Much like a year ago, the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors were expected to run away from the pack in the Western Conference and be the clear two contenders for the NBA crown. It hasn’t quite worked out that way, as both have dealt with plenty of speed bumps heading into their showdown this week.
Despite the hiccups these are two of the most talented teams in the NBA and all eyes will be on Oakland to see how each side looks. The Rockets have played very well lately but are on the road without one of their stars, so they will be the underdog.
The Warriors have not looked dominant even now that they are healthy again but nonetheless are still right near the top of the West standings. Golden State would love an emphatic victory in this one on national television in NBA betting lines.
This NBA basketball game between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets will be held at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
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Odds Analysis
The Rockets were near the bottom of the West early in the season but have climbed their way out of that. Houston is now right in the mix with all of the other playoff teams in the West with a mark of 20-15. The Rockets have gone 8-10 on the road this season.
The Warriors have gone 24-13 on the season, which is good for a normal team but underwhelming for a group as talented as Golden State. The Dubs have still been impressive at home this year with a mark of 15-5 and are capable of reeling off a big-time winning streak at any time.
The Rockets are not scoring as many points as a season ago so it will be interesting to see where the total comes in for this one in NBA gambling.
Injury Report
Rockets guard Chris Paul has been out with a hamstring injury for several games and is not expected to play in this one. Houston has managed to overcome his absence and play well so far but there is no doubt they would prefer to have him on the court, especially in a showdown such as this.
Paul is averaging 15.6 points and 8.0 assists per game on the season.
The Warriors are hoping to get DeMarcus Cousins on the court soon. He is ramping up his practicing following last year’s torn Achilles, although playing in this one doesn’t seem super realistic. Keep an eye on any news because obviously it would be a lift if Cousins can get on the court against the Rockets.
Player To Watch
Klay Thompson -- The Warriors are dominant offensively not just because they have Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant but because Thompson has always been a great third option. He is an elite shooter but has been going through a slump lately.
Thompson only shot 30.9 percent from the floor and 18.5 percent from three-point range in a recent five-game stretch. There is no reason to believe he will continue to struggle all year, but if Thompson can’t hit his open jumpers against the Rockets it could allow Houston to stay close.
Free NBA ATS Picks
James Harden is playing at an elite level and he has the ability to keep the Rockets in this game. However, it is hard to pick against the Warriors when they are at home. Thompson and Draymond Green have had some issues this season and while this may not be the prettiest game ever, Golden State should fight through it for the win.
The Rockets could be the right choice to cover the spread, so keep an eye on where it comes in. The “under” is the right pick on the scoring total as these teams are not going to light it up as much as expected in NBA gambling.
NBA ATS Pick: Golden State Warriors 113, Houston Rockets 108
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