Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 20/04/2025, 08:03  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 20/04/2025 at 08:06 in NBA Predictions

The final Game 1 match in the first round of the NBA Playoffs will come from the Toyota Center on Sunday when the Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets are the number two seed, while the Warriors are number seven. Let’s get into the match prediction. 

The Houston Rockets have been one of the biggest surprise packages this year, finishing the season with a record of 52-18, while they locked up the number two seed with several games to spare.

What makes their record all the more impressive is that Alphren Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr, are all under 23 years old but played like seasoned veterans in a team that prioritises team ball. 

That same quartet of players will be making their Playoff debut in this match. However, they were responsible for helping this Rockets team become the youngest in franchise history to post 50+ wins in a season. 

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are back in the Playoffs after missing out last season and secured their spot in this contest with a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the week. 

GSW looked as though they would struggle to reach the Playoffs, as they were lacking a spark during the season, but that changed drastically after acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. 

Since his arrival, the Warriors have gone 24-7 with Butler in the team, and 23-5 with him, Stephen Curry and Draymond on the court.