PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA Game of the Week
(NBA) Golden State vs. Houston,
Total: 219.50 | -105.00 Over
Result: Win
Total: 219.50 | -105.00 Over
Result: Win
Slower pace, increased intensity, key adjustments by the Rockets and the oddsmaker not lowring the total enough all points to another Under in this Warriors-Rockets Game 5 matchup.
The Rockets aren't letting the Warriors get off in transition, which was the case earlier in the series. They are an underrated defensive team - the Under has cashed in 15 of their last 22 home games - and have decreased tempo locking into the Warriors' shooters while milking time off the 24-second clock on offense by trying to isolate either James Harden or Chris Paul.
There's a lot of grinding now as these Western Conference Finals now become a best of three with the series tied 2-2. The Warriors managed just 14 assists in Game 4. That was a series low.
Golden State may not have Andre Iguodala again. He's still a very good defender, but his offense is missed because of his passing ability. Golden State's offensive flow suffers without him and his absence provides added minutes for defensive-minded players, Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and Shaun Livingston.
The Rockets are at their best when playing with one day's rest, which is the case here. So I see them continuing to play tough defense. The Under has cashed 22 of the last 32 times the Rockets have played on one day's rest.
The Rockets aren't letting the Warriors get off in transition, which was the case earlier in the series. They are an underrated defensive team - the Under has cashed in 15 of their last 22 home games - and have decreased tempo locking into the Warriors' shooters while milking time off the 24-second clock on offense by trying to isolate either James Harden or Chris Paul.
There's a lot of grinding now as these Western Conference Finals now become a best of three with the series tied 2-2. The Warriors managed just 14 assists in Game 4. That was a series low.
Golden State may not have Andre Iguodala again. He's still a very good defender, but his offense is missed because of his passing ability. Golden State's offensive flow suffers without him and his absence provides added minutes for defensive-minded players, Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and Shaun Livingston.
The Rockets are at their best when playing with one day's rest, which is the case here. So I see them continuing to play tough defense. The Under has cashed 22 of the last 32 times the Rockets have played on one day's rest.