Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 05/04/25

It is win-or-go home for the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors Sunday night in round one of the Western Conference playoffs. The Warriors had a commanding three games to one lead in this series going into game five, but just like 2016, they are a game away from being unable to close their opponent out. The young Rockets weren’t given much of a chance in this series heading in, and even less of a fighting chance when they were facing elimination, but through gritty performances in the last two games are now one win away from advancing to the second round.

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has done a great job in his first two seasons leading the Rockets. Udoka made the adjustment in game five to begin blitzing Stephen Curry when he has the ball outside the three-point arc. The blitz has not been a standard double team, but instead he has brought multiple defenders at Curry to create a wall in front of him, blocking all passing lanes. The strategy has limited Curry’s options and has resulted in eight turnovers to only nine assists from Curry in the last two defeats. With this being a game seven, Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr will need to find an adjustment for his team to help them regain the upper hand. This could come in the form of Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler III bringing the ball up the court, and Curry playing more off the ball. Overall, I’m putting more trust in the Warriors and their experience in this game seven. The Rockets are one of the younger teams in the league with an average age slightly below 25. The Warriors have been in game sevens before, and they know what it takes to win. If the Rockets can overcome the Warriors’ experience and win this game, it would be a huge step for their franchise. One that they might not be ready to make yet.

Warriors +120 is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.