NBA DFS Picks for the Playoffs: Rockets vs Warriors – Game 3

Round 3 of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with a hectic matchup between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. The series stays tied at 1-1, so a win for either side will give them a single-game advantage heading into Game 4.

Take the time to analyze our picks for tonight’s Rockets vs Warriors Game 3 showdown and decide whether they’re something you want to back or ignore!

Houston Rockets Playoff Recap

The Rockets pulled back a 109-94 victory at home on Wednesday, April 23, after starting the series with a 95-85 loss in Game 1 at home. They managed to find solid footing before heading to Golden State’s home arena at Chase Center tonight and will look to steal a win away to take a narrow series lead.

In Game 1, Houston’s center, Alperen Senguin, scored 26 points with 9 rebounds, while teammate Dillon Brooks scored 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Point scoring was scattered between other players, as guard Fred VanVleet, finished with 10 points and 7 assists, and Jabari Smith Jr had 11 points and 6 rebounds. Overall, this wasn’t enough to take the win over the mighty Warriors.

Game 2 was a much-needed improvement from the Rockets, taking the win 109-94 with points scoring led by guard Jalen Green, who put up 38 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Alperen Senguin posted a double-double (17 points and 16 rebounds) to go along with 7 assists. If teammates Dillon Brooks (16 points in Game 2) and Tari Eason (14 points and 6 rebounds in Game 2) can rally behind Green and Senguin once again, Houston will likely find success in Game 3.

Golden State Warriors Playoff Recap

The Warriors started strong against the Rockets with a 10-point margin win to start the series. However, after some necessary changes from Houston’s side, they fell to a 15-point deficit loss in Game 2 on the road. A win for Golden State tonight will be vital, as they’d head into Game 4 at home with a 2-1 series lead looking to extend it to 3-1.

Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry had a spectacular Game 1 against Houston, with Butler posting 25 points, 6 assists and 7 rebounds, compared to Curry’s 31 points, 3 assists and 6 rebounds. Warriors guard Brand Podziemski put up promising results with 14 points, 5 assists and 8 rebounds to help the team seal the win.

Game 2 was rough for Golden State, with only Stephen Curry leading the way with just 20 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds. However, Curry is having a solid playoff run and is averaging 25.5 PPG, 6.0 APG and 5.5 RPG so far, and we expect another 27+ from the Warriors guard tonight. He will have to step up in Game 3, especially with Jimmy Butler (14 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 4.5 RPG in the postseason) suffering a pelvis contusion in Game 2 after playing just 8 minutes. If either Moses Moody (12 points in Game 2), Jonathan Kuminga (11 points in Game 2), Quinton Post (12 points in Game 2) or Pat Spencer (11 points in Game 2) don’t step up in Butler’s place tonight, things could go awry for the Warriors.

Houston vs Warriors Preview & Prediction

Based on how the Warriors have been playing so far, we expect them to take the win at home, even with Jimmy Butler potentially sidelined. Stephen Curry will have to take the lead for Golden State tonight, which is a tall ask without having at least one other teammate supporting him to the basket, but we still think he’s capable of pouring in 27+ points this game.

Golden State’s star has surpassed this point total in six of his last 10 contests dating back to the regular season. The Warriors have a chance to take home-court advantage in this series, and they’ll need a big night from Curry to take it.

Our Pick: Stephen Curry to Record 27+ Points