Golden State (1-0) at Houston (0-1)
- When: Apr 23 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX, USA
- TV: TNT
NBA Playoffs Game 2 Preview: Warriors vs. Rockets
Spread: Houston -3.5 | Total: 205.0
Houston Rockets Outlook & Betting Angle
The Houston Rockets head into Game 2 with a sense of urgency after a frustrating 95-85 loss in the opener. Despite dominating the glass with a 22-6 edge in offensive rebounds, Houston failed to convert those opportunities into consistent scoring, managing just 22 second-chance points. Overall, the Rockets shot just 39.1% from the field and a paltry 6-for-29 from deep—both key reasons they couldn’t capitalize on their extra possessions.
Head coach Ime Udoka emphasized the need for cleaner execution on open looks and putbacks, particularly if the Rockets want to avoid heading to San Francisco in an 0-2 hole. Jalen Green (21.1 ppg) and Alperen Sengün (19.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg) will be leaned on heavily to bounce back offensively. Sengün’s presence inside could lead to a strong player prop play on Over 10.5 rebounds, given his dominance on the glass in Game 1.
Bench spark Jabari Smith Jr. was perfect from the field and contributed meaningful hustle stats, suggesting Over 8.5 points may be worth a look as a sneaky value play.
Prediction: Houston will shoot better and tighten up offensively. Back the Rockets to cover the -3.5 spread in a bounce-back spot at home.
Golden State Warriors Outlook & Betting Angle
Golden State did just enough in Game 1 to steal home-court advantage, thanks in large part to the veteran brilliance of Stephen Curry and the two-way dominance of Jimmy Butler. Curry dropped 31 points and drilled five triples, including a backbreaker from 34 feet late in the fourth quarter. Bettors should expect Curry to remain a go-to scorer, making Over 3.5 three-pointers a viable prop bet.
Jimmy Butler has added a playoff-caliber edge to Golden State’s game. After torching Memphis in the play-in and stuffing the stat sheet in Game 1 with 25-7-6-5, his all-around impact is undeniable. For props, Over 5.5 assists or Over 1.5 steals stand out based on usage and recent form.
Golden State’s 47.4% shooting and +6 advantage from three-point range were decisive, but they must tighten up on the boards. Kevon Looney will need a stronger showing on the glass to avoid letting Sengün and Houston create second-chance chaos.
Prediction: While the Warriors have playoff pedigree, Houston’s desperation and youth-driven energy should prevail in Game 2. Expect a tighter game but a Houston win by 5–8 points.
Final Score Prediction: Houston 104, Golden State 98Best Bets: Rockets -3.5
Total: Under 205.0
Sengün Over 10.5 Rebounds
Curry Over 3.5 Made Threes
Butler Over 23.5 Points
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
