Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions November 2nd 2024

Rockets vs Warriors November 2nd 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Rockets (-205) will host the Warriors (+174) in a Western Conference matchup. The over/under line is currently set at 217.

Golden State comes into the game with a 4-1 record, while the Rockets are 3-2. NBCS will have the TV coverage for this game.

Warriors vs. Rockets Key Information

The Warriors improved to 4-1 on the season with a 104-89 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday. Golden State, favored by 3.5 points, covered the spread at home. The game’s total points of 193 fell well short of the 218.5 O/U line.

After New Orleans went on a 10-0 run early, the Warriors responded by outscoring them 31-22 in the 3rd quarter. Golden State entered the 4th quarter with a 79-66 lead and edged the Pelicans 25-23 in the final period.

In their win over the Pelicans, the Warriors shot 47.1% from the field and made 13 threes at a 34.2% clip. Buddy Hield led the way with 21 points, hitting 4 threes at 33.3%, while Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points, and Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 15 points on 77.8% shooting.

Hield scored 9 points in the 4th quarter, and Kuminga also added 10 points in the final period. Draymond Green had 14 points, with 8 coming in the 2nd quarter and 6 more in the 3rd.

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The Warriors’ defense was on point against the Pelicans, holding them to just 89 points in Wednesday’s win. Golden State gave up 20 points in the 1st quarter, 24 in the 2nd, 22 in the 3rd, and 23 in the 4th.

Overall, the Pelicans shot 36% from the field, including 30% from three-point range with 11 made threes. New Orleans also went 12/20 from the free-throw line. The Warriors grabbed 29 defensive rebounds, allowed 18 offensive boards, and added 5 steals and 9 blocks.

The Rockets moved to 3-2 on the season with a 108-102 road win over the Mavericks on Thursday. Houston entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs and not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The total score of 210 points fell short of the 226-point O/U line.

Houston set the tone early, jumping out to a 34-21 lead in the 1st quarter. They maintained their lead through the 2nd and 3rd quarters, going into the 4th with an 88-72 advantage. Despite being outscored 30-20 in the final period, the Rockets held on for the win.

In their win over the Pelicans, the Warriors shot 47.1% from the field, with a 34.2% mark from beyond the arc, hitting 13 threes. Buddy Hield led the way with 21 points, connecting on 4 threes at 33.3% efficiency.

Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points, with 10 coming in the 4th quarter. Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 15 points, shooting 77.8% from the field, and added 8 points in the 3rd quarter.

Defensively, the Rockets held the Mavericks to 102 points on Thursday, allowing 21 points in the 1st quarter and 23 in the 2nd. Dallas scored 28 in the 3rd and 30 in the 4th, shooting 45% from the field.

Houston limited the Mavericks to 10 made threes on 33% shooting from deep. Dallas also went 14/20 from the free-throw line. The Rockets gave up 10 offensive rebounds while recording 4 steals and 4 blocks.

We’re putting our money on the Rockets to win, and have the projected score sitting at 144-98. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Rockets at -5.5.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 217 and given that our model is projecting 242 points between the teams, we like the over.

Warriors’ Defense to Be Tested by Resilient Rockets in Houston Showdown

The Golden State Warriors are set to test their defensive resolve once more as they visit the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Fresh off a stifling 104-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors leaned heavily on defense to compensate for Stephen Curry’s absence, a role they’ll likely continue against an improving Rockets team led by Jalen Green.

Warriors Find Defensive Stride Without Curry

Without Curry, who’s sidelined due to a left ankle strain, Golden State has focused on heightening defensive intensity. In their recent doubleheader against the Pelicans, the Warriors held their opponents to under 37 percent shooting in Thursday’s matchup, an impressive display of defensive cohesion. Draymond Green, in particular, set the tone, tallying five blocks—four of which came against Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson, who struggled, shooting just 5-for-20 from the field.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has leaned on Green’s defensive versatility and Kyle Anderson’s smart positioning to adjust for Curry’s absence. Together, they bring a mix of aggressiveness and control that has allowed Golden State to disrupt offensive schemes with timely blocks, traps, and switching to limit scoring opportunities.

“We’re able to be a little more aggressive,” Kerr explained. “We may not have forced as many turnovers, but we had more options to blitz and trap, which gives us a different angle defensively.” This versatility has been crucial in keeping the Warriors competitive without their MVP leader.

Rockets Show Resilience and Growth

The Rockets, led by second-year head coach Ime Udoka, have also embraced a more focused, collective approach, evidenced in Thursday’s 108-102 road win over the Dallas Mavericks. Houston initially dominated, amassing a 23-point lead in the third quarter, but faced a challenging stretch as Dallas closed the gap. Unlike past seasons, the Rockets maintained their composure and managed to close out the game, showcasing maturity and poise under pressure.

Jalen Green, in particular, was key in calming the offense, breaking a shooting slump early in the fourth quarter to maintain a narrow lead. His mix of athleticism and shot-making ability, combined with Alperen Sengun’s inside presence, helped the Rockets hold off a surging Mavericks team, as Green finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Udoka emphasized that this resilience is a sign of growth: “This is a good barometer for us… It was great to see us withstand that and come out with the victory. Last year, we might’ve let this one slip.”

Key Matchups and Keys to Victory

With Curry still out, the Warriors’ success may hinge on their ability to slow down Houston’s dynamic scorers, particularly Green and Sengun. Golden State’s defensive prowess will need to be in top form, especially when facing the physical, fast-paced attack that Udoka has instilled in the Rockets. For Houston, finding consistent offense from their supporting cast—players like Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson—will be essential in putting pressure on the Warriors.

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In addition, rebounding and controlling the tempo will be key for both teams. The Rockets’ ability to hit the boards and limit Golden State’s second-chance opportunities could provide them with the edge they need, especially if they can exploit the Warriors’ potential fatigue on the road.

Looking Ahead

With the Warriors on a five-game road trip, their performance against a resilient, fast-developing Houston squad will set the tone for what lies ahead. For the Rockets, a victory would provide a significant morale boost and affirm their progress under Udoka. Either way, both teams have something to prove as they face off in this compelling Western Conference clash.