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Houston Rockets @ Golden State Warriors: Game 19: Sneak Peek Analysis

By Brian K. Patterson

Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Rockets will face their toughest test this season and it’s not even close.

The Houston Rockets will face their toughest test this season and it’s not even close.

Yes, this team will be facing the 16-2 Golden State Warriors tonight in a prime-time national television match up.

We’re about to see what the Rockets are made of when they lineup against the league’s best tonight.

They’re so good at many categories as a team, it’s not even funny.

The Rockets will need to clicking on all cylinders in order to win this game — I honestly feel they actually have a chance.

In addition, Draymond Green is having a spectacular season as he is doing a little of everything to help his team win.

We’ll also have a front-row seat to Kevin Durant with his new team, he has seemed to fall in quite comfortably with his new cohorts.

Watch that match up with Trevor Ariza — he is going to give him all that he can handle.

Green will have another monster game tonight as I don’t see Ryan Anderson being a threat to his momentum whatsoever.

I can’t wait to see these teams do work — it could be a classic!

We’ll see!

So who’s leading the charge for the Warriors?

Kevin Durant leads the team in scoring (27.1 PPG).  Draymond Green is a one-man wrecking show in regard to all the other team stats — rebounds (8.6 RPG), assists (6.9 APG), steals (2.1 SPG) and blocks (1.8 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Warriors do well.

They’re still offensively/defensively sound. The Warriors are ranked 1st in the NBA as far as offensive efficiency, averaging 114.6 points per 100 possessions.  They’re also 7th in the defensive efficiency, allowing just 101.5 points per 100 possessions.

They’re still the best at moving the ball around.  The Warriors are ranked 1st in the NBA in assist ratio, with 21.8 percent of their possessions ending in assist.

They’re still are the best shooters as a team.  The Warriors are ranked 1st in true shooting percentage (60.7) and 1st in effective field goal percentage (57.2).

Next: Eric Gordon's Campaign For 6th Man

Injuries:

Patrick Beverley had successful surgery Oct. 25 — it was a minor knee scope to clean up some the damage that had occurred from his injury.

Bev made his debut Nov. 17 against the Portland Trail Blazers and posted 11 points, three blocks and three assists in 25 minutes of action.

He was 5-for-8 from the field and 1-for-2 from behind-the-arc.  It’s expected from him to be on minutes-restriction up to 25 per for the time being as he knocks the rust and tests the knee.

He will continue to start as he had been doing in the past.

He recently saw 31 minutes of action against the Sacramento Kings Friday night so it’s possible that Bev is officially on the mend.

We’ll have to continue to see how this plays out.

There are no injuries to report for the Golden State Warriors.

Source(s):  Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle

Four Things to Watch:

  1. James Harden vs. Klay Thompson
  2. Patrick Beverley vs. Stephen Curry
  3. Clint Capela vs. Zaza Pachulia
  4. Trevor Ariza vs. Kevin Durant

Prediction:

113-101 in a Houston Rockets’ loss.

The Rockets are still on the road to take on the Warriors at Oracle Arena.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on TNT and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890 and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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