A rematch of last season’s Western Conference final features the NBA’s two highest scoring players. But while the Warriors are on track to return, the Rockets are struggling just to stay in postseason contention. Golden State can get the season sweep over Houston by winning its 42nd consecutive regular season game at Oracle.
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SCHEDULING
Having to face Golden State at Oracle Arena, where the Warriors have won 41 consecutive regular season games, is not the ideal way for the Rockets to begin a five-game road trip. It also begins a critical stretch where Houston plays 11 of its next 13 games on the road. But, there is a week-long interruption for the All-Star break thrown in there, so it’s not all bad. The Rockets will close out the first half of their schedule with a back-to-back set, travelling to Portland for a game on Wednesday. With a chance to hit the road riding a three-game winning streak and with some momentum, the Rockets failed miserably losing 96-79 to Portland on Saturday. They now face the possibility of being a sub-.500 team at the break.
The Warriors knocked off another contender on Saturday, further exhibiting their dominance and leaving no doubt that they are the team to beat through the first half. It was a bit closer than the rest of their wins over the league’s other elite teams. The Warriors extended their streak of regular season home wins to 41 by beating Oklahoma City 116-108 on Saturday. Golden State won the first two meetings this season and has won seven straight over Houston in the regular season. Add in last year’s playoff series and the Warriors are 11-1 in their past 12 with the Rockets.
INJURIES
Terrence Jones was released from the hospital and returned to the Rockets, but has not been cleared to play yet. Jones was involved in a car accident last week and sustained a concussion, entering the league’s protocol for such injuries. Also, James Harden left Saturday’s game in the fourth quarter with an injury to his hand and did not return. Both players are day-to-day.
Warriors center Festus Ezeli isn’t likely to return to action until after the All-Star break, coach Steve Kerr said. Ezeli has missed the last five games with a knee injury and the team is being cautious with its approach.
KEY MATCHUP
Nights like his 36-point, 26-rebound gem against the Clippers last month are fewer and farther between, but Dwight Howard has proven that he can still deliver, as long as he’s healthy and disciplined enough to stay on the court. And the Rockets need Howard at his finest if they want any chance of pulling off the road upset. There will be no shortage of offensive stars in this game with the NBA’s top two scorers going head-to-head. Golden State’s Steph Curry and Houston’s James Harden average nearly 57 points per game combined, but Howard could be a difference-maker down low. He certainly has an advantage against Andrew Bogut in the post and the Dubs are without their other big man Ezeli, who’s shelved by a knee injury. Teams rarely go big against the Warriors because they’re too concerned with matching up against them. Howard is a hulk in the middle and gives the Rockets their only advantage. They should try and take advantage of it.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Golden State has defeated Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Cleveland, the teams thought to be its biggest threat, all within the last three weeks. And with 41 straight wins at home, it’s hard to imagine the Rockets pulling off the upset. But stranger things have happened. The Warriors’ four losses have come against teams that are a combined 17 games below .500 and only Dallas is more than two games above the break-even point as of Sunday. Following an emotional win over the Thunder on Saturday night, the Warriors could be primed for a letdown. Don’t bet on it, though. Golden State has too much balance and they’re playing with a swagger that says they can’t be beat. If Curry doesn’t light you up, Klay Thompson or Draymond Green or Andre Iguodala will.
Golden State 115, Houston 105
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