If the Warriors want to ensure a good seeding in the playoffs, then they'll eventually need to win some games on the road, as after their 133-119 defeat in Memphis, their current road record stands at 0-11 ATS.
Not only have they failed to cover any spreads, but they've also lost those 11 games and most of them in a convincing manner. A handful of them have been against teams with losing records, so beating the Rockets is not a given.
The Rockets have picked up a little of late, going on a 4-1-1 ATS run in their last six games overall, and 3-1-1 ATS in their last five home games.
Prior to last night, Houston had put together three straight wins over the Pelicans, Lakers, and Celtics, the latter of which was a particularly standout result. Simple logic would suggest if you can beat the Celtics, you can beat the Warriors.
Houston have had to face a double-digit spread (+10 or greater) on five occasions when playing on home court this season. They've gone 3-2 ATS, winning a couple of those games outright.
Those five games saw them face the Warriors, Bucks, Grizzlies, Nuggets, and Celtics. They managed to cover against Milwaukee, Boston and also Golden State, who seemed in a much better place back then, so it's not a given that a number is covered just because their record is 18-53.
The Pelicans came to Houston and beat them by 10 points just last night, but that situation was a revenge spot for the Pelicans, whom Houston had beaten just two days earlier.
The Rockets are actually 4-1 ATS after a double-digit loss, so they've shown a tendency to bounce back.
Not only have the Warriors struggled on their travels, going 15-35 ATS in their last 50 road games, but they're also on a 1-5 ATS run against teams with a losing road record and 1-5 ATS against teams winning 40 per cent or fewer of their home games.
The Rockets do have to contend with the disadvantage of having played last night whilst the Warriors have had a day off to rest before continuing their current road trip.
Whilst Houston are in a tricky spot, it's hard to back the Warriors until we see some signs of life on the road.
As easy as it should be to score against a tired Rockets, being tired doesn't prevent you from playing offence, and the Warriors are as leaky a defence as it gets.
Suggested bets
- Houston Rockets +10
The action starts at 20:00 EST (midnight UK time)
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