NBA expert Matt ‘Wag’ Wagner shares his betting picks for Game 3 of the Warriors v Rockets Series
As the series shifts to Houston, there is a growing concern for the Rockets’ guard James Harden. Before I tell you that the Warriors are going to win on Saturday night, the key will be whether or not the blind man himself, James Harden, can be as effective on the court wearing protective eyewear than not wearing it.
This is not confirmed, but reports say Harden could barely see after their Game 2 loss at the Oracle Arena. Last night’s game showed us that although the 3-pointer is the most effective shot in the game, it never guarantees a victory; the Rockets were shooting 42.5% from beyond the arc, in comparison to the Warriors, who shot 30.6%.
But the 24 points that accumulated off of turnovers, and 8 more offensive rebounds is what led to the Warriors’ tally of taking 14 more shots than the Rockets. Thus leading to the all-important and expected 2-0 series lead. That’s how you defend your house.
Last year the Warriors beat the Rockets in Houston to steal Game 1. Even though James Harden dropped 41 points back then, it’s still the goddamn Warriors, and it seems like that won’t change going into Saturday, making it a ‘must win’ situation for the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Win or go home!
A major stat that is differentiating the two teams from one another are the rebounds, specifically offensive rebounds. The Warriors have 16 more offensive rebounds than the Rockets and that has killed the Rockets in attaining second-chance points.
Although James Harden is the reigning MVP and a great scorer, there is no ‘I’ in team. Even though there is a lot of controversy in the Warriors’ locker room over some players wanting out, it seems as if they know it’s their last hoorah together and one last trophy together is essential.
Their togetherness shows; with the Warriors having 48 total assists, doubling more than the Rockets’ 21, in the first 2 games. The Warriors covered the spread in only one of the two games and are being categorized as the underdog going into Houston.
Houston is the favorite to win by -3.5 at -108 which is honestly a fair spread; but mind you, it’s the goddamn Warriors. Even though the Rockets have only lost 10 games at home this season, number 11 is well on its way.
If you think that the Rockets will defend their home turf I cannot fault your decision, but do me a favor: put your shoes on, go outside for a walk, ask yourself, “Why do I think the Rockets will win?”, realize how ridiculous that question sounds, come back home, and bet on the Warriors +3.5 spread at -106. And since I KNOW that the Warriors are going to win, I would double down and bet on Warriors money line at +135.
Wag Out.
