Perhaps the most intriguing NBA playoff series is the final one of the opening weekend.
Steph Curry and the Warriors advanced through the play-in tournament and next face the No. 2 seed Rockets, yet the Warriors are -175 series favorites.
I strongly disagree with this assessment, as I believe Golden State is too limited offensively. Curry is obviously an all-time great and could single-handedly win this series, but ultimately I think his supporting cast is too weak.
Draymond Green, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, Kevon Looney and even Jimmy Butler have way too many weaknesses. Curry will consume Houston’s focus, but a lack of surrounding firepower will enable the defense to do enough to contain the sharpshooter.
I like the Rockets to cover as 1-point home favorites Sunday in Game 1.
Houston has an elite defender in Amen Thompson, and the 6-foot-7 wing could make life difficult for Curry. In their final regular-season meeting, Thompson helped hold Curry to three points on 1-for-10 shooting.
Betting on the NBA?
The Rockets also have the physical Dillon Brooks as an option, and he will likely make things uncomfortable, given Curry is battling a thumb injury on his right shooting hand.
One concern is Houston’s own offensive limitations, given it ranks just 17th in efficiency. The Warriors are 16th, but Curry’s presence changes everything. In my eyes, Houston should be OK. Ime Udoka is an elite coach and has had several days to scheme accordingly.
Plus, Fred VanVleet missed more than a month with an injury, but he has since returned and the entire lineup is healthy. I trust Udoka to push the right buttons to extract the proper offense without sacrificing his defensive tactics that will focus on Curry.
I have a 37-26-1 ATS record in The Post sports section, and my next official play is Houston as a small home favorite.
