Here's why Houston Texans place amongst their rivals just took an interesting turn
TEXANS ON TAP
09 May
Are the Texans still the team to beat in the division post-draft? Composite Getty Image.
Coming into the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans were the clear betting favorites in the AFC South, and the addition of Stefon Diggs increased their odds to win the next Super Bowl.
The million-dollar question
But now that the NFL Draft is in the books, have the other teams in the division caught up with Houston? According to the odds in Vegas, the Texans still remain favorites to win the division, despite not having a first round pick.
Nick Caserio and his staff did a good job of addressing some big roster questions heading into the offseason. They added Georgia corner Kamari Lassister with their first pick in the second round. With former Texans corner Steven Nelson currently a free agent, they had to add some depth at the position along with Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson, who were acquired in free agency. Both Okudah and Henderson only signed one-year deals, so drafting a corner early felt like a priority.
The Texans struggled to run the ball in 2023 and offensive lineman Tytus Howard was injured once again. So drafting Notre Dame tackle Blake Fisher certainly made sense.
The other position Caserio addressed on Day 2 was safety with the selection of Calen Bullock out of USC. Texans safety Jimmy Ward missed a lot of time in 2024 with injuries, so depth was a necessity. The only position that the team was unable to bolster early was defensive tackle. Houston added Marcus Harris in the 7th-round, but who knows if he'll make the team.
With all that said, are the Texans the best team in the division post-draft? And have they done enough to be true contenders in the AFC, along with the Ravens and Chiefs?
Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!
What you need to know ahead of Rockets-Warriors NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup
Dec 11, 2024, 10:25 am
The Houston Rockets (16-8) face the Golden State Warriors (14-9) at home on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EST, with the Warriors aiming to snap their three-game road losing streak. The game pits two Western Conference contenders looking to solidify their standings as the season progresses.
Key Matchup
The Rockets, currently third in the West, have excelled in second-chance opportunities, leading the conference with 14.2 offensive rebounds per game. Alperen Sengun anchors this effort, averaging 3.4 offensive boards per game alongside his strong all-around performance of 18.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Houston will look to exploit this strength against a Golden State team ranked second in the league in total rebounds per game (48.7), thanks in part to Kevon Looney’s steady 7.9 boards per game.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, fifth in the standings, continue to rely on Stephen Curry's leadership. Curry is averaging 23 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, but Golden State’s struggles on the road and a recent shooting slump (42.9% over the last 10 games) have hindered their consistency.
Offense and Defense
Golden State’s strength from beyond the arc will be tested against Houston’s perimeter defense. The Warriors are averaging 15.2 made three-pointers per game, a sharp contrast to the 11.8 threes allowed by the Rockets. On the other end, Houston will aim to exploit Golden State’s slightly generous defensive field goal percentage of 43.8%.
The Rockets come into the game having gone 6-4 in their last 10 outings, averaging 112.3 points and a stifling defensive effort that has limited opponents to just 107.3 points per game. The Warriors, meanwhile, are 4-6 over the same stretch, struggling offensively with just 107 points per game.
Injury Updates
Houston may be without key contributors Tari Eason (concussion protocol) and Fred VanVleet (knee). The Warriors list Andrew Wiggins as day-to-day with an ankle issue, while De’Anthony Melton remains sidelined for the season.
Betting Odds
The Rockets are slight favorites at -2.5 according to BetMGM Sportsbook, with the total points over/under set at 221.5. Houston’s home-court advantage and rebounding dominance may prove decisive against a Warriors team seeking to find its rhythm.
Both teams have much to prove in this matchup of Western heavyweights. Houston’s continued rise and Golden State’s resolve to end their road struggles will define this pivotal contest.
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