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Will the Warriors Take Game 1 from the Rockets in the Conference Finals?

By Andrew Ites

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during the game between the two teams on January 20, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during the game between the two teams on January 20, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Warriors and Rockets will begin one of the most anticipated playoff series of all-time when Game 1 tips off on Monday night.

The entire 2017-18 season was essentially a prelude to a Warriors-Rockets matchup in the Conference Finals as both teams cruised through much of the regular season and dominated their opponents in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

If the Warriors take Game 1, all of the Rockets’ hard work during the regular season will be for naught as Golden State would steal the home-court advantage right back from Houston.

That would be an incredible blow to the psyche of James Harden, Chris Paul, and Mike D’Antoni, who have all come up short in the postseason numerous times during their careers.

Part of the reason why the Warriors didn’t push too hard for the number one seed during the regular season is they’re unafraid of being forced to win a game in the Toyota Center.

Houston is not the most hostile environment for opposing teams, especially a unit that has won two of the last three NBA championships.

The Rockets and Warriors will enjoy five days of rest before this series begins on Monday. While that time off will be beneficial for two teams that have already played over 90 games this season, it could make for an ugly beginning to Game 1 as they shake the rust off.

I’d like to see what the starting lineups will be before I make a Game 1 prediction, but I think the Warriors’ playoff experience will give them an edge to begin the Western Conference Finals with a win.

Next: Playoff Scouting Report: Rockets Guards

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Game Details

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets

Tip-Off: Monday, May 14, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. PDT

Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas

TV: TNT

Radio: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Radio Network

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