Game Preview: Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
By Andrew Ites
Saturday’s primetime matchup on ABC features the top two teams in the Western Conference as the Warriors travel to Houston to take on the Rockets.
The Rockets haven’t had James Harden and Chris Paul in the lineup at the same time very often this season. However, Harden returned from a hamstring injury for Thursday night’s game against Minnesota, and the Rockets cruised to a comfortable win over a Timberwolves team that had been playing really good basketball.
Harden looked pretty rusty on Thursday shooting 3/15 from the field, but the Warriors should prepare as if he’ll be at full strength for their matchup on Saturday night. Golden State’s defense will have their hands full against a Rockets offense that has all their weapons back in the lineup.
Injury Report
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Jordan Bell will be out for this game after spraining his ankle in Wednesday night’s game against the Bulls.
Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala both missed Wednesday’s game in Chicago, and the defense struggled in their absence.
Golden State’s defense stepped up in the second half, but they still gave up 112 points to a Chicago team that doesn’t have nearly the firepower that the Rockets’ offense has.
Draymond is probable and expected to play in Houston on Saturday night, but Iguodala is still questionable with a calf contusion. Iggy hasn’t been 100% healthy all season, but getting him back on the floor would be an upgrade for the Warriors defense this weekend.
Prediction
These two teams have split the season series, but the Warriors won the most recent meeting at the beginning of the month. Golden State may be a little tired at the end of this long and difficult road trip, but they should take care of business and extend their lead over the Rockets for the number-one seed in the Western Conference.
Next: Could the Warriors Benefit by Making a Move at the Trade Deadline?