Rockets vs Warriors Prediction and NBA Betting Tips: Bet Rockets -3.5 on December 5
- Find the best Rockets vs Warriors odds at BetUS.
- The Warriors have won 14 straight against the Rockets.
- The Warriors have also lost five straight, which allows the Rockets to cover the spread.
- Read on for my top 2 Rockets vs Warriors picks today.
This is not a matchup in the Emirates NBA Cup, but the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors have advanced to the Quarterfinals of the league’s second in-season tournament. They will face each other in the Semifinals on December 11 in Houston.
In the meantime, let’s dive into the NBA odds and find the best bets for their clash on Dec. 5.
Rockets vs Warriors Game Information
- Game: Houston Rockets (15-7) vs Golden State Warriors (12-8)
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- Day/Time: Thursday, Dec. 5, 10:00 p.m. ET
- Rockets vs Warriors Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Find the latest Rockets vs Warriors betting trends here.
2 Rockets vs Warriors Picks: Spread and Over/Under Pick
1. Houston Rockets ATS (-3.5)
Sure, the Rockets‘ defense allowed 120 points in the loss to the Kings, but that was the most it had given up in 13 games. This defense is still legitimately one of the best in the league. They are ranked fourth in points allowed per game (107) and second in defensive rating (105.6).
Taking a closer look at the Rockets’ defense might be the key to why they have covered eight of their last ten NBA spreads. Over the previous 13 games, in which the Rockets have a 10-3 record, they have the best defensive rating at 102.4, allowing the second-fewest points (105.6).
The #Rockets have an 82.0 defensive rating when Dillon Brooks, Alperun Sengun and Amen Thompson are on the floor together
League average defensive rating is 113.4
this is the best for defensive rating for any 3-man lineup combination with at least 100 minutes pic.twitter.com/RTJfSAj4cK
— Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) December 3, 2024
Those stats are carried by the start of this dominating stretch by the Rockets defense. Through the first nine games of the last 13, the Rockets held opponents under 110 points eight times. However, they have given up at least 115 points in the last three games.
That might signify a shift in the Rockets’ defense, but not for this matchup. The Warriors’ offense averaged 116.1 points per game, but it has dropped to 107 during this losing streak. At that rate, it will be hard for the Warriors to turn it around against a strong defense, despite them being at home and having won 14 straight against the Rockets. The Rockets could be an option in NBA expert picks today to end that streak and cover the spread.
Bet this Pick: Rockets ATS -3.5
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2. Rockets vs Warriors Over 221.5
It makes sense to look at the team’s recent trends when focusing on NBA lines for this game’s points total. However, that paints a complicated picture for this matchup. The Rockets have hit the over in seven of their last ten games, while the Warriors have hit the under in seven of their last ten games.
Given how well the Rockets’ defense has been, my immediate assumption was that they were a team that forced the under more often than not. However, because of their defense, that has led to lower lines. The Rockets have had five of their last five games over/under lines set at lower than 225 five times in the previous 10 games, hitting the over in four matchups.
That is compared to the Warriors, who have had three lines set under 225, hitting the under twice. They have had five lines set over 230, including the loss to the Nuggets, which was set at 237½. I had picked that game to go under, mainly because the Warriors have only hit the over once during this losing streak.
Jalen Green tonight vs Kings:
28 points
7 rebounds
3 assists
9/14 field goal
5/8 from 3
5/5 free throw
86% TS
1 steal
4 turnovers— Julie Gilchrist (@JulieanneGilch1) December 4, 2024
Despite that, this matchup should hit the over for NBA betting. The Warriors have the Rockets’ number, having won 14 straight, and in a game where their offense needs to turn things around, there is no way Stephen Curry does not step up to the moment. Plus, Jalen Green had 28 points against the Kings, and Alperen Sengun is playing well.
Bet this Pick: Rockets vs Warriors Over 221.5
Questions of the Day
Who will lead this matchup in scoring between the Rockets and the Warriors?
If any of these players is going to have a big game, with the Warriors needing a win, it will be Curry.
Is there a player prop to pay attention to?
Sengun has scored at least 20 points in five straight games, and given the Warriors’ paint defense, he could be in for a solid stat line.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
