GAME PREVIEW

Crucial factors that could swing Rockets' showdown with Warriors

Alperen Sengun
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 Astros beat the Blue Jays, 3-1. Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images.

Christian Walker homered in a three-run second, Ryan Gusto pitched well into the sixth and the Houston Astros beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Wednesday night to sweep the three-game series.

Walker led off the second with a home run to left off Bowden Francis (2-3), Yainer Diaz tripled and scored on Zach Dezenzo's RBI single and Yordan Alvarez capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly.

Gusto (3-1) allowed one run on three hits with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Gusto has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his three starts this season.

Bryan King pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings, and Bryan Abreu threw a scoreless eighth.

George Springer walked, and Ernie Clement doubled with one out in the ninth, but Josh Hader struck out Alejandro Kirk and induced a flyout by Myles Straw for his seventh save.

Houston has won five of its last six.

Springer hit an RBI double in the fourth for the Blue Jays. They have lost five straight games.

Francis surrendered three runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. He has allowed three runs or fewer in four of his five starts.

Key moment

Hader striking out Kirk and getting Straw to flyout to center to end it.

Key stat

The Astros swept the Blue Jays for the first time since they swept a four-game series in Houston on May 14-17, 2015.

Final Thoughts

Julia Morales caught up with Walker after the game.

Up next

Houston starts a three-game series Friday at Kansas City, with RHP Hayden Wesneski (1-1, 3.91 ERA) starting the opener. Toronto RHP José Berríos (1-1, 5.02) starts Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at the Yankees.

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