Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Prediction and Betting Tips for 2024 Emirates NBA Cup West Quarterfinal | Dec. 11   

The Golden State Warriors may be firm favorites on paper to advance to the semifinals of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, but they will have to get past the Houston Rockets threat before that at the Toyota Center on Wednesday. A win will see one of the teams punch their ticket to the semis to play the OKC Thunder in Las Vegas.

The Warriors come off a solid and emotionally charged win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but what's more important are the storylines surrounding Golden State. First up, they will continue to bring seasoned forward Draymond Green off the bench. The move was done with the idea of not "wearing down" their pivotal defensive presence.

Then comes the trade buzz surrounding the Warriors wanting to put a big name next to Curry, who has been in pristine form this season. Playing Jonathan Kuminga for more minutes could also add to his trade value and play in the Dubs' favor in their search to land a marquee name to support their superstar.

And finally, there's that matter of the NBA Cup itself. The Warriors failed to make it past the group stage in the inaugural edition of the tournament after a dismal 2-2 record. Winning the in-season tournament will be a massive boost and another feather in Curry's cap as they look to dominate in the upcoming clash against the Rockets.

Houston is no slouch. The Rockets have won four of their last six. The Ime Udoka style of defense has seen them stifle solid offense-heavy teams, and they will look to build on the winning momentum after their 117-106 trouncing of the LA Clippers. But the dampener for the side will be the status of star center Alperen Sengun.

The last time both sides met, the Warriors sans Curry and Green staved off a furious Rockets rally to hold on to a 99-93 win. Before that, it was a 127-121 loss at the start of the season. Can the Warriors make it 3-0 against their West rivals?

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Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets clash tips off at 9:30 pm ET. Live coverage will be on TNT, SCHN, and NBCS-BA. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing:

Teams	Spread	Total (o/u)	Moneyline
Golden State Warriors	+2.5	o222 (-112)	+110
Houston Rockets	-2.5	u222 (-110)	-130

Note: Odds are subject to change close to tip-off.

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Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Preview

The Golden State Warriors looked impressive on both ends of the floor against the Timberwolves. Their defense shored up, and Steve Kerr went deep into his eight-man rotation. It yielded positive results as they played over 20 minutes. It ended with Kuminga, Curry, and Buddy Hield propping up solid numbers to fend off Anthony Edwards and co.

The Dubs are 11th in the league in scoring offense. They average 114.1 points per game, and dish out 110.8 points every 100 possessions. Their 45.4 FG% sees them 22nd and 36.9% shooting from the deep sees them 14th in three-point offense. Their sixth-placed scoring defense continues to be their biggest weapon this season, allowing 105.4 points per every 100 possessions.

The Rockets have been shaky on both ends of the floor. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Sengun continue to be the backbone for the side on both ends of the floor. They will look to get past the Warriors for the first time this season and end their lengthy losing streak against the team. The win against the Clippers comes as a positive with Green striking form. His 31-point outing, along with Sengun and Smith's double doubles, comes as a plus for Houston ahead of its QF showdown.

Houston is brilliant defensively. The Rockets are third in scoring defense, allowing just 106.6 points on average and a measly 102.9 points every 100 possessions. Their offense could use some juice as they are placed 13th with 109.1 points per 100 possessions and 113.6 points on average.

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Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Predicted Starting Lineups

The Warriors will be without Moses Moody (knee) and DeAnthony Melton (ACL). Andrew Wiggins (ankle) is listed as questionable. There is a possibility that Kerr will stick to the same lineup that started against the T-Wolves with Kevon Looney replacing Green at center.

Position	Player
PG	Steph Curry
SG	Buddy Hield
SF	Gary Payton II
PF	Jonathan Kuminga
C	Kevon Looney

The Rockets have listed Steven Adams (Knee), Alperen Sengun (Knee), Jae'Sean Tate (back), and Cam Whitmore (wrist) as questionable.

Position	Player
PG	Amen Thompson
SG	Jalen Green
SF	Dillon Brooks
PF	Jabari Smith Jr.
C	Alperen Sengun

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Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Betting Tips

Steph Curry is -128 over on points heading into the matchup. Jonathan Kuminga is -106 over on points. Buddy Hield is +102 on points. For the Rockets, Jabari Smith Jr. is -115 over on points. Fred VanVleet is +100 over on assists.

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Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Prediction

The Golden State Warriors will look to make a statement when they take on the Rockets. Their impressive play on both ends makes them favorites to clinch the contest, but Houston's defense will be its strength as it looks to contain the Dubs offense. Chalk up a win for the Warriors in an intense game.