NBA

Rockets vs Warriors

Two young stars, one Bay bridge too far?

Houston Rockets

Rockets (52-30) VS Golden State Warriors (48-34)

28 Apr 2025 | 10:00 PM ET | Chase Center, San Francisco

Golden State Warriors
Moneyline Pick - Houston Rockets (+143): B+

With their backs against the wall in Game 4, the Rockets ride into the Bay looking to extend the series after finding their rhythm late in Game 3. Houston’s pace-and-space attack, led by youthful energy and a healthy core, gives them a real shot against a Warriors squad still dealing with lingering injury concerns and heavy minutes on their veteran legs. Golden State’s home-court advantage and playoff pedigree remain major factors, but the Rockets’ fresher legs and balanced scoring threaten to flip the pressure back onto the home side.

In a pivotal postseason spot where urgency ramps up for both clubs, Houston’s ability to push tempo and attack mismatches could expose Golden State’s thinning rotation. With momentum shifting and the Warriors showing signs of fatigue late in games, grabbing the Rockets at plus money offers real value as they fight to send the series back to Houston. Expect fireworks—and a tight finish.

Over/Under Pick - Over 203 (-110): B

The Warriors’ perimeter firepower meets a Rockets team scrambling to avoid a series sweep, and that desperation should fuel a faster tempo in Game 4. Despite Houston missing key frontcourt pieces, their young guards continue to drive an up-tempo attack that matches up well against Golden State’s quick-strike offense. The Warriors, thriving at home, are poised to exploit their small-ball spacing to full effect, while Houston leans on defensive intensity to try and slow the barrage. With playoff urgency thick on both benches and concentrated minutes around offensive stars, the chances of a half-court slog feel slim.

Both squads benefit from two full days’ rest, meaning fresher legs and sharper shooting, especially beyond the arc. With neither team boasting elite rim protection at the moment and both favoring transition scoring, the modest total set by oddsmakers looks a shade too low. Given the high shot volume and quick possessions likely in a must-win setting for Houston, the over shapes up as the smarter lean tonight.

Spread Pick - Houston, +3.5 (-105): B+
Stephen Curry’s flamethrower nights keep the Dubs dangerous, yet Golden State drags a three-game skid into tip-off, while Clutch City rides a four-game surge that has them sniffing the West’s third seed. Draymond Green’s lingering ankle issue and Klay Thompson’s minutes cap trim the Warriors’ defensive punch, whereas Alperen Şengün is trending healthy after a mild knee scare, giving Houston its full starting five. Jalen Green has averaged 26.4 points in his last five Chase Center visits, and Fred VanVleet’s 2.9-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio against Golden State blunts their switching scheme. With postseason positioning on the line and both clubs past the 41-game bar, the younger Rockets’ fresher legs and deeper bench make the +3.5 cushion enticing at nearly even money. [1][2]
Share this post

Get the best odds on this prediction

Use our Live Odds Tool to get the best price on your favourite picks