NBA Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Game 1 Spread and Prediction

Date/Time: 05-14-2018, 21:00 EDT

Spread: Houston Rockets -1.5

Total: +223.5

The squads with the best two best record in the West are clashing in game 1 of the Western Conference Finals after both eliminating their rivals in the second round with 4-1 wins, as the first-seeded Houston Rockets (65-17), are hosting the defending champions and second-seeded Golden State Warriors (58-24).

Golden State had a 58-24 record in the regular season and finished in the second place of the West. In the first round they eliminated San Antonio 4-1 wins, in the semifinals they eliminated New Orleans 4-1 wins as well and they are 5-1 in their last 6 games. Houston had a 65-17 record in the regular season and finished in the first place of the West and the whole NBA. In the first round they eliminated Minnesota 4-1 wins, in the semifinals they eliminated Utah 4-1 wins as well and they are 6-1 in their last seven games.

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Warriors are led in scoring by Kevin Durant with 28 ppg, adding 8 boards and 5 dimes per game. Steph Curry follows with 24.5 ppg and 5.2 boards per game, while Klay Thompson adds 21.2 ppg. Rockets are led in scoring by James Harden with 28.5 ppg, adding 5 boards and a team-best 7.4 dimes per game. Chris Paul follows with 21.8 ppg and 6.4 dimes per game, while Clint Capela adds 14.4 ppg and a team-best 12.2 boards per game.

In their three previous meetings earlier this season, Rockets lead 2-1 wins with each team having won once in Houston. Houston are 39-8 at home this season, while Golden State are 31-14 on the road. Golden State are better offensively, with a second-best 110.3 ppg, while Houston follow third with 109.5. Houston are better defensively, allowing a second-best 100.1 ppg, while Golden State follow third with 101.6. Golden State have a better accuracy from the field, shooting with 46.9% to Houston’s 44.6%, while Houston have a better accuracy from behind the arc, shooting with 35.3% to Golden State’s 32.9%. Golden State grab more rebounds (48.4 to 43.8) and dish more assists (28.8 to 20.6), while Houston commit fewer turnovers per game (9.7 to 13.4). Rockets seem extremely powerful in the postseason as well and expect them to open this Western Conference Finals series with a victory at home.

Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Game 1 Prediction: Houston Rockets -1.5 (-108)