The Golden State Warriors (14-9) and Houston Rockets (16-8) will meet in the NBA Cup quarterfinals tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Rockets are 2-point favorites over the Warriors on the spread (Rockets -2), with the over/under set at 223. Houston is a -125 favorite, while Golden State is +105 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Warriors vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, December 11.
Warriors vs. Rockets Prediction, Pick
Spread
I have no play on either side of the spread tonight.
Moneyline
My Rockets vs. Warriors best bet tonight is on Golden State moneyline at +105, as they keep dominating this matchup. But as always, be sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Over/Under
I'm not betting on the total for this one.
My Pick: Warriors Moneyline (+105)
Warriors vs. Rockets Odds
| Warriors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 223 -110o / -110u | +105 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 223 -110o / -110u | -125 |
- Warriors vs. Rockets spread: Rockets -2
- Warriors vs. Rockets over/under: 223 total points
- Warriors vs. Rockets moneyline: Warriors +105, Rockets -125
- Warriors vs. Rockets best bet:Warriors Moneyline (+105)
Warriors vs. Rockets Preview
Last year, the Pacers were the young, upstart team that made a run to the finals of the NBA Cup. That experience helped them reach the Eastern Conference Finals last spring. This year, the Rockets are hoping to be that team after going through Group A with a 3-1 record. However, to get to Vegas, they will have to get past a Warriors team that has dominated the series over the last few years.
One reason is the Warriors know how to slow down Rockets center Alperen Sengun. In the last 10 meetings, Sengun has scored 20 points just once. This season, the Warriors are allowing the fourth-fewest points per game to centers.
Typically, Jabari Smith Jr. has stepped up in those meetings, as he is averaging 15.4 points in his last nine games against the Warriors. However, last Thursday, he scored just five points on 2-for-8 from the field against Golden State. Smith is averaging 11.5 points and seven rebounds per game this season.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry has been at his best against the Rockets. He has scored at least 20 points in each of his last games against the Rockets, including 29 points in six of the past seven meetings. That usually means a barrage of 3s from the league’s greatest shooter and he has made four 3s in eight of the last nine meetings.
The Warriors have managed Curry’s minutes this season, with just 30.5 per game. However, he is coming off a 30-point game against Minnesota. When Curry gets going, typically Draymond Green is a factor in setting him up.
Green is averaging six assists per game this season and has had six assists or more in nine of his last 10 games. However, tonight he will have to earn them. The Rockets are allowing the fewest assists per game. He has also been effective on the glass with six rebounds in eight of his last 10 games. He is averaging 6.4 rebounds per game this season.
Green's starting spot has fluctuated recently as the Warriors try to find more opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga. However, whether he is starting or coming off the bench tonight, he will likely play around 30 minutes and be on the floor in crunch time.
Warriors vs. Rockets Prediction
The Warriors have won each of the last 10 meetings against the Rockets, partly due to the Rockets rebuilding over the last few years.
However, the Warriors have handed the Rockets two of their eight losses already this season. That includes a game last week in which neither Curry nor Green played.
In a big game tonight, I have to go with the more experienced team that has dominated this matchup. I will also run a same game parlay featuring Curry, Green, Sengun, and Smith.
Best Bet: Warriors ML (+105)
Same Game Parlay: Stephen Curry 4+ Made Threes, Draymond Green 6+ Rebounds, Alperen Sengun Under 20.5 Points, Jabari Smith Jr. 10 Points (+484)
Rockets vs. Warriors Betting Trends
