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Houston Rockets Vs. Golden State Warriors: Game 74: 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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We’re about to embark on one of the best match ups tonight for the Houston Rockets.

We’re about to embark on one of the best match ups tonight for the Houston Rockets.

Yes, they’ll face the 59-14 Golden State Warriors after a hard-fought, statement 137-125 over the Oklahoma City Thunder this past Sunday.

The Warriors have a lot of weapons even though their top-gun, Kevin Durant is still out with a knee injury.

This match up will still be fun to watch and it’s going to be a shootout!

So what’s next?

So who’s leading the charge for the Warriors?

Kevin Durant leads the team in scoring (25.3 PPG), rebounds (8.2 RPG) and is the top shot-blocker (1.6 BPG).  Draymond Green holds the torch in assists (7.1 APG) and steals (2.1 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Warriors do well.

They continue to have a well-balanced attack.  The Warriors are tied for 1st — with the San Antonio Spurs —  in defensive efficiency, allowing just 101 points per 100 possessions. They’re also ranked 1st in offensive efficiency, scoring 113 points per 100 possessions.

They’re the best shooting team in the NBA.  The Warriors are ranked 1st in effective field goal percentage (56.2) and 1st in true shooting percentage (59.7).

They’re the best at ball movement for the score.  The Warriors are ranked 1st in assist ratio, with 21.4 percent of their possessions ending with an assist.

They’re a solid rebounding team.  The Warriors are tied for 8th — with the Toronto Raptors — in rebound rate, taking down 50.6 percent of missed shots.

Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?

Injuries:

Ryan Anderson sprained his right ankle after getting tangled up with DeMarcus Cousins Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.  There currently is no timetable for his return but I suspect they’re going to take their time because of the immense amount of depth we have on the roster.  We’ll miss his three-point shooting that he contributes but as this team has done all season, they find a way to persevere.  He’ll be out for the next two weeks as he nurses his ankle back to full recovery.

Kevin Durant did participate in on-court activities late last week and is his return is expected to be near.  It just won’t be tonight.  When that happens, he’ll be gradually brought back into the rotation to foster his conditioning.

Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Monte Poole of CSN Bay Area, Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle

Matchups to Watch:

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

Prediction:

111-107 in a Houston Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are at home to take on the Warriors at Toyota Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest/NBA TV and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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