PREMIUM
GAME OF THE WEEK (Rogers' 10* NBA) >> 9-4 Playoff Run!
(NBA) Golden State vs. Houston,
Total: 225.00 | -105.00 Over
Result: Push
Total: 225.00 | -105.00 Over
Result: Push
The set-up: No surprise in the West this postseason, as the Houston Rockets have had the look all season of a team ready to dethrone the Golden State Warriors. They now get their chance to try to turn that vision into a reality when the best-of-seven conference finals,begins with Game 1 on Monday night in Houston. The Rockets won the West by seven games over the second-place Warriors and took two of three regular-season meetings while averaging 117.3 PPG. The Rockets have cruised into this matchup with back-to-back 4-1 series wins over Minnesota and Utah. Similarly, the defending NBA champion Warriors also needed just five games to get by each of their first two opponents (Spurs and Pelicans) and now have a chance to advance to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals.
Golden State: Stephen Curry came back from a knee injury in Game 2 of the team's semifinal series against New Orleans, returning the Warriors to "full strength." The two-time MVP showed little rust as he averaged 24.5 PPG while connecting on 44.1 percent of his three-pointers during the series. His presence makes the defending champs a complete team that is supremely confident, even as a rare underdog. Durant's led the way this postseason averaging 28.0 PPG with Thompson adding 21.2 PPG. Of course, there is the "Great Disruptor" (Draymond Green), who averages 13.1-11.5-9.0 and is among the fiercest defenders in the NBA.
Houston: Harden is expected to win this year's MVP award, after averaging 30.4-5.4-8.8. However, many feel the big difference between past Houston teams that have faltered against Golden State is the notable addition of Chris Paul, who has averaged 21.8 points through the first two rounds. "We've got eight more wins to get," he told reporters when asked if he celebrated his first trip to the conference finals in his 13-year career. Then again, one can never discount the importance of James Harden, who continues to stuff the stat sheet. He has joined Michael Jordan (1988-89 and 1990-91) as the second player in NBA history to average at least 28 points (28.5), seven assists (7.4), five rebounds (5.0) and two steals (2.3) while playing more than five games in a postseason. Also, center Clint Capela is averaging 14.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks this postseason in his "Coming Out Party!'
The pick: NBA fans have anticipated this spectacle of the rim runs, fast breaks, a hail of three-pointers and sublime passing for months. However, for all their otherworldly talent, the Rockets and Warriors have no secrets. Even with Houston's James Harden and Chris Paul plus Golden State's magnificent scoring trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, the series will be dictated by defensive might. Both teams closed the season ranked in the top-10 in defensive efficiency and each have ratcheted up their efforts in the playoffs. Golden State is first in defensive rating (99.3), the Rockets second (102.1). Make the Under a 10* play.
Golden State: Stephen Curry came back from a knee injury in Game 2 of the team's semifinal series against New Orleans, returning the Warriors to "full strength." The two-time MVP showed little rust as he averaged 24.5 PPG while connecting on 44.1 percent of his three-pointers during the series. His presence makes the defending champs a complete team that is supremely confident, even as a rare underdog. Durant's led the way this postseason averaging 28.0 PPG with Thompson adding 21.2 PPG. Of course, there is the "Great Disruptor" (Draymond Green), who averages 13.1-11.5-9.0 and is among the fiercest defenders in the NBA.
Houston: Harden is expected to win this year's MVP award, after averaging 30.4-5.4-8.8. However, many feel the big difference between past Houston teams that have faltered against Golden State is the notable addition of Chris Paul, who has averaged 21.8 points through the first two rounds. "We've got eight more wins to get," he told reporters when asked if he celebrated his first trip to the conference finals in his 13-year career. Then again, one can never discount the importance of James Harden, who continues to stuff the stat sheet. He has joined Michael Jordan (1988-89 and 1990-91) as the second player in NBA history to average at least 28 points (28.5), seven assists (7.4), five rebounds (5.0) and two steals (2.3) while playing more than five games in a postseason. Also, center Clint Capela is averaging 14.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks this postseason in his "Coming Out Party!'
The pick: NBA fans have anticipated this spectacle of the rim runs, fast breaks, a hail of three-pointers and sublime passing for months. However, for all their otherworldly talent, the Rockets and Warriors have no secrets. Even with Houston's James Harden and Chris Paul plus Golden State's magnificent scoring trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, the series will be dictated by defensive might. Both teams closed the season ranked in the top-10 in defensive efficiency and each have ratcheted up their efforts in the playoffs. Golden State is first in defensive rating (99.3), the Rockets second (102.1). Make the Under a 10* play.
