Warriors vs Rockets Prediction, Props, and Best Bets NBA Game 5
John Canady
Host · Writer
On Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors are set for a showdown against the Houston Rockets in Game 5. Golden State enters this matchup with a 3-1 series lead and an opportunity to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Semifinal Round. Meanwhile, the Rockets will come out swinging with their backs against the wall and their home fans behind them as they hope to extend this series to a Game 6.
Warriors vs Rockets
- Location: Toyota Center (Houston)
- Where to Watch: TNT/truTV/Max
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Spread: Rockets -4 | Total: 204
- Moneyline: Rockets -174 | Warriors +146
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.
Warriors vs Rockets Best Bet: Warriors ML +146
The Warriors enter this matchup as the underdog despite having a firm grasp on the series lead. Houston will be ready to roll on Wednesday, hoping the energy from their home fans will help them force a Game 6. However, Golden State has multiple players and a head coach who have been in this situation more than a handful of times throughout their careers. I expect the Warriors to understand the importance of closing out the Rockets and earning much-needed rest ahead of Round 2.
Warriors vs Rockets Best Total Bet: Over 204
As the two teams continue to adjust in this series, they have succeeded in finding ways to put up points in this low-scoring series. In Monday’s matchup, the two squads combined for 215 total points. Assuming the trend follows Game 4’s results, I see them exceeding the 204-point set total.
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Warriors Best Player Bet: Jimmy Butler III Over 5.5 Assists +118
Jimmy Butler III has proved to be an X-Factor in this series when he’s been on the court. In Game 2, the Warriors forward played eight minutes after an injury forced him to leave. As a result, Butler missed Game 3 before returning in Game 4. In the two games in which the Marquette product has played, he’s finished with six assists in each. Considering Butler plays the game the right way and doesn’t allow his ego to get in the way of that, I expect the veteran to have another solid game as a playmaker, doing what it takes to help his squad win.
Rockets Best Player Bet: Fred VanVleet to Score 20+ Points +320
The Rockets signed Fred VanVleet in free agency a couple of years back for moments like this. Playoff basketball is where the guard has shown the most promise, and it is arguably the main reason he earned the big payday after proving his importance with the Toronto Raptors during their Championship run in 2018. VanVleet regressed this season, averaging 14.1 points, and so far through the postseason, his struggles have persisted.
However, the 31-year-old has played 40+ minutes in each of the first four games in this series, and with his extended minutes, he’s seeing plenty of offensive opportunities. Coming off a 25-point performance in Game 4, it won’t be a surprise to see VanVleet remain aggressive in this matchup, understanding how an offensive resurgence for him could help his squad.
