The Golden State Warriors own a 3-2 series lead over the Houston Rockets in their Western Conference semifinal, but the Dubs will be forced to go forward without superstar Kevin Durant for the time being. As a result, sportsbooks have opened the Warriors as 7-point road underdogs for Game 6 – the biggest underdogs they’ve been in the postseason. The total for the game opened at 213.5.
Warriors vs Rockets Game Center
Standout Stats
- Durant left Game 5 in the third quarter and was diagnosed with a mild calf strain following an MRI on Thursday. Initially it looked like the injury was serious, but Durant should be back within a few days.
- Houston failed to capitalize on the absence of Durant in a 104-99 setback in Game 5 but returns home to the friendly confines of Toyota Center. The Rockets are 5-0 SU at home in the playoffs.
- With Durant sidelined, expect Golden State to rely heavily on its backcourt in Game 6. Klay Thompson enjoyed his best game of the series with 27 points on 11-for-20 shooting in Game 5, while backcourt mate Stephen Curry came alive down the stretch to finish with 25 points.
- Chris Paul will need to step up if the Rockets are going to stay alive. Paul managed only 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting, including 0-for-6 from beyond the arc, in Game 5.
- When the Warriors hit the road, high-scoring affairs tend to follow. In Golden State’s last three road contests, the OVER is 3-0 with an average combined score of 235 points.
- Houston’s home success dates back to the regular season. Including the postseason, the Rockets are now 12-0 SU in their previous 12 at Toyota Center.
My best bet for Warriors-Rockets
OVER 213.5 points
Oddsmakers have clearly set this number to be relatively low for Rockets-Warriors standards due to the absence of Durant, but I think both teams have enough offensive firepower to easily push this one OVER. The Rockets are on the ropes right now and the Warriors will be looking to prove they can win without KD. Take the OVER.
The total has gone OVER in the Warriors’ last three games on the road (avg. combined score: 235.33).away The visiting team is 0-5 SU in its last five games in this matchup. The Rockets are 12-0 SU in their last 12 games at home (avg. winning margin: 16.08).home
