Rockets Return Home for Showdown with Warriors
Curry-Less Chance. Momentum Game. Protecting Court.
Fresh off their best win of the young season, the Rockets return home for a showdown against the Golden State Warriors. Houston beat Dallas on the road in their previous game, improving their record to 3-2 on the season. The Warriors are 4-1 this season, with their lone loss coming at the hands of the L.A. Clippers. The Warriors have had the Rockets number over the past several seasons, and no matter who’s on the roster, the Dubs always seem to play well against Houston.
Golden State will be without superstar Steph Curry tonight, as he’s missed their past two games with an injury. The Rockets need to seize this opportunity, and take advantage of a Curry-less Warriors squad. However, Golden State is 2-0 without Curry this season, so the proceedings won’t be easy on Saturday night. So how are the Warriors 4-1 with Curry missing two games? Well, Draymond Green is playing solid basketball. But the real difference makers have been guys like Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Buddy Hield has also given the Dubs a huge spark off the bench, along with Jonathan Kuminga. Even without Curry, the “Mouthguard God,” the Rockets still have their hands full defensively. Look for Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, and Tari Eason to provide huge defensive moments when facing this younger Warriors group.
Tonight’s matchup is a huge momentum game for Houston. Sitting at 3-2 in the standings, the Rockets can either improve to 4-2 with a win, or fall back to even .500 with a loss. It’s still very early in the campaign, but tonight’s matchup is crucial in determining Houston’s long-term success this season. Expect Jalen Green to continue his strong play, and look for bounce back performances from Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet tonight. The Rockets should win this game, especially at home. And while a victory over the Warriors isn’t the same as beating them without Curry, at this point it doesn’t matter, a win is a win. And Houston needs as many W’s as possible as they begin their long playoff push entering game number six of this long season.
This contest marks the beginning of a three-game homestead for the Rockets. Houston will host the New York Knicks on Monday, following a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. After a disappointing Opening Night loss at home to the woeful Charlotte Hornets, the Rockets need to protect home-court during this upcoming stretch. They beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game of the season for their lone win at Toyota Center so far. The best teams in the NBA protect their home court. Houston can afford to lose a few games on then road. But the Rockets need to win their home matchups against beatable opponents… starting with tonight’s showdown with the Golden State Warriors.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Golden State Warriors (4-1): Blue
Houston Rockets (3-2): Red
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass