We've already seen the Houston Rockets (64-32 SU, 57-39 ATS) erase one two-game deficit here in the postseason. However, the prospects of them eliminating a second team after falling behind by two games in a best-of-seven series are slim considering the fact that that second team is the Golden State Warriors (77-17 SU, 52-41-1 ATS).
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Rockets have a pair of covers in this series, but they also have a pair of SU losses. They are close to being favored in this game as a result at +1.5, but they still aren't expected to win this game.
The total took a significant tumble after two under games to kick off this series down to 216.
INJURY REPORT
Dwight Howard got back in the lineup on Thursday and played 40 effective minutes, so there is no doubt that he should be back out there once again in Game 3 even though he is still dealing with a minor knee injury.
Marreese Speights remains the only notable injury in this series at this point, and his calf injury will keep him out until at least Game 6 if matters get that far.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're not going to go anywhere. We're just going to keep standing here and swinging." – Rockets coach Kevin McHale on his team's mindset coming into Game 3
BETTING TRENDS
- The Rockets are 0-6 SU this season against Golden State, but they’ve taken some major steps forward with two covers. They were 0-4 ATS on the season against the Dubs and were beaten by at least 11 points in all four games.
- The Warriors are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four road games played in the playoffs.
- The UNDER is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings between these two teams.
KEY STATS
1: The number of assists which James Harden has come shy of a triple-double in two consecutive games in this series. Harden's numbers are remarkably similar in the playoffs as to what they were in the regular season, and believe it or not, his style is holding exactly true as well. He's still slashing to the basket and still getting fouls called on the opposition even though most figured that was going to change as referees got tighter in the postseason. Harden is proving everyone wrong, but he is going to have to step up his game even more in Games 3 and 4 at home to keep this season alive.
45: The number of shots which the Warriors took from the field in the last 31:33 of the game on Thursday night. They took 32 shots in the first 17:27 of the game and raced out to 49 points as a result. It was when Houston was finally able to limit Golden State's shots that the game got tight again, and it did so in a hurry with a 31-6 spurt.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Rockets have done a fine job in this series of slowing down Golden State just enough to make matters interesting. Just the fact that they covered both Games 1 and 2 was a lot more than most figured they would do, and the fact that they were able to come back after taking the Dubs' best shot in both games to make things interesting is telling as well.
Now, the scene shifts back to the Toyota Center, where the Rockets have put together some magic of late. If they're going to steal a game in this series, this is where they must do it.
Houston 104, Golden State 101
BookMaker opened the spread for this Saturday game before anyone else in the market. The opening line featured the Rockets at +1 and a total of 216. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! The game between Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets will tip off Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. The contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
