Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors (Apr 24, 9:30 AM)
Standings: Seed 2 vs. Seed 7
Regular Season Series: GS wins 3-2
Playoff Series: GS leads 1-0
Key Insights:
The Rockets are the bigger and more physical team with most of their attack coming from the paint. They lead the league in field goal attempts, second-chance points, total rebounds, and offensive rebounds.
In contrast, the Warriors rely more on ball movement and perimeter shooting, ranking fourth in assists and taking the second-most three-point attempts in the league.
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Players to Watch:
Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun
Sengun was the team’s most reliable performer against the Warriors this season, averaging 17 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over five games. With the Warriors expected to go small and the Rockets lacking consistent outside shooting, they’ll need him to keep dominating the interior and sustain his Game 1 level of play to have a chance at winning the series.
Amen Thompson
Thompson ranks top 4 in defensive rating, top 6 in steals, and top 14 in blocks in the league. He played a major role in the team’s +16 rebounding advantage in Game 1, grabbing six offensive boards, and was their most effective perimeter defender. His versatility and defensive impact will remain crucial in this series.
Jalen Green
Green had a rough time in four of his five matchups against the Warriors this season, and his first playoff game was no different. However, he’s had similar games throughout the season and has consistently bounced back. The team also doesn’t have many scoring options, so they’ll keep counting on him to produce. But this could also turn into a brutal series for him if he doesn’t get going in offense.
Tari Eason
The Warriors are playing small-ball in this series, so he should stay heavily involved. He also had a breakout game against the Rockets this season, nearly recording a 25-point double-double with seven stocks. His impact as a rebounder and defensive specialist has also been consistent this month.
Dillon Brooks
Brooks remains a big part of the team’s defense, but they will also need him to step up offensively. Shooting close to 40% from three this season, he’s their most reliable outside threat — a necessity after the team shot 6-for-29 in Game 1.
Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry
Curry is heating up at the perfect moment, marking his 59th career playoff game with at least 30 points in Game 1. This month alone, he’s dropped 30+ in seven games and nailed five or more threes six times. He’s been just as lethal against the Rockets, scoring at least 24 points in eight of their last ten meetings.
Jimmy Butler
Butler has elevated his game in the postseason, averaging 31 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals over his last three outings. Since the trade, he’s taken the team to another level as another scoring threat — posting 20 or more points in 14 games with elite free-throw production, solid all-around game and low turnover rate.
Draymond Green
Green has delivered elite production across five major categories in his last four games this month — and carried his strong play in Game 1. His defense and versatility will continue to be crucial, given that he’s their best option against the Rockets’ size advantage.
Brandin Podziemski
Podz has been on a strong run this month, posting 19 or more points five times while contributing consistently across the board. He kept the momentum going in Game 1, delivering solid two-way impact and recording multiple steals for the fourth consecutive game. He was also the only other player in the team that scored in double digits.
Gary Payton II
Payton is set to become a free agent this offseason, giving him every incentive to make a strong impression in this series. While his offensive improvement is noticeable, his defense and rebounding remain the more reliable part of his game.
Injury Report
Houston Rockets
| Name | Pos | Status | Est. Return Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jock Landale | C | GTD | Apr 24 |
| Jae’Sean Tate | SF | GTD | Apr 24 |
Golden State Warriors
No injured players
DFS Tip:
Stephen Curry is a must-start with his elite scoring run, while Sengun’s dominance inside makes him a reliable frontcourt pick. Thompson and Podziemski offer high two-way upside, especially if the game stays close. For lower-cost value, look to Tari Eason or Gary Payton II — both contribute across multiple categories.
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