Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors Game Preview
No Easy Task for Rockets in Season Opener
The Houston Rockets will look to get off to a good start in their 2023-24 season as they take on the Golden State Warriors in their season opener on Wednesday night.
Despite making the playoffs the past two seasons, the Rockets are looking to make a deeper run in the postseason this year. The Rockets have a young and talented roster, led by All-Star Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.
Warriors Still the Team to Beat
The Warriors are coming off a championship season in which they defeated the Boston Celtics in six games. Golden State is looking to win their fifth championship in nine seasons. The Warriors have a veteran-laden roster, led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
The Warriors are the heavy favorites to win the Western Conference again this season. However, the Rockets have a chance to make a statement in their season opener by knocking off the defending champions.
Key Matchups to Watch
There are several key matchups to watch in this game.
- Jalen Green vs. Stephen Curry
- Kevin Porter Jr. vs. Klay Thompson
- Jabari Smith Jr. vs. Draymond Green
Prediction
The Warriors are the better team on paper and should be favored to win this game. However, the Rockets have a chance to make a statement by knocking off the defending champions in their season opener.
The Rockets will need to play a near-perfect game to pull off the upset. They will need to hit shots, play defense, and limit turnovers.
If the Rockets can do those things, they have a chance to start the season with a big win.