Warriors to face Rockets in Western Conference semifinals

Golden State Warriors to face Houston Rockets in Western Conference semifinals

Warriors have home-court advantage, series begins Monday

The Golden State Warriors will face the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals, the NBA announced Monday. The Warriors have home-court advantage and will host the Rockets for Games 1 and 2 on Monday and Wednesday before the series shifts to Houston for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday. Game 5, if necessary, will be played in Golden State on Tuesday, May 14. Game 6, if necessary, will be played in Houston on Thursday, May 16. Game 7, if necessary, will be played in Golden State on Saturday, May 18.

The Warriors finished the regular season with a league-best 57-25 record, while the Rockets went 55-27 to finish second in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors won three of the four meetings with the Rockets during the regular season, including a 112-98 victory in Houston on March 24.

The Warriors are led by reigning MVP Stephen Curry, who averaged 30.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game in the regular season. Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant also form a formidable Big Four for the Warriors.

The Rockets are led by James Harden, who averaged 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game in the regular season. Chris Paul, Eric Gordon and Clint Capela also form a talented supporting cast for the Rockets.

The Warriors are seeking their fifth consecutive NBA championship, while the Rockets are seeking their first NBA championship since 1995.