The Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Wednesday night. This is Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Golden State leads the series 3-1 after winning back-to-back games at home, including a tight 109-106 finish in Game 4.
The Rockets finished the regular season with a 52-30 record and earned the 2-seed. The Warriors went 48-33 and are the 7-seed. Houston is trying to extend the series, while Golden State has a chance to move on to the second round with a win.
Rockets Preview – Home Crowd Hoping for a Bounce Back
Houston has been strong at home this season with a 30-13 record. The Rockets have relied on a young core with Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson leading the way. Sengun had a huge Game 4 with 31 points and 10 rebounds, playing over 42 minutes.
Fred VanVleet continues to be one of the team’s most steady performers. He added 25 points and 6 assists in Game 4. Houston shot 47.7% from the field in that game but struggled late, missing free throws and key shots in the final minute.
In this series, Houston has one win and three close losses. They’ve missed 35 free throws over four games, which has been a big problem. If they want to keep the season alive, they’ll need better execution late and fewer mistakes on both ends of the court.
Warriors Preview – One Win from Advancing
Golden State is on the verge of moving to the second round. They’ve used veteran leadership and clutch play to take a 3-1 lead. Jimmy Butler returned in Game 4 and led the team with 27 points, going 12-for-12 at the line and grabbing the key rebound to seal the win.
Steph Curry had 17 points and hit a big shot late. Rookie Brandin Podziemski continues to shine with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in Game 4. Draymond Green and Buddy Hield round out the starting lineup, and both played over 30 minutes in the last game.
The Warriors are 25-18 on the road this year and have already won once in Houston during this series. They’ve been solid in second halves and fourth quarters, outscoring Houston by 15 total points in the fourth across their three wins. Golden State’s experience has been the difference so far.
Betting Prediction
Houston is a 5.5-point favorite at home, with the total set at 201.5. The Rockets have strong home stats, but their late-game struggles and missed free throws are hurting them. Golden State has shown it can win with and without Butler and has more playoff experience.
Even with Houston’s energy at home, the Warriors are the more consistent team. They’ve won the last two games and know how to finish. Expect Golden State to keep it close and possibly win outright. The under may also be in play with three of the four games staying below the total.
Pick: Golden State Warriors +5.5
