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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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.