Emirates NBA Cup Predictions Today: Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Odds on December 11

Expect fireworks when the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors clash in the knockout quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup this Wednesday at the Toyota Center.

(Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Houston and Golden State made it through the knockout stages after topping their respective groups with identical 3-1 (win-loss) records.

• Early Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors betting lines have Jalen Green and the Rockets as the slight three-point favorite in this matchup.
• Houston heads into this matchup in high spirits following a dominant road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday while the Warriors overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106.
• It is, however, worth noting that Stephen Curry and the Warriors have beaten the same Rockets team by six points in each of their two meetings so far this season.

Will the Warriors continue its mastery over the Rockets or will Houston break its dry spell versus Golden State and move into the next round?

As of press time, here’s how the current Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors odds look like as we head into this exciting do-or-die affair that could potentially be decided in the waning seconds of the game.

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors DraftKings NBA Odds for December 11

Moneyline

• Houston Rockets: -148
• Golden State Warriors: +124

Spread

• Houston Rockets: -3 (-108)
• Golden State Warriors: +3 (-112)

Over/Under (Total)

• OVER 222.5 (-108)
• UNDER 222.5 (-112)

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Injury Report

Houston Rockets Injury Report

• No Injuries

Golden State Warriors Injury Report

1. Andrew Wiggins – Ankle – Day-to-Day
2. Moses Moody - Knee - Day-to-Day
3. DeAnthony Melton – Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Out

Best NBA odds for Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors

• The Houston Rockets have been more than impressive at home as far as covering the spread is concerned, posting a 9-3 Against-The-Spread (ATS) slate. The best Houston Rockets odds for the home team to cover the spread are available on BetMGM a -110.
• The Golden State Warriors have beaten the Houston Rockets twice this season and for their past 15 meetings. FanDuel has the best odds for the Warriors to win outright +128
• Offensive fireworks are always in full display when the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors collide with the over hitting in four of their previous six matchups. The best Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors odds for the over are available on DraftKings at -108.

Why will the Houston Rockets cover the spread?

Crafty court general Fred VanVleet was on the sidelines on Sunday due to a knee injury but it didn’t stop the Houston Rockets from returning to the win column as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers to end their three-game road trip on a high note.

• Leading scorer Jalen Green took matters into his own hands as he exploded for 31 points while Amen Thompson added a season-high 22 markers for the Rockets who recorded its 16th win of the season.

VanVleet expected to play against the Golden State Warriors and that could play a significant factor in helping the Rockets move into the semifinal round of the Emirates NBA Cup.

• Averaging 16 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, the 30-year old VanVleet has been struggling to find his rhythm this year but he is most recently coming off a season-high game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder wherein he exploded for 38 points on 55.6% shooting from three.

Should VanVleet regain his shooting touch against the Warriors and the Rockets get the usual contributions from Green, Alperen Sengun, and their supporting cast, backing them to cover the spread is something worth considering at these current odds.

Of course, dominating the offensive end is only half battle as the Rockets will also need to tighten its perimeter defense and win the battle of the boards. It can be recalled that Houston allowed Golden State to shoot 46.9% from the three-point area in their first encounter.

While they were able to limit the Warriors to just 32.1% shooting from three in their second matchup, the Rockets lost the rebounding battle 54-45 and what’s even worse is they gave up 11 second chance opportunities.

• Fortunately for the Rockets, they have seemingly addressed their rebounding and defensive woes as evident by their performance on Sunday where they out-rebounded the Clippers and forced them to shoot a dismal from rainbow country.

All things considered, there could be value towards picking the Rockets to advance and move into the next round, especially with the struggles the Warriors are currently facing on the road.

For context, the Warriors have lost three consecutive road games, with their last victory away from home coming in last November 22 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Why will the Golden State Warriors cover the spread?

Down by as many as 12 early on, the Golden State Warriors ignited a massive comeback to frustrate the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106 and return to the win column after losing six of their previous seven games.

• Franchise superstar Stephen Curry remained on target, recording 30 points on 5-for-11 shooting from three but new acquisition Buddy Hield was the X-factor for the Warriors on the victory as he finally broke a scoring dry spell.
• Only scoring a total of 15 points in the past three games, the 31-year old Hield exploded 27 points on top of four rebounds, three steals, and two assists while converting seven of his 13 attempts from three.

Hield’s offensive explosion comes at a perfect time as the Warriors take on the Houston Rockets next for a spot in the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals.

• It can be recalled that Hield also scored 27 points on 60% shooting from three the last time he played against the Rockets.

With Curry and Hield on target and considering the Warriors recent record versus the Rockets, backing the road team to cover the spread and potentially win outright might appeal for punters looking for betting angles on the underdog.

It is worth noting that the Warriors did not only beat the Rockets twice this season but they have also won 15 straight meetings and eight in a row on the road.

Final Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors NBA Prediction: Golden State Warriors ML +124

Without looking at the odds, I was initially under the impression that the Golden State Warriors were the favorites against the Houston Rockets.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that the Warriors were the underdogs in this matchup. Although Houston certainly have the firepower to beat Golden State, I just can’t ignore the fact that the latter have beaten the former twice this season and for their past 15 meetings.

That said, I am willing to take a risk on Stephen Curry and the Warriors to pull another close one here to advance into the next round. Give me the Warriors to win outright.