Houston Rockets: Coming off a strong 119-111 home victory against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the Houston Rockets are set to face the Golden State Warriors in their final game before the All-Star break. Coach Ime Udoka strategically avoided playing Tari Eason and Steven Adams in back-to-back games, but both players were utilized against the Suns, with Eason having an impressive performance.
Eason led the Rockets with 25 points, nine rebounds, a season-high tying four assists, and three steals. He spearheaded a balanced offensive attack, with contributions from Jalen Green (22 points), Dillon Brooks (18 points), Amen Thompson (18 points), and Alperen Sengun (17 points and 13 rebounds). Thompson also recorded his fourth career triple-double with 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
However, both Eason and Adams will be unavailable for the game against the Warriors due to injury management. The Rockets’ depth, a strong suit earlier in the season, has been compromised by injuries, with Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) sidelined. Smith is expected to return from his six-week absence after the All-Star break. Despite the rotation tweaks and challenges, Coach Udoka has discovered additional options to bolster the team.
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors suffered their first loss since acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, falling 111-107 to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. This game marks the fifth of a seven-game road trip, which concludes after the All-Star break.
Golden State rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit against the Mavericks but couldn’t secure the victory, missing out on their first three-game winning streak since mid-November. Nevertheless, the Warriors showcased their potential, with Butler and Stephen Curry combining for 22 fourth-quarter points.
Curry finished the game with 25 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, while Butler contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. The team is still working on integrating Butler into their system, but the early results have been promising for a team looking to regain its form.
