The first round of the NBA Playoffs resumes with only one matchup on the docket for this Friday, but it's a good one. Game 6 between the Warriors and Rockets is set to take center stage at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN tonight.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified 4 NBA picks for tonight's matchup. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Friday, May 2.
NBA Best Bets for Warriors vs. Rockets Game 6: Friday, May 2
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 9 p.m. | |
| 9 p.m. | |
| 9 p.m. | |
| 9 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Rockets vs. Warriors
By Joe Dellera
The Warriors got their doors blown off in Game 5 of this series, but that also means the starters got some extra rest.
I expect Curry to come out with a little extra energy in Game 6 tonight, as they desperately try to avoid a road Game 7.
Despite the blowout, Curry still recorded 10 Rebounds + Assists (RA) in just 23 minutes due to a pop in his assists getting 7 on 11 potentials.
The Rockets really ramped up their efforts to switch, help, and trail Curry like a hawk on defense.
As a smaller player, it’s tougher for him to get open, but his court vision allows him to find his teammates.
I like adding the rebounds despite Houston’s size. They are not a great offensive team, and there should be plenty of chances for Curry to kickstart the offense by getting out on a fast break.
I like Steph over 9.5 RA in Game 6 tonight.
Pick: Steph Curry Over 9.5 Rebounds + Assists (-122)
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Rockets vs. Warriors
I think we'll see the Warriors end the series tonight. This is a market read more than anything. Neither team has had a single game where the line was -5 all series.
The Rockets were a -4 in Games 2 and 5, and covered the spread in both of those matchups at home. The Warriors getting -5 across the board, with movement that showed -4.5s moving out to -5, shows this is a strong Warriors spot.
I expect successful adjustment s by Steve Kerr, an all out effort from the aging veterans, and some inexperience to show from the Rockets in Game 6 tonight.
The betting market agrees, let's go Warriors.
Pick: Warriors Moneyline (-220)
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Rockets vs. Warriors
How could you not? It's Jimmy Butler, it's a close out game at home, and it's a matchup he's taken advantage of twice this series.
Let's remember, Butler has only really played two standard games in this series, and both times, he went way over his PRA line.
In Game 1, he got to 38 in 42 minutes. And in Game 4, he had 38 PRA again, and did so in 40 minutes.
In Game 2, Butler was limited to eight minutes due to injury, he missed Game 3, and in Game 5, the Warriors got their butts kicked, limiting Butler to just 25 minutes.
I think this is a Butler spot if he's at least playing into the 30s regarding minutes. Hopefully, this isn't a blowout too.
Pick: Jimmy Butler Over 33.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105)
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Rockets vs. Warriors
This seems like a clear sell-high spot for Moody. He went absolutely nuts in the 2nd half of Game 5, but the game was already a blowout.
Head coach Steve Kerr cleared the bench midway through the 3rd quarter, and Ime Udoka on the other side soon followed suit.
