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Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets will square off Thursday night / Friday morning (European time) in a match between two of the highest paced teams in the NBA.
The Warriors (16-2, 7-1 home) are riding a 12 match winning streak and are looking like the best team in the NBA after a few struggles early in the season. Their excellent form might be even better than expected, considering the huge addition of Kevin Durant in the summer. It could have taken more time for him to get adjusted, but the talent is so high in this team that they started clicking almost immediately. Nevertheless, the Warriors still have and will keep having problems with their inside defense – their only weak point right now.
Houston (11-7, 7-5 away) is having surprising success under Mike D’Antoni. His hiring at the start of the year did not look good, as his last jobs in the NBA have been largely unsuccessful, but his style of high tempo offense and spreading the floor (which he pretty much invented) made an instant click with Houston’s roster, especially with James Harden, one of the most gifted offensive superstars in the NBA, but a guy who does not want to defend.
Bet on Warriors vs. Rockets and claim your 100% (100 Euro) bonus at Ohmbet now!The joke about D’Antoni has always been that he should be called Mike Antoni, because there is no “D” in his game. Houston is playing some great efficient offensive basketball this year and Golden State is no different. With (by far) the best shooting backcourt in the NBA, the Warriors are putting up more than 117 points per game.
- The average of points scored in Golden State’s games this season is 225
- The average of points scored in Houston’s games this season is 215.6
Both the above averages are below today’s points total line, but that doesn`t mean much, as these two teams have to play many defensive minded sides, which drag down those stats. When they match up together, the pace should be blitzing fast and they will each get much more possessions.
Both teams are fabulous in offense and their weakness is defensively. They should exploit each other’s weaknesses, meaning they will put up points on the board. Many 3 pointers on the cards as well, as Houston just broke the record for most consecutive games with 10 or more 3 pointers (17), while the Golden State Warriors are the best 3 point shooting team in the history of the NBA.
- Golden State and Houston are ranked 1 and 4 in offensive efficiency
- Golden State and Houston are ranked 1 and 6 in assists
- Golden State and Houston are ranked 1 and 2 in Field Goal %
The points line might seem high at 229, but actually it’s rather low and I wouldn`t be surprised if it increases by a few points until game time – it`s already going that way. Fact is that these two teams can put up 250 together if they shoot well from the field. It`s simple math – considering the high pace these two play at and anticipating an average shooting percentage from both, over 230 points should be expected.
My tip is over 229 points to be scored. Of course this bet can easily lose if the two teams have a rubbish shooting night, but chances for that to happen are rather slim – because both play run & gun basketball, so there will be many free layups and open looks (especially from behind the arc). Prediction: Golden State Warriors – Houston Rockets 128 – 110.
Pick: over 229 points
Odds: 1.91 @ Betsafe
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 8.19
Event date: 2 December
