Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets (Game 4): Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

What: Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets

Where: Toyota Center in Houston, TX

When: Monday, May 6th at 9:30 PM EST

How (TV): TNT

Series Standing: 2-1 GSW

Golden State Warriors (Away)

Head Coach: Steve Kerr {All-Time 322-88 | GSW}

Season Record: 57-25, 1st in the West

Projected Starting Five: (G) Stephen Curry – (G) Klay Thompson – (F) Kevin Durant – (F) Draymond Green – (F) Andre Iguodala

Top Performers:

• G Stephen Curry – 31.3 MPG | 25.0 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 5.3 APG
• F Kevin Durant – 33.5 MPG | 28.8 PPG | 5.0 RPG | 5.3 APG
• G Klay Thompson – 35.3 MPG | 18.3 PPG | 1.3 BPG | .476 3P%

The Golden State Warriors couldn’t handle the pressure in overtime, and dropped Game 3 to the Houston Rockets.

Game 3 was a hard-fought battle, but it resulted in a Rockets win. The Golden State Warriors struggled in overtime, finishing the extra session on the wrong side of a 9-14 scoring run.

The Warriors are sure to come into Game 4 more focused. The Rockets played well, but the Warriors seemed to beat themselves more than they lost the game to Houston.

Houston Rockets (Home)

Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni {All-Time 628-499 | PHX, NYK, LAL, HOU}

Season Record: 53-29

Projected Starting Five: (G) Chris Paul – (G) James Harden – (G) Eric Gordon – (F) P.J. Tucker – (C) Clint Capela

Top Performers:

• G James Harden – 36.1 PPG | 7.5 APG | .368 3P%
• C Clint Capela – 16.6 PPG | 12.7 RPG | 1.5 BPG
• G Chris Paul – 15.6 PPG | 8.2 APG | 2.0 SPG

The Houston Rockets pulled off a nail-biter to take a game from the Golden State Warriors. Warriors performance aside, the Rockets showed that Golden State can look human against them.

The Houston Rockets haven’t taken their foot off the gas pedal and look certain to simply outscore the Warriors rather than stop them in their own half.

Game 4 is crucial for the Rockets. With a win, they could bring the series level and put pressure on the Warriors on their home court.

What’s At Stake?

The rivalry between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors runs deep. In 190 regular season games, the Rockets lead the Warriors 112-78.

In terms of playoff series though, the Warriors hold the edge. They’ve met in three playoff series since 2015, which the Warriors have won 3-0.

The Golden State Warriors faltered in Game 3 due to some unfortunate offensive performances. They’ll look to gain Game 4 for themselves so that they can go home with the opportunity to close the series.

The Houston Rockets are confident they can take another game on their home court, and bring the series level.

The Warriors Need Steph Curry

Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry is no doubt key to the success of the Warriors. In Game 3, Golden State was waiting for his impact but it never happened.

Posting 17 points on 7-23 shooting is not much to be proud of for the former MVP. As far as the Warriors are concerned it is empty stats, as his efficiency is hurting the team.

Curry had a true shooting percentage of .350 while maintaining an offensive rating of 69 on the night. He’s dangerous enough that the Rockets can’t stay off of him, but if Curry can’t convert the Warriors are in big trouble.

The Rockets Held On Tight

It seemed as if the Houston Rockets were going to hold on to a ten point lead for the remainder of the match against the Warriors in Game 3. Kevin Durant had other plans, as he brought the Warriors back into striking distance and into overtime.

Extra time just seemed to go in the favor of the Rockets. PJ Tucker was a monster on the boards, Eric Gordon was great from range, and Stephen Curry missed layup after layup.

The Rockets likely won’t see their opposition miss too many easy looks in Game 4, but if they can own the glass and the paint as they did in Game 3 they’ll have a good chance moving forward.

The Warriors Need to Win the Rebounding Battle

Speaking to the media after the game, Kevin Durant was clear about what caused the Warriors demise in Game 3.

Kevin Durant: “They got 17 offensive rebounds. That’s why they won the game.” pic.twitter.com/OVFuwrxNlj

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 5, 2019

The Rockets won the battle on the glass 55 to 35. Houston also had 17 rebounds to boot. With the Warriors smaller lineup they are always susceptible to being defeated on the glass, but their length shouldn’t allow for such a disparity. Look for them to correct the issue, or face a similar fate in Game 4.

Late Game Offence Is An Issue For Houston

Throughout the majority of the match, the Houston Rockets were able to spread the floor and move the ball in order to disrupt the length and discipline of the Golden State Warriors offense.

Unfortunately for Houston, it dried up in the fourth quarter and devolved into late-clock isolation play. It is exactly what helped key the Warriors comeback.

It isn’t easy for the Rockets, as the Warriors are stopping the lob to Capela thus neutralizing their guards’ key option. However, in scenarios where Houston needs a basket, they need to do better than a side-line iso. More often than not, it won’t serve them.

Houston Rockets Roster Notes

The Houston Rockets have no roster changes of note.

Golden State Warriors Roster Notes

C DeMarcus Cousins – 17 Apr 2019 – Out (Torn Right Quad) – Cousins reportedly has a six-week timetable for return but may still sit out the remainder of the postseason.

C Damian Jones – 8 Mar 2019 – Out (Torn Left Pectoral) – Head coach Steve Kerr said it’s doubtful that Jones returns during the playoffs, according to a report from Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

X-Factors: PJ Tucker (HOU) vs Iman Shumpert (HOU)

Two hard-nosed defensive players face off in Game 4 between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Tucker and Shumpert put forward a surprising performance for their team in Game 3, and are expected to contribute similarly in Game 4.

PJ Tucker

Power Forward | 6-6, 245lb (198cm, 111kg) | Texas | Exp. 7 Years

7.3 PPG | 1.2 APG | 5.8 RPG | 1.6 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 0.8 TOV | .396 FG% | .377 3P%

PJ Tucker is defensive savant, that much is known. When he can contribute in other areas, the Houston Rockets are a deadly team to take on.

In Game 3 Tucker was zoned in. He had 7 points, 2 blocks, and a whopping 12 rebounds to challenge the likes of Draymond Green and Kevin Durant on the glass. All without attempting a single corner three – of which Tucker is one of the leagues best.

Not being a post up player, Tucker can lure Capela out onto the perimeter. With the focus gone, he is an excellent weak side defender and rebounder. In 33 minutes he proved that his value on defence is greater than on offence. Mike D’Antoni is sure to want the same interior dominance from him again.

Iman Shumpert

Shooting Guard | 6-5, 215lb (196cm, 97kg) | Georgia Tech | Exp. 7 Years

7.5 PPG | 1.8 APG | 3.0 RPG | 1.0 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 0.8 TOV | .374 FG% | .348 3P%

In what was a surprise showing on the court, Iman Shumpert came to life to help power the Rockets toward a victory.

In 18 minutes of play, Shumpert scored 10 points on 3-5 shooting from three to go with a split from the free-throw line.

Shumpert is athletic, defensively apt, and capable from range. While his minutes have been sporadic, these kinds of performances are exactly what D’Antoni is looking for from his reserve unit.

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets Predictions and Odds

Rhythm is in the favor of the Houston Rockets going into Game 4. However, don’t expect the Warriors to lie down in their path. Golden State is savvy and dangerous at any moment the Rockets can’t rest on their previous win.

Anyone residing in New Jersey can bet on the Warriors vs Rockets game at one of these sportsbooks. Good luck!

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