Expect more Warriors dominance in Game 2 against the Rockets

The Warriors came out in Game 1 of their first round series with the Rockets and ran out to an 18 point first quarter lead and never looked back. Even an ankle injury to Steph Curry that kept him off the floor for all but three minutes of the second half couldn't get the Rockets back into the game. 

Curry's status for Game 2 is still questionable, but the league's reigning MVP isn't the type to sit out willfully. He didn't sound too worried about his ankle in the post-game press conference and his resting was hopefully a product of the Warriors massive halftime lead. 

Even with Curry's status up in the air, I like the Warriors to cruise to another lopsided victory in Game 2. This is the team that lost only twice all year at home. The Rockets have no answer on defense for the Warriors ball movement and flow, regularly giving the Warriors clean looks at the rim. 

Golden State's offense certainly took a step backwards without Curry in the second half, but the defense was tremendous, locking down the Rockets and holding them to a 41.2 true shooting percentage. 

James Harden has to show up in a big way in Game 2 for the Rockets to have even the slightest chance, but the talent and effort gap between the two teams seems like too much for Houston to make up in a road game for all four quarters. I expect the Warriors to turn Game 2 into another laugher and cover the 13-point spread. 

The SportsLine Projection Model also has a slight lean on the Warriors in this game. 

Kalland's pick: Golden State (-13); SportsLine's lean: Golden State

Robby is 12-13 on NBA picks when agreeing with the SportsLine Projection Model and 16-17 overall.

Editor's note: Lines are subject to change. At the time of filing the writer used the SportsLine numbers, which come from a Covers Consensus of major sportsbooks.