Thursday, May 21, 2015

Western Conference Finals - Game 2

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The Houston Rockets take on the Golden State Warriors on Thursday in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The opening line has the Warriors as 10.5 point favorites and the over/under is set at 220.

Going into Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Warriors were 4-0 against the Rockets averaging over 15 points margin of victory a game.

It didn't start off well as Dwight Howard was injured towards the end of the first quarter leading to the Rockets getting outscored by 10 in the second quarter. He came back later in the game but wasn't nearly as effective so that will be something to keep an eye on in Game 2. Even with the injury to Howard, Houston's bench helped the Rockets get out to a 16 point lead with about seven minutes left in the first quarter before Golden State's bench helped them to come roaring back. Steph Curry then knocked down a three-pointer to take the lead going into halftime. Curry ended the game with 34 points, six rebounds and five assists.

In the second half, the Rockets tried to stay close and finally evened the score when James Harden tied the game up at 97-97 with five minutes left in the game. However, the Warriors went on an 11-0 run which proved to be too much for the Rockets to overcome. Harden had a great effort in this one with 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists but he's going to need more help if they want to take Game 2 in this series.

Head-to-head, the under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings. The Rockets are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Houston Rockets Betting Trends

Houston Rockets are 56-38-1 Against the Spread

Houston Rockets are 50-45-0 against the Over/Under

Golden State Warriors Betting Trends

Golden State Warriors are 51-38-4 Against the Spread

Golden State Warriors are 41-51-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Houston Rockets

05/19/15 C Dwight Howard Knee injured last game, "?" Thursday vs. Golden State
04/19/15 G K.J. McDaniels Elbow out indefinitely
04/08/15 F Donatas Motiejunas Back out for season
03/30/15 G Patrick Beverley Wrist out for season

Golden State Warriors

05/20/15 F Marreese Speights Calf out indefinitely
05/03/15 C Ognjen Kuzmic Ankle out indefinitely

Guy's Pick: Take the Warriors

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