The set-up: Two teams which like to get out and push the pace collide in a big early Western Conference match-up on Thursday night and I think that points are going to be plentiful. It's a rematch of last year's West Conf. Finals. Houston most recently enters off a 113-101 home win over the Grizzlies, while the Warriors enter off a 132-109 road win over Phoenix. Golden State plays with revenge here after a listless 107-86 setback in Houston back on November 15th. But the Rockets come in on fire, having won five straight. Both teams have plenty to play for and each is now finally starting to "fire on all cylinders." From a situational stand point, there's no doubt this one sets up as a higher-scoring shootout in my opinion.

The pick: Note as well that Houston has seen the total go "over" the number in five of six vs. the Pacific Division this year and in seven of 11 following a home victory, while Golden State has seen the total go "over" in seven of its last ten in trying to revenge a blowout loss of 20 points or more vs. an opponent. This one has "shootout" written all over it. Play the "over."

10* play