Immense credit has to go to the Houston Rockets for roaring back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to set up a game seven at home tonight in Houston.
Falling behind in the series only served to invigorate them as they dismantled the Warriors these past two games. Coach Ime Udoka has seen success by going with two centers, Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams, in the lineup. It appears the Warriors don’t have an answer for them.
Will the Warriors respond? It’s hard to envisage playoff legends Jimmy Butler III and Stephen Curry not taking advantage of their vast winning experience in the playoffs. However, the momentum lies with Houston.
Here’s all you need to know for tonight’s decider.
Game 7 Warriors vs. Rockets Preview, Predictions and More
How To Watch:
- When: Sunday, May 4th. 8.30 pm ET/ 7.30 pm CT
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX.
- TV: TNT
- Streaming: Fubo
Injury Report:
Previously void of injury concerns, the Warriors have Gary Payton II questionable ahead of Game 7.
Gary Payton II (illness) pops up as questionable on the Warriors injury report for game 7 tonight against the Rockets.
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) May 4, 2025
Meanwhile, the Rockets are missing Jae’Sean Tate due to a long-term injury. Apart from that, no fresh concerns.
Warriors vs Rockets Key Matchup:
Fred Van Vleet vs Stephen Curry:
Fred VanVleet has raised his levels significantly after a quiet regular season; he’s gotten red-hot at the right time. In his last three games, he’s shot a sublime 66.7% from three-point range and scored at least 25 points.
If VanVleet continues to shoot at an over 50% clip, the Rockets must feel good about their chances.
Meanwhile, Curry only shot 33% and 39% from the field in his last two games. Despite scoring a robust 29 points in game six, he was an inefficient 6-16 from three, as he’s struggling to find space against the Rockets’ physicality and zone schemes.
It’s hard to bet against Curry turning it on when it counts in game seven, but so far, the Rockets have handled him.
Game 7 Warriors vs. Rockets Preview
Ime Udoka continues to show why he’s in the upper echelon of NBA coaches, as his zone defense has made life difficult for the Warriors’ offense of late. Offensively, they are taking advantage of their vast size difference to feed Alperen Şengün and Adams in the paint. Şengün had 21 points and 14 boards in game six.
The added layer to this series is the controversy surrounding Dillon Brooks. This has made the series physical and feisty, as he’s controversially admitted to swiping at Curry’s injured thumb whilst shooting, making Warriors players far from happy with the perennially under-fire Rockets forward.
It will be interesting to see if both sides will be able to keep their emotions in check in such a pivotal game.
Game 7 Warriors vs. Rockets Predictions
The Warriors have the vast winning experience, while the young and untested Rockets come forth with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Plus, Curry can get hot at any time, with shooting range as far as the Golden Gate Bridge. Assuredly, he will come out firing tonight.
However, the tide has swung dramatically in Houston’s favor. Their vast mismatch in the paint and on the glass has seen them utterly dominate the Warriors on both ends of the court lately.
Overall, with the momentum in their favor, the Rockets are now the favorites to advance.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
