Have Green & Durant derailed the Golden State train?
There's been drama aplenty at the Warriors in the past week, with the NBA world waiting with bated breath to see how they respond in Houston.
Pundits are predicting the spat between Draymond Green and Kevin Durant may have disastrous implications on the defending champions. The Rockets will be waiting to take advantage in Houston.
Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs will be looking for an important win on the road.
They come up against the Nuggets and Clippers respectively- two of the West's surprise front runners.
Golden State Warriors @ Houston Rockets
NBA Odds: Warriors $2.10 (+2.0) / Rockets $1.77 (-2.0)
It's not often the Golden State Warriors come into a game as underdogs, but that's how they'll shape up in Houston.
This will be the first time the Warriors and Rockets will come face to face since last season's incredible Western Conference finals.
The series was locked at 3-3 heading into the final game at the Toyota Center.
With the home court advantage, the Rockets were in the box seat, only for a dominant display from Kevin Durant to send the Warriors through to their fourth consecutive championship playoffs.
That result will be clear in the memories of Mike D'Antoni and his Rockets line-up, who will have the added motivation of revenge in this fixture.
After a woeful start to the season, the Rockets have got their campaign somewhat back on track.
An impressive win away to Denver last time out is a solid form reference heading into this one.
The Warriors meanwhile will be without Steph Curry as he continues to be sidelined with a groin strain.
The team from California suffered a rare defeat in their last away game, going down to the Clippers in overtime.
Last time out, the Warriors accounted for the Hawks at home. However, the 7-point victory was nowhere near what Golden State are capable of against a struggling Atlanta outfit.
A big boost for the Warriors is that they'll likely welcome back Draymond Green who sat out last match with a suspension.
This was after a heated and now very public bust-up with teammate Kevin Durant.
Some commentators are going as far as claiming that this incident could be the catalyst that finally sees the end of the Golden State Warriors dominance. This is especially the case after Durant hinted at an exit from the club.
And this is why Houston will start as favourites.
Key NBA Stat
The Rockets have only triumphed in 1 of their 5 home games this season: Golden State to win @ $2.10
Free NBA Pick: Golden State to win @ $2.10
Reasoning: Both the media and market have overreacted following the Durant and Green argument. Putting your money behind the tried and tested class of Golden State looks the go here.
Atlanta Hawks @ Denver Nuggets
NBA Odds: Hawks $7 (+12.0) / Nuggets $1.11 (-12.0)
Atlanta's road trip continues on Friday when they visit the Nuggets in Denver.
This will be their third consecutive away game, previously coming up short to both the Lakers and Warriors.
The game against LA was particularly frustrating for Hawks fans.
The visitors from Atlanta led deep into the final quarter, before a LeBron James basket with 15 seconds to play proved decisive, resulting in a 1-point victory to the Lakers.
These are the kinds of results Atlanta will have to put up with for a few seasons, as they are in the midst of a rebuilding phase.
While this youth-based focus will undoubtedly pay off in the long run, it means that Atlanta can expect to find themselves anchored to the bottom of the Eastern Conference table for a while yet.
But its not all doom and gloom, especially as rookie guard Trae Young has had a flying start to his NBA career, shaping up as a genuine Rookie of the Year contender.
The Nuggets meanwhile aren't having the best of it themselves, dropping three games at home on the bounce.
This is after bursting out of the blocks to start their campaign, winning 9 of their opening 10.
Their star man is big Serbian forward-centre Nikola Jokic, who has racked up 9 double-doubles this season, and is averaging 18 points per game.
Alongside Jokic, young guard Jamal Murray is threatening to explode in his second NBA season.
This duo are set to excite Nuggets fans for many years to come. But first on their agenda is ending a 4-game losing streak.
A dominant home performance against the Hawks is required, with not only Jokic and Murray, but all Denver starters due for a strong showing.
Expect them to get the job done in altitude against a travel-weary Atlanta.
Key NBA Stat
The Hawks have covered the line in 43% of their matches in 2018/19: Denver to cover the -12.0 point line @ $1.92
Free NBA Pick: Denver to cover the -12.0 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: The Nuggets are a few seasons further along in their development than the Hawks, and should be too strong at home.
San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Clippers
NBA Odds: Spurs $2.98 (+5.5) / Clippers $1.42 (-5.5)
The side that have been surprising all comers this season are the Clippers.
They are coming off back-to-back overtime wins at home, against two of the leading clubs in the comp.
If both Milwaukee and Golden State couldn't get the better of the team from Los Angeles, many are thinking that the Spurs will struggle.
What makes the Clippers such an impressive and dangerous team is that they share the scoring around, and don't rely on a single player to generate points.
And in a league that places an increasing focus on being able to knock down 3-pointers, it is the Clippers good percentage from beyond the arc that is standing them in good stead.
Their 3-point percentage of 38.7% is the second-best in the league.
But with bulky Montrezl Harrell and Tobias Harris also playing out of their skins inside the arc, the Clippers can score from anywhere.
However, don't be in a hurry to discount the chances of the Spurs.
A win over fierce rivals Houston on Sunday showed what they are capable of.
Big power forward and star man LaMarcus Aldridge played an important role with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
New recruit DeMar DeRozan also impressed in his last outing against the Kings with a game-high 23 points.
These two will be the key against the Clippers. If they both have a good day, their quality will be too much for the LA club to deal with.
If Aussie veteran Patty Mills also finds his range coming off the bench, then San Antonio will be in the box seat to pull off an upset.
And after two overtime victories, there's a definite possibility that LA's luck might be about to run out.
Key NBA Stat
The Clippers have a 4-0 W/L record in night games at the Staples Center in 2018/19: LA Clippers to win @ $1.42
Free NBA Pick: San Antonio Spurs to cover the +5.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: The Spurs are just far too good value for a side that have won 7 of their 12 games this season, and boast the likes of Aldridge and DeRozan.
But take them with the line for a bit of added security against a side in red-hot form.
Nov 15, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
Key NBA Stat
Free NBA Pick: Golden State to win @ $2.10
