The Houston Rockets' furious rally late in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals almost sent them home to the Lone Star State with home-court advantage. However, the Golden State Warriors turned up the defensive intensity on the game's final play, snuffing out the Rockets threat in a thrilling one-point win.
Now it's up to the Rockets to pull themselves back into the series with a pivotal Game 3 win at home on Saturday night. If not, the Warriors will move one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance in four decades.
Projected Starting Lineups
(All stats based on playoff performance only)
(1) Golden State Warriors
G Stephen Curry – 29.1 ppg, 6.6 apg, 5.0 rpg
G Klay Thompson – 19.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg
F Harrison Barnes – 11.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg
F Draymond Green – 13.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg
C Andrew Bogut – 5.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg
(2) Houston Rockets
G Jason Terry – 9.0 ppg, 2.7 apg
G James Harden – 27.6 ppg, 8.1 apg, 5.6 rpg
F Trevor Ariza – 13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg
F Josh Smith – 13.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg
C Dwight Howard – 16.6 ppg, 14.0 rpg
What to watch for:
Is Dwight Howard ready to roll?
Howard is currently listed as probable for Game 3 with his nagging knee issues after fighting through the pain in an impressive 19-point, 17-rebound performance in Game 2. The problem with knee injuries, however, is that the pain and flexibility of the joint doesn't always improve in a linear fashion. If Dwight tweaks his knee at any point during Game 3, the Rockets could instantly find themselves in trouble once again.
Are the Warriors in "killer instinct" mode?
The Dubs almost gave away Game 2, but that still doesn't detract from just how machine-like they've been since losing Games 2 & 3 to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round. Over a stretch of five-straight wins, Stephen Curry has been his MVP self plus a little extra while role players such as Shaun Livingston have stepped to provide key minutes/points in crucial situations.
If the Warriors can cut down on silly turnovers and keep the ball movement popping, they're verging on unstoppable at this point.
Prediction: Warriors win 109-104
The Rockets were written off against the Clippers after falling down 3-1, so we're taking care not to count James Harden and his crew out. However, Dwight Howard's knee problems and some glaring matchup problems for Houston have us leaning towards a 3-0 series lead for the Dubs.
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