NBA Playoff Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (Rockets vs. Warriors)
We have just one game on the schedule tonight, but it’s an important one. The Warriors will again try to close this series out for their final game at home in this series.
Houston is the higher seed, but is an underdog in this game, as they try to live another day. We’ll break it and give you our best NBA bet for today.
Friday’s Best NBA Playoff Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (-5.5) O/U 208.5 (-108/-112)
The Rockets did what they needed to do to win Game 5. Houston did not play their brand of basketball, and their defense was minimal, allowing 116 points. They tied Golden State in total field goals (43), had the same amount of points in the paint and only hit two fewer threes. How did they pull off the 15-point win?
Free throws.
Golden State executed the correct game plan and got physical to send the Rockets to the free-throw line. Houston was last in free-throw percentage (73.5%) in the regular season, but they went well above their average in Game 5, shooting 84.2% (32-for-38). It was the Warriors who struggled at the line, going 15-for-22 (68.2%).
The Rockets got started quickly; Houston shot 11-17 from the floor in the first quarter, including 5-for-9 from three and a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. This resulted in a 40-24 first-quarter lead. They looked even better in the second quarter, shooting 73% from the floor (14-for-19).
This is why Steve Kerr decided to wave the white flag early. It was smart to reduce the minutes for his starters. Jimmy Butler clocked in the most minutes at 25 amongst the starting five, so they will be rested and ready for Game 6.
The Warriors want to close this series to get a rest advantage for the next round. Golden State will play much better defensively. Houston outplayed itself offensively in the last game.
Pick: Warriors -5.5 (-108)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: