Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Prediction 4/20/25 NBA Picks

Houston Rockets Betting Preview 

The Houston Rockets haven’t played in a week and haven’t won a game since April 6. The Rockets are in the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season when Mike D'Antoni was head coach. 

The Houston Rockets are averaging 114.3 points on 45.5 percent shooting and allowing 109.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Jalen Green is averaging 21 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds. Fred VanVleet is the third double-digit scorer, and Amen Thompson is grabbing 8.2 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc and 73.8 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48.5 rebounds per game.

Why the Houston Rockets will win

• The Rockets have won 14 of their last 15 Western Conference First Round games at Toyota Center.
• The Warriors have lost each of their last four playoff games against Western Conference opponents following a win.
• The Warriors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five night games following a home win.
• The home team has covered the spread in each of the Warriors' last five playoff games.

Why the Golden State Warriors will win

• The Warriors have won each of their last six road games.
• The Rockets have lost each of their last four playoff games.
• The Warriors have covered the spread in each of their last six games at Toyota Center.
• The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five home games against Warriors teams that held a winning record.

Houston Rockets Player Facts

• Fred VanVleet ranks 8th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.6) this season.
• Jabari Smith Jr. is one of only 25 players to have scored 30+ points off the bench in a game this season.

Golden State Warriors Player Facts

• Jimmy Butler has recorded three career playoff triple-doubles.
• Gary Payton II ranks 8th amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.0) this season.

Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Injury Report 

The Rockets will be without Jabari Smith Jr., Jae'Sean Tate, and Jock Landale.

The Warriors don’t have any players listed on their injury report.

Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Prediction

This series is the one I’ve gone back and forth with because you can make a strong case for either side. I’d probably give the Warriors the edge because of the experience, but the Rockets are the deeper team with a youth, and athleticism advantage, and they play with a defensive mindset that can frustrate teams. The Rockets play with an attitude and they frustrated the Warriors and Curry earlier this month. The Rockets may be young, but the talent and confidence is there. This team won’t back down. The value is with the Rockets and in this pick 'em spot at home, as this line isn’t showing any respect.