GAME PREVIEW
Crucial factors that could swing Rockets' showdown with Warriors
Dec 5, 2024, 1:46 pm
The Warriors host the Rockets Thursday night. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.
Houston Rockets (15-7) at Golden State Warriors (12-8)
Thursday, 10 p.m. EST | Chase Center, San Francisco
Bottom Line
The Golden State Warriors aim to snap a five-game losing streak as they host the surging Houston Rockets, who currently sit second in the Western Conference. Both teams look to solidify their positions in a competitive conference matchup, with contrasting recent forms coming into play.
Team Dynamics
- Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have been struggling of late, going 4-6 in their last 10 games, with their five-game skid highlighting key weaknesses. Golden State continues to dominate the glass, ranking second in the NBA with 49 rebounds per game, spearheaded by Kevon Looney's consistent efforts (7.8 RPG). However, offensive efficiency and late-game execution have been issues, as they’ve allowed opponents to score an average of 111.1 points during this slump. - Houston Rockets
On the flip side, Houston has been a revelation this season, winning seven of its last 10 games while playing high-energy basketball. The Rockets’ transition game has been particularly potent, ranking second in the Western Conference with 18.2 fast-break points per game, driven by the versatility of Tari Eason (3.7 fast-break PPG). Alperen Sengun has been dominant, averaging 19 points and 10.7 rebounds, anchoring Houston’s offense and defense.
Key Matchups
- Stephen Curry vs. Houston's Defense
Curry leads the Warriors with 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Stopping him will be key for Houston’s defense, which has held opponents to a league-low 43.3% shooting. Can Curry break free against Houston's swarming perimeter defense? - Alperen Sengun vs. Warriors' Frontcourt
Sengun’s inside presence has been a consistent weapon for the Rockets. His ability to dominate the boards and finish in the paint will test Kevon Looney and the Warriors' defense. Golden State’s interior defense could be a pivotal factor in determining the game’s outcome.
Stats to Watch
- The Rockets are averaging 118.1 points over their last 10 games, outpacing their opponents by more than 10 points per game during that stretch.
- Golden State, despite recent struggles, still shoots 45.7% from the field, slightly above Houston’s defensive allowance (43.3%).
Injury Updates
- Warriors: Draymond Green remains sidelined with a calf injury, while De’Anthony Melton is out for the season (ACL).
- Rockets: No injuries reported.
What to Expect
This matchup pits Golden State’s desperate attempt to recover against Houston’s youthful momentum. If the Rockets continue their fast-paced, balanced attack, they could capitalize on the Warriors' struggles. However, with Curry and the home crowd at Chase Center, Golden State can never be counted out.
Will Houston continue to rise, or will Golden State reclaim its rhythm? Tune in Thursday night for what promises to be a compelling clash.
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The Houston Astros kick off a pivotal weekend series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Fenway Park — and they'll do so with a familiar face back in the lineup. Carlos Correa, reacquired in a stunning trade deadline move on Thursday, is set to make his return to the Astros and will hit cleanup in his first game back with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2012.
Correa rejoins a Houston club that sits atop the AL West at 62-47 and is coming off a resounding 9-1 win over Washington on Wednesday, fueled by Jose Altuve’s four-hit performance. The Astros are 27-23 on the road and enter Friday with the fourth-best on-base percentage in the American League (.321).
The Red Sox, meanwhile, have won six of their last 10 games and hold a 34-21 record at home. Boston enters the weekend third in the competitive AL East at 59-51. Outfielder Jarren Duran has been a spark plug, hitting .265 with 29 doubles and 12 triples on the year.
Houston will send right-hander Hunter Brown (9-5) to the mound, while Boston will counter with RHP Cooper Criswell (1-0).
Friday marks the first meeting of the season between these two clubs.
All eyes will be on Correa’s return in a stadium where he’s delivered countless postseason moments. Now, he begins the next chapter of his Astros career, joining a team counting on him to help fuel their playoff push.
Starting lineup
So how will Joe Espada deploy his new toys? Pena is back at shortstop and leading off, with Altuve hitting second and serving as the DH. Jesus Sanchez gets his first Astros, start hitting third, and playing left field. Correa begins his Astros reunion hitting fourth and playing third base.
Big night in Beantown.
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Yainer Diaz (C) will hit fifth, followed by Christian Walker (1B), and Taylor Trammell (CF). It's interesting to see Cam Smith hitting so far down the lineup at eighth. He'll play right field and finally, Mauricio Dubon will hit ninth and play second base.
Betting odds
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -134, Red Sox +113; over/under is 8 runs
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