The Golden State Warriors, seeded No. 7, are set to play against the No. 2 seeded Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series in the 2025 NBA playoffs. This will be Houston`s first appearance in the playoffs since 2020. The Warriors secured their playoff spot after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in the Play-In Tournament. In their previous matchup on April 6, the Rockets won against the Warriors with a score of 106-96.
The game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston. Houston is slightly favored, with a 1-point spread according to betting odds. The expected total score for the game is set at 213 points. Experts from SportsLine Projection Model are providing NBA predictions and betting advice for this game.
The SportsLine Projection Model, known for its accuracy in NBA predictions, has simulated NBA games 10,000 times and has shown a significant profit for bettors over the past six seasons. Entering the 2025 playoffs, the model has a strong record of 156-115 on top-rated NBA picks since last season.
The model has simulated the Warriors vs. Rockets game 10,000 times and has released its NBA picks and predictions. Here are the betting odds for the game:
- Warriors vs. Rockets Spread: Houston -1
- Warriors vs. Rockets Over/Under: 213 points
- Warriors vs. Rockets Money Line: Houston -119, Golden State -101
- Warriors Against the Spread This Season: 41-39-3
- Rockets Against the Spread This Season: 43-38-1
- Warriors vs. Rockets Picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Rockets Could Cover the Spread
Jalen Green, a guard for the Rockets, is a dynamic player who can create his own shots. This season, he has averaged 21 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He has scored over 20 points in three of his last six games, including a 21-point performance against the Warriors on April 6, where he also had five assists and two steals.
Alperen Sengun, the team`s center, is a significant contributor in the frontcourt, scoring, rebounding, and assisting. He averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game and achieved a career-high of 45 double-doubles this season. In his last game against the Warriors, he recorded 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Why the Warriors Could Cover the Spread
Stephen Curry, the Warriors` guard, is a constant threat due to his exceptional shooting skills, especially from three-point range. Curry is averaging 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, making nearly 40% of his three-point attempts. In the play-in tournament win against the Grizzlies, Curry scored 37 points, with eight rebounds and four assists, and made 6 of 13 three-point shots.
Jimmy Butler, who joined the Warriors, adds a valuable two-way presence to the team. He`s averaging 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Butler has scored 28 or more points in his last four games, including a 38-point game with seven rebounds and six assists in his most recent appearance.
Making Warriors vs. Rockets Picks
SportsLine`s model predicts a high-scoring game between the Warriors and Rockets, leaning towards the Over on the total points, with a projection of 217 combined points. The model also indicates that one side of the spread has a better than 50% chance of hitting. For detailed NBA picks from the model, visit SportsLine.
Who will win between the Warriors and Rockets, and which side of the spread is more likely to be successful? Visit SportsLine to find out the model`s pick for the Warriors vs. Rockets game, from a model with a strong track record in NBA predictions.
Jasper Hawthorne