Houston Rockets: What to expect as series moves to the Bay Area

The Houston Rockets travel to Oakland, Calif. with their eyes on regaining home court advantage with the series tied at 1-1.

Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden and company will have their hands full as the defending champs are undefeated at home in the playoffs since acquiring Kevin Durant.

Houston Rockets fans — here are some things to expect.

Stephen Curry returning to assassin mode

Stephen Curry has had a tough series so far. With point totals of 18 and 16 in the first two games, and only two out of 13 threes made, the baby faced assassin has struggled to find his offensive rhythm.

Part of that has been Houston’s intense focus on making the two-time MVP work extremely hard on defense. Both Harden and Chris Paul have repetitively looked for the match-up and taken advantage of the size difference.

I don’t expect the Houston Rockets to stray away from the successful tactic. I do expect the

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Golden State Warriors to adjust defensively in making sure Curry is given more help. And with the energy the crowd in Oracle Arena will provide, the stage will be set for the All-Star point-guard to regain form.

Battle of the “other guys”

The Rockets had a balanced game offensively in Game 2. Both Harden and Eric Gordon had 27 points and three others were also in double-digits scoring wise. More of that will be needed as the Warriors role players will improve their play at home.

The Rockets made a slight adjustment in their play from Game 1. Instead of Harden and Paul dribbling the ball into the final seconds of the time-clock, the offense had a faster pace and it showed in the involvement of others.

It will be Harden and Paul’s responsibility to not revert to Game 1’s mistakes. While it is true that they did not change their iso-ball style, the team was better at making quicker decisions and keeping the Warriors defense on their heels.

Expect the Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, and Nick Young to provide a spark for the Warriors. Houston will need the same from their “other guys” as well.

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Prediction

Two intense games with both teams playing their best basketball. This two game stretch will display two contrasting philosophies: Iso-Ball vs. Team Ball.

The series will return to Houston tied at 2-2, with the Rockets taking Game 4 after losing a close Game 1.

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