How Rockets-Warriors series hinges on these critical matchups
Houston's secret sauce
16 April
Can the Rockets keep Steph Curry in check? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets are playoff-bound — but should fans be worried about their matchup with the Golden State Warriors?
With Steph Curry capable of going off at any moment and Draymond Green bringing playoff experience and defense, this isn’t a team you can overlook — no matter where they finished in the standings.
Rockets fans still remember those tough playoff battles with Golden State... so is the fear of the past creeping back in?
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's Paul Gallant shares his thoughts on how the Rockets stack up against the Warriors.
Jabari Smith agreed to a new contract with Houston. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
Power forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with Houston, according to a report from ESPN.
JABARI SMITH JR. GOT PAID 💰
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/g28YXK1i8t
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 30, 2025
The deal is reportedly fully guaranteed and would keep Smith in a Rockets uniform through the 2030–31 season.
Smith, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 12.2 points and seven rebounds last season, starting 39 of the 57 games he played. While injuries and inconsistency limited his minutes at times, the 21-year-old showed flashes of the two-way potential that made him a top lottery pick, and someone the Rockets clearly see as part of their long-term foundation.
The move signals continued trust in the franchise’s young core and a commitment to internal development as Houston builds toward sustained playoff contention.
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