NBA Notes/Picks Wednesday 4/30

Two games on Wednesday night.

WARRIORS @ ROCKETS GAME 5

Well Jimmy Butler did end up playing in game 4 and Golden State exploded offensively. In fact, it was the first good offensive game of the series for the Warriors.

Now it may look like Houston had a great offensive night also... and they kinda did... but it was definitely boosted by an outstanding night shooting the 3 ball. If you take away the 3PT shooting, Houston's offense wasn't all that great. And I very seriously doubt we can count on the Rockets to shoot 48% from 3 again.

So even though the final score was close... Golden State's offense was a lot more efficient than the Rockets... which is not great heading into game 5. But I do have some good news for the Rockets. Their defense has been rock solid at home this year. In fact, they're 4th in the NBA behind OKC, LAC, ORL.

And we've seen it in this series. Golden State's offense looked really bad in games 1 and 2 while in Houston. Granted, Jimmy Butler got hurt towards the end of the 1st quarter of game 2. But regardless, this Rockets defense was giving the Warriors all kinds of problems in both home games.

Also, Houston was much better on the boards in those two home games as well. We saw Golden State grabbing offensive rebounds on the Rockets in game 4... that's unusual. Game 5 back in Houston... we should see the Rockets clean up the glass again.

I think it's a solid matchup for the Rockets... I do think they win game 5. The problem is... they're really pushing it with this line at 4.5. I think I'm gonna bet the Rockets... but I don't think this is a smart bet.