It’s a small miracle that the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors nearly made it through five games without an ejection. That all came apart in the fourth quarter of Game 5 this past Wednesday.
Of course, Dillon Brooks was involved. The game was well over when Golden State pulled its starters midway through the third quarter. As the bench group continued to reduce the lead, coach Ime Udoka was forced to put his starters back in the game. That’s when the fireworks started, heads were butted, and ejections levied.
It could have been a lot worse had Draymond Green and the rest of Golden State’s starters been in the game, had the game been closer. Houston’s desperation mixed with the Warriors’ frustration could have sparked a brawl. The same could be said tonight as the Rockets face elimination in hostile territory.
The obvious candidates for a good scrap are Brooks and Draymond Green. Green’s history of starting and finishing a dust-up needs no reminder. There is as much bad blood as possible between Brooks and these Warriors. Not only does his WWE heel mentality rub them the wrong way, but they haven’t forgotten him injuring Gary Payton II in 2022.
Brooks’ open admittance of attacking Stephen Curry’s ailing thumb is also worth noting. Curry has struggled during this series, and further injury could drastically affect his betting lines. Grant Afseth broke down his prop bets earlier today, but the risk of injury looms large.
There are others to consider as well. Alperen Sengun was right in the middle of Wednesday’s hullabaloo. Could he be goaded into a donnybrook tonight? We know Jimmy Butler isn’t shy of a good melee. Jalen Green certainly has his beef with Draymond Green and could end up involved in a rumpus. Tari Eason may not be a popular betting target, but he’s certainly ready for a skirmish.
Even without a scuffle or technical fouls, there will be physicality and foul trouble on both sides. Be sure to keep that in mind when betting this contest.
