Warriors Health Boost vs. Houston Rockets in NBA Cup Quarterfinals
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets
The Golden State Warriors head to Houston to face the Rockets in the NBA In-Season Tournament Quarterfinals on Wednesday night. The Warriors, with a 14-9 record, have encountered some turbulence, losing three of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets stand at 16-8 on the season and are eager to build on their recent successes, having won three of their past five games. Tip-off for this high-stakes matchup is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EST at the Toyota Center.
Let’s dive into the key stats, injury updates, and head-to-head trends for both teams as they battle for a spot in Las Vegas.
Golden State Warriors: Health Restores Hope for the Dubs
After struggling without their star players, Steph Curry and Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors are getting back to full strength. Both Curry and Green are back in action, and the Warriors have found a rhythm with two wins in their last three games. Their latest triumph came in a 114-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, where Curry dropped 30 points and contributed 8 assists. Curry’s performance was complemented by Buddy Hield, who hit seven 3-pointers en route to 27 points, and Jonathan Kuminga, who added 20 points and seven rebounds.
Curry has been outstanding all season, averaging 29.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 6.0 rebounds, while Green’s return strengthens the Warriors’ defense and playmaking. His leadership on both ends will be pivotal as Golden State enters this quarterfinal matchup.
The Warriors’ offense has been inconsistent, ranking 11th in scoring (116.3 PPG) but struggling with shooting efficiency. They rank 22nd in field goal percentage (45.3%) and 14th in 3-point shooting (36.3%). However, they remain a potent force from beyond the arc, sitting 7th in the NBA in 3-point field goals made per game.
Defensively, the Warriors continue to impress, ranking 3rd in scoring defense (110.3 PPG allowed), 2nd in field goal defense (44.0%), and 5th in 3-point defense (33.3%). Their ability to stifle opposing offenses while excelling on the boards (2nd in total rebounds) makes them a tough matchup for any team.
Injury Update: Golden State has a relatively clean bill of health, but forward Jonathan Kuminga may continue to start in place of Green, depending on lineup adjustments.
Houston Rockets: Aiming to Upset Golden State
The Houston Rockets are gearing up for another battle with the Warriors, hoping to secure their first win over Golden State this season. Despite falling short in their previous two matchups, the Rockets remain a formidable team. They recently bounced back from a two-game losing streak with a 117-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. In that victory, Jalen Green exploded for 31 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün both recorded double-doubles. Smith contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Şengün added 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, proving the Rockets’ depth.
Houston’s offense ranks 13th in the NBA in scoring (114.6 PPG) but struggles with efficiency. They rank 27th in field goal percentage (43.6%) and 26th in 3-point shooting (33.2%). However, they excel at limiting turnovers, ranking 4th in the league in turnover percentage (12.4%).
Defensively, the Rockets have been exceptional, ranking 3rd in scoring defense (110.1 PPG allowed), 2nd in field goal defense (44.2%), and 5th in 3-point defense (33.5%). Their defense has been their strength all season, and their ability to close down on shooters and force turnovers (17th in forced turnovers) could give them an edge over Golden State’s offense.
Houston also excels on the glass, ranking 1st in the league in total rebounds per game (47.5), which could be crucial in limiting Golden State’s second-chance opportunities.
Injury Update: The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet (knee) for this matchup. VanVleet’s absence could be felt, especially given his leadership and scoring ability, but the Rockets have proven depth, especially in their backcourt.
Conclusion
The two teams have already squared off twice this season, with Golden State coming out on top both times. The Warriors won each of the first two matchups by a narrow six-point margin. Houston will be eager to avenge those losses and take down the Warriors for the first time this season, especially with the added motivation of advancing in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
Houston’s home court advantage could be key in this matchup. They have been solid at home, with a 9-3 record, while Golden State has struggled on the road, going 6-6 away from the Chase Center.
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