The Golden State Warriors had to put their broomsticks away, losing 128-115 to Houston in Game 4 Monday night. But leading 3-1 in the series, the Warriors have an excellent chance of putting this series to rest at home. Can the home crowd at Oracle Arena spur the Warriors to close out the series? Or will the Rockets live to fight another day? Read on as the experts give their picks for this crucial conference final Game 5.
There’s also our trusty complete preview for the Rockets vs. Warriors Game 5 to get you ready for some action. It’s a different story over in the NHL. The Western Conference Final is as tight as it gets with Anaheim leading Chicago 3-2. Check our out breakdown of the Ducks vs. Blackhawks Game 6.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Experts Predictions for Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors Game 5
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 – Houston Rockets 106 at Golden State Warriors 110
Game 2 – Houston Rockets 98 at Golden State Warriors 99
Game 3 – Golden State Warriors 115 at Houston Rockets 80
Game 4 –Golden State Warriors 115 at Houston Rockets 128
Game 5 – May 27, 9:00 PM ET – Houston Rockets (+10.5) at Golden State Warriors (-10.5); total 216.0 — view all NBA lines
Game 6*– May 29, 9:00 PM ET – Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
Game 7* – May 31, 9:00 PM ET – Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors
*If necessary
Bleacher Report
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Zach Buckley | Warriors 110-102 |
Golden State’s offense primarily revolves around the Splash Brothers. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are averaging a combined 49.1 of the Warriors’ 104.4 points per game this postseason. Curry and Thompson are good and all, but Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes Harrison Barnes may be the X-factor needed to seal this series.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Barnes is just one of four Warriors averaging in double digits with 10.4 points per game in the playoffs. While he doesn’t provide the versatility that Draymond Green brings to the team, he’s a vital piece of Golden State’s game. Barnes can spread the defense as a shooter as well as finish plays above the rim. He can also hold his own against players much bigger than he is. His defense has also been amazing, helping hold Houston’s James Harden to just 17 points on 3 of 16 shooting in Game 3.
Buckley believes the Warriors to take care of business on their home court as long as Curry is healthy. But the Rockets may just have enough fight left in them to take part in a closely-contested game. While Golden State books its first NBA Finals appearance since 1975, Houston covers the +10.5 spread.
Covers
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Covers | Warriors 115-108 |
Count Covers as another expert predicting a Golden State win in Game 5. The site notes Curry scoring 23 points despite suffering a head contusion as a positive. Thompson also climbed out of his rut, making six threes and scoring a personal series-best 24 points.
Having the Splash Brothers both clicking from beyond the arc should boost the Warriors to a win. That’s still without factoring in Draymond Green who’s posted three double-doubles in the series. Green had 21 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in Game 4.
But the Rockets should put on quite a challenge if James Harden continues to play like the MVP runner-up that he was. Harden made seven three-pointers in Game 4, helping him tie the third-most points in Houston playoff history (45). Covers also thinks Houston covers the +10.5 spread.
Basketball Insiders
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Jabari Davis | Warriors (if Curry is healthy) |
Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders expects Golden State coach Steve Kerr to put the clamps on Harden. Another paltry shooting night for the MVP runner-up (like in Game 3) isn’t far-fetched considering Oracle Arena will be rocking with energy from Warriors fans.
With Harden possibly hampered, the job of silencing the Golden State home crowd will fall on the shoulders of Dwight Howard, Josh Smith and Corey Brewer. Howard has been a double-double monster in the conference final averaging 13.5 points and 14 rebounds per game. Smith had his best game of the playoffs with 20 points on 7 of 8 shooting, six rebounds and five assists in Game 4. But Brewer is yet to make a dent averaging just 6.5 points per game this series.
Davis also raises some concern regarding Curry’s condition. But if the reigning MVP is healthy, then Golden State should be able to finish off the Rockets.
The Cavaliers are waiting in the NBA Finals. Think Golden State joins them as these experts predict? Create a betting account now and make your pick.
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