Can the Rockets square the series against the Warriors at Oracle Arena in Game 4? We take a look at this crucial encounter and provide free betting tips.
Can the Rockets square the series against the Warriors at Oracle Arena in Game 4? We take a look at this crucial encounter and provide free betting tips.
Game 4 – Tuesday, May 22, 9:00 PM EST at ORACLE Arena Oakland, CA
At Bovada the Warriors are an 8.5-point home favorite with the total sitting at 224
The Warriors lead the series 2-1
Well, I guess there is no place like home, as after coming home with the series tied at 1-1, the Warriors throttled the Rockets in Game 3, winning 126-85.
The Warriors dominated both sides of the floor in the Game 3 blowout win shooting 52.2% from the floor and hold the Rockets to 39.5% shooting and also forcing 20 turnovers.
After totaling 34 points in the first two games of the series Steph Curry had a big Game 3 going for 35 points on 13/23 shooting and in the 3rd quarter he was a perfect 7/7 from the floor for 18 points. Kevin Durant chimed in for 25 points, Draymond Green had a double-double with 10 points and 17 rebounds, and every Golden State starter went for double figures.
Chris Paul and James Harden combined for 33 points in the bad Game 3 loss and they only combined to shoot 12/32 from the floor and they only hit four of their 14 3-pointers. Only three starters scored in double figures for Houston and reserve Eric Gordon had 11 points, but was only 4/13 from the floor.
The Rockets have to get back to their Game 2 blueprint where they beat the Warriors shooting the rock well and getting balanced scoring. The SF duo of PJ Tucker and Trevor Ariza combined for 41 points in Game 2, but in Game 3 they only combined for 12 points. Paul and Harden need help in the scoring department, especially if their D cannot keep the Warriors from lighting up the scoreboard.
The Rockets were down by 11 at the half in Game 3, but were outscored 10-0 in the beginning of the 3rd quarter and the rout was on after that.
Houston gave Golden State too many open looks from deep in Game 3 and they have to guard the perimeter better in Game 4.
The Rockets had won their only regular season game at Golden State before getting crushed there in Game 3.
The Warriors have won 16 straight home playoff games.
No game in this series has been close and that trend will continue. Curry is back and the Warriors are at home and that does not bode well for the Rockets. The Warriors will win and cover the 8.5-point spread at Bovada and take a 3-1 series lead.