Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets Predictions, Picks and Preview – 2016 NBA Playoffs – Western Conference First Round Game Four – April 24, 2016

Stephen Curry was finally missed in Game 3 as the Houston Rockets took a game from the No. 1 seed Golden State Warriors. But after a two-game absence, the reigning MVP now looks ready to make his return in Game 4 in Houston. Do the Rockets have enough firepower to steal another game against a full-strength Warriors team?

Get a complete breakdown of this Western Conference Game 4 below. And for more Sunday NBA playoff action, check out our preview of the Spurs vs. Grizzlies Game 4.

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Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets Game 4 Preview

Where: Toyota Center, Houston

When: Sunday, April 24, 2016, 3:30 PM ET

Line: Golden State Warriors (-9) at Houston Rockets (+9); total 217.5 – view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast: ABC

Betting on the Golden State Warriors

Even without Stephen Curry for the second-straight game due to his troublesome ankle, the Golden State Warriors very nearly got another win to go 3-0 up on the Houston Rockets. They probably should’ve won too, as the NBA admitted there was a missed offensive foul call on Harden’s game-winner.

It’s a testament to the Warriors’ poise – and the Rockets’ lack thereof – in the final minutes that they even had a shot of winning despite missing the league MVP. Shaun Livingston has stepped up big time, putting up 16 points in each of the last two games as a starter.

But the Dubs most likely won’t have to deal with missing Curry again with the superstar guard finally expected to return for Game 4.

It remains to be seen whether Curry will be back to his MVP-caliber self right off the bat, but his mere presence should do wonders to a Warriors offense that just isn’t the same without him. Klay Thompson, in particular, should benefit from the return of his Splash Brother, who can reduce the pressure on him. Thompson struggled with his shot in Game 3, going just 7-of-20 from the field and 0-of-7 from three.

With Curry in the lineup, the Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six visits to Houston.

Betting on the Houston Rockets

As long as James Harden is around, the Rockets have a chance to be reasonably competitive against the Warriors. Harden was at his all-around best in Game 3. He put up 35 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and hit the clutch jumper to put them up for good.

About that jumper, though. Harden’s teammates didn’t look too happy he made it, which is pretty telling. This is a team that’s had chemistry issues all season long, and judging from their reactions, they just seem ready for their season to end.

They just barely got the win against a Curry-less Warriors team at home, which isn’t a great sign. They were also stomped by 26 in Game 1 with Curry in the lineup. With the Warriors back to full strength, can the Rockets get themselves up for another game in a series they most likely have no shot at winning?

All that said, though, there’s still a case to be made for the Rockets to at least cover. They are nine-point home underdogs, a pretty significant number no matter the opponent. There are also the lingering doubts over Curry’s ankle and whether he can come back 100 percent. And of course, there’s always the possibility Harden almost singlehandedly carries his team to respectability.

Writer’s Prediction

Curry sparks the Warriors (-9) to a 110-99 road win over the Rockets.

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