The Houston Rockets (6-7) welcome the league leading Golden State Warriors (12-3) to the Toyota Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 15, 2018, and will air on TNT.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets ATS Prediction
In the Warriors’ last game, they topped the Atlanta Hawks, 110-103, but they were not able to cover as 11.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (213) were well under the O/U total of 229. The Warriors knocked down 20 of their 21 free throws (95.2 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.9 (above their season average of 23.1). Golden State rallied around Kevin Durant, who was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 9-for-23 shooting.
The Rockets were victorious over the Denver Nuggets in their last matchup, 109-99, despite being 4.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (208) came in under the projected point total of 217.5. The Rockets had a great free throw rate of 0.254 (above their season average of 0.184) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.641 (above their season average of 0.497). With 22 points, 11 assists and five rebounds, James Harden played well for Houston.
After splitting 10 games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, the Warriors won 101-92. Golden State was lights out from beyond the arc (16-39; 41.0 percent). Houston, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.144 vs. 0.087).
Golden State heads into the game with records of 12-3 straight up (SU) and 8-7 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Warriors’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Houston owns records of 6-7 SU and 5-8 ATS. In opposition of Golden State, Rockets games have a slight tendency to finish under the total (53.8 percent).
Klay Thompson has averaged 25.6 points and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Golden State.
The prolific offense of Golden State will battle against the bottom-tier defense of Houston. The Warriors currently rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Rockets are 21st in defensive efficiency. The Warriors should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets Betting Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Golden State is 2-4 ATS with 5 overs and 1 under.
At home, Houston is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
In contests where they hold opponents below 100 points, Houston is 3-2 and Golden State is 1-0.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Rockets are 4-3 and the Warriors are 12-2.
Houston averages 41.8 three pointers per game, which ranks first in the league. Golden State ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (35.0).
The Warriors rank first in assists per game (29.9) while the Rockets rank 28th (20.0).
Golden State ranks fourth in fast break points per game (18.7) while Houston ranks 24th (10.9).
The Rockets rank ninth in steals per game (8.4) while the Warriors rank 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.5).
Houston ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while Golden State ranks 11th (12.2).
The Warriors rank third in rebounds allowed per game (41.3) while the Rockets rank ninth (43.6).
Golden State ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.5) while Houston ranks sixth (4.7).
The Warriors are 26th in the league with 42.5 points in the paint per game while the Rockets are 28th with 40.9 points in the paint per game.
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five games, Golden State is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Houston is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Warriors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 9.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 98.2 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 98.0 points per game (8.7 below their season average).
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