Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors Predictions, Picks and Preview – 2016 NBA Playoffs – Western Conference First Round Game Three – April 21, 2016

Stephen Curry was in street clothes, but his absence didn’t stop the Golden State Warriors from taking the first two games of their series against the Houston Rockets in Oakland. The Warriors’ depth could mean that they can afford to let Curry take another day of rest, granted they already own a big 2-0 lead.

The Rockets won’t back down without a fight, though, especially in the first game in Houston. This could be their time to strike with Curry possibly sitting out or playing hobbled on the floor. Get everything you need to know heading into this matchup with our complete preview below. Dive even deeper into NBA Playoffs with our complete Game 3 previews for the Pacers vs. Raptors and Mavericks vs. Thunder.

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Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors Game 3 Preview

Where: Toyota Center, Houston

When: Thursday, April 21, 9:30 PM ET

Line: Houston Rockets (+6) vs. Golden State Warriors (-6); total 217.0 – view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast: TNT

Betting on the Houston Rockets

James Harden’s 28 points and 11 assists couldn’t make a dent even with Stephen Curry out in Game 2 as the Rockets lost 115-106. Harden has now averaged 22.5 points in this series but he could be up for a much better performance when the series switches over to Toyota Center for Games 3 and 4. He’s averaging 29.1 points per game at home, while making 3.1 threes per outing.

Harden has been incredible in Houston this April. He’s averaged 37.3 points in his last four games at the Toyota Center. He’s also made sure to get his teammates involved with 8.3 assists per game. He can’t do it all alone; Harden will need plenty of help from the rest of the Rockets if they are to cut down Golden State’s 2-0 series lead.

Trevor Ariza will need to play much better from the wing. He hasn’t scored in double digits in the playoffs after averaging 12.7 points per game in the regular season. Dwight Howard could also be of help after putting up double-doubles in the first two games in Oakland. Howard has been a force to be reckoned with against Golden State, averaging 15.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

Howard is a valuable asset for Houston, but he may not be utilized efficiently if the Rockets fall behind early. Houston hasn’t been too good defensively, finishing the regular season with 106.5 points allowed per game (25th in the league). They allowed 109.5 points per game through the first two games of the series.

If Houston allows the Warriors to build an early lead, then they’ll need a much faster pace with their guards. Slowing down the game will be key as they attempt to use Howard as a strong scorer in the paint, while being a lockdown rim defender.

The Rockets are 4-2 SU/ATS in their last six games at home.

Betting on the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are ridiculously deep. They didn’t seem to miss a step in dispatching Houston in Game 2 even without Stephen Curry on the court. Draymond Green was their leader on the court, barely missing out on a triple double with 12 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. He even added two steals and a block.

Shaun Livingston had a serviceable outing replacing Curry in the starting lineup. He finished with 16 points on 7 of 9 shooting and six assists. But he doesn’t offer the kind of three-point shooting that Curry. Livingston didn’t even attempt a three-pointer in Game 2.

Missing their MVP may mean that the Warriors may not have as much prowess from deep. Klay Thompson made 3 of 8 threes, while Andre Iguodala made 4 of 6. But no else, made more than one three-pointer among the rest of the Warriors. Having Curry out gives the Rockets one less player to guard, which means that their defense will be free to lock down on specific matchups.

Getting Curry back on the court will be a big boost to the Warriors. He burned Houston with five three-pointers in Game 1. He averaged 5.5 three-pointers on 44 percent shooting from deep in two regular season games against the Rockets. An MRI on Curry’s ankle Tuesday revealed nothing to be worried about, which makes it possible that he starts in Game 3.

The Warriors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 trips to Toyota Center.

Writer’s Prediction

The Rockets (+6.5) steal Game 3 through big games from Harden and Howard.

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