In a highly anticipated matchup in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Chase Center. This game was pivotal for both teams as they jockeyed for playoff positioning, with the Rockets aiming to secure the No. 2 seed and the Warriors looking to solidify their standing and avoid the play-in tournament.
The Rockets entered the contest with a stellar record of 51-27, having recently routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-111, covering the spread as a 5.5-point underdog. In that game, guards Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun combined for an impressive 65 points, showcasing the offensive firepower that has made Houston one of the most formidable teams in the league. With a current record of 5-1 in their last six games, the Rockets were looking to extend their winning streak against a Golden State team that has historically dominated this matchup.
On the other side, the Warriors, boasting a record of 46-31, came into the game riding a five-game winning streak. They had recently defeated the Denver Nuggets 118-104, with superstar Steph Curry scoring 36 points. The Warriors have been on a tear since acquiring Jimmy Butler III from the Miami Heat, going 21-5 since his arrival on February 8, 2025. This acquisition has allowed head coach Steve Kerr to optimize his lineup, leading to a significant improvement in both offensive and defensive metrics.
The season series between these two teams had seen Golden State take three out of four matchups, with the Warriors having won 14 consecutive home games against the Rockets, a streak dating back to February 2020. This historical dominance added an extra layer of pressure on the Rockets, who were eager to change the narrative and secure a crucial victory.
As the game approached, BetMGM Sportsbook set the odds with the Rockets as +170 underdogs on the moneyline and the Warriors as -210 favorites. The spread was set at 5.5 points in favor of Golden State, with an over/under of 225.5. The betting trends favored the Warriors, who had covered the spread in their last four games and were 9-1 against the spread in their last ten matchups against the Rockets.
In terms of injuries, the Rockets had forward Jabari Smith Jr. listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, while the Warriors reported no injuries, giving them a full roster for this critical clash.
Both teams came into the game with strong defensive credentials. The Rockets ranked first in scoring defense since March 6, allowing just 107.8 points per game, while the Warriors were tied for fourth in points allowed at 108.7 during the same period. This made for an intriguing matchup, as both teams were not only capable of scoring but also proficient at shutting down their opponents.
As the game unfolded, the intensity was palpable. The Rockets aimed to establish their presence early, with Sengun and Green looking to capitalize on their recent form. Sengun, who had been particularly effective in the previous game, stated, “I was just locked in. I wanted to dominate.” His mindset was crucial as the Rockets needed to control the boards and minimize turnovers to have a chance against the Warriors.
For the Warriors, Curry’s recent scoring surge had been a key factor in their success. Averaging 41.7 points over the last three games, Curry was expected to lead the charge once again. His ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for teammates like Butler and Brandin Podziemski added another layer of complexity to the Warriors’ offensive strategy.
As the first half progressed, both teams exchanged leads, showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Rockets relied on their perimeter shooting, hitting 38.1% from three-point range, while the Warriors focused on ball movement and finding open shots. The game remained tight, with neither team able to pull away significantly.
In the second half, the pace quickened as both teams ramped up their defensive efforts. The Warriors’ experience began to shine through, with Curry orchestrating the offense and Butler providing the necessary support. Podziemski continued to impress, having scored at least 26 points in three of his last four games. His ability to draw defenders and create space for Curry was instrumental in the Warriors maintaining their offensive flow.
As the game neared its conclusion, the stakes could not have been higher. The Rockets were fighting for their playoff lives, while the Warriors sought to extend their win streak to six games and further solidify their playoff positioning. With the game hanging in the balance, every possession was critical.
Ultimately, the matchup served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the Western Conference. With the playoff picture tightening, both teams needed this victory for different reasons. The Rockets aimed to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, while the Warriors sought to reaffirm their dominance in the league.
As the final buzzer approached, the outcome remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: this game would have lasting implications for both franchises as they navigated the closing weeks of the season. Whether the Rockets could finally break their streak of losses in San Francisco or if the Warriors would continue their home dominance was a narrative that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, the clash between the Rockets and Warriors was more than just a game; it was a battle for playoff positioning, pride, and momentum as both teams prepared for the postseason. With the stakes this high, fans could expect nothing less than an exhilarating showdown.
