Rockets Head to Oracle Searching for a Golden State of Mind
Questionable Questions. Aiming For a First. Interior Decorations.
Houston played down to their competition and let the Lakers come back in a controversial loss in their previous game. The Rockets limp into Oracle Arena for a primetime matchup with the Warriors on Saturday night. The defending Champs are sitting pretty atop the Western Standings. Houston, meanwhile, is playing the dangerous game of walking the thin line between playoff contender and lottery pick. After giving away another game in their previous contest, the Rockets are clinging to the 5th seed. But, Houston’s only 3 games from the 9th spot, and in danger of falling out of the playoffs. Nothing is guaranteed in the brutal West. And tonight, the biggest question is James Harden’s status. Not even the Beard is a guarantee to go (Harden’s a game-time decision). But should Houston even play him? Against the powerhouse Warriors, who will undoubtedly attack Harden every chance they get? It’s a tough call.
In this ever-unpredictable season, the Rockets seem to come up biggest when you least expect it. They’ve beaten Golden State twice already this season. A victory tonight would make them the first team to beat the juggernaut 3 times in a regular season in the Steve Kerr-era. The Warriors have no doubt circled this game on their calendar since Houston’s epic OT victory at the beginning of the year. Harden almost single-handedly won that game for the Rockets in a virtuoso performance. Chris Paul didn’t play in that contest. If the Beard can’t go tonight, Houston needs CP3 and Clint Capela to have huge performances is they have any chance of winning. The Rockets are also trying to win their first game in 12 days, hoping this win will spark the group for the stretch run.
The Warriors added a new piece to their fancy outfit of future Hall-of-Famers and former All-Stars. Golden State finally did some interior decorating and filled the only gap the team really had, which was a thin front line. That’s no longer the case, as DeMarcus Cousins has proven to fit right in with the Warriors unselfish lineup. Clint Capela has a monstrous task on his hands tonight trying to contain Cousins. This marks the first time the Rockets have faced the DeMarcus Cousins-version of Golden State. Houston would love to do nothing more than to spoil his Warriors debut versus the Rockets, but it’s asking a lot. Especially with their MVP questionable to play. Maybe Harden will give it a go, and regain the MVP-momentum he’s seemed to lose since the All-Star break. A win tonight would be Houston’s most impressive of the season. The Rockets can prove a lot to themselves going into this David vs. Goliath style matchup. Tonight, at least, there will be no playing down to the competition.
Oracle Arena: Oakland, California
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (33-25): “Earned” Red
Golden State Warriors (42-16): Black
TV: 7:30 PM CT – ABC