Gameday: Warriors Seek Revenge on Biggest Western Conference Challenger

Programming note: Coverage begins with Monte Poole and Kerith Burke on Facebook Live streaming right here at 12 p.m., followed by a special SportsNet Central on NBC Sports Bay Area an hour before tipoff and right after the final horn.

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HOUSTON -- When the Warriors step onto the Toyota Center floor at 5 o'clock Thursday, they'll be looking to avenge their most galling loss of the season.

And they'll be without Kevin Durant, who was scratched with a calf injury.

After the opening-night ceremony during which they received their 2017 championship rings, the Warriors built a 13-point fourth-quarter only to have the Houston Rockets wipe it out and walk out of Oracle Arena with a 122-121 victory.

That memory surely will linger in the minds of the Warriors (30-8), for it speaks to their vulnerability (their turnovers gave the Rockets 21 points) and an improved Rockets defense to go along with their ability to score in bunches.

The Rockets (27-9), who have lived up to their billing as the Western Conference team most likely to challenge the Warriors, also are short-handed, as MVP candidate James Harden will miss his second consecutive game.

BETTING LINE

Warriors by 5.5

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Stephen Curry vs. Chris Paul: These two have been going at it for years, so nothing changes with Paul moving from the Clippers to the Rockets. With Harden out, Paul is the focal point of Houston's offense as well as the front line of its defense. He has done a marvelous job of creating for the many shooters on the roster. Since returning last Saturday after an 11-game absence Curry has been incredible. The Warriors in the past have relied mostly on Klay Thompson to contain Paul. Expect Curry to get the bulk of the work now. If the officials call it tight, that should benefit the Warriors, as Paul is a notoriously grabby defender.

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: F Omir Casspi (back strain) is listed as questionable. F Kevin Durant (R calf strain is listed as out. C Damian Jones is on assignment with the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors.

Rockets: G James Harden (L hamstring strain), F Luc Mbah a Moute (R shoulder dislocation) and F Troy Williams are listed as out.

LAST 10

Warriors: 8-2.

Rockets: 5-5.

GAME OFFICIALS

Sean Wright (crew chief), Bennie Adams, Karl Lane.

SERIES HISTORY

The Warriors lost the first of three meetings this season, 122-121 on Oct. 17 in Oakland. They won three of four meetings last season and have won 11 of the last 13 meetings and six straight in Houston.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

DEATH LINEUP III: The Warriors in recent years have turned to small lineups to crush opponents. They have several, but they believe their latest "Death Lineup," featuring rookie Jordan Bell, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Curry is best suited to face the run-and-gun Rockets. Durant's absence likely pushes Andre Iguodala into that role. The key is seeing how well Bell fares.

HOT SCOREBOARD: Houston is tops in offensive rating (113.0), with the Warriors No. 2 (112.8). The Warriors are No. 1 in scoring (115.4 ppg), the Rockets (115.3) are No. 2. The Warriors are shooting 39.0 percent on an average of 29.9 3-pointers per game. Houston is No. 1 in 3-point attempts (43.1 per game) and shooting 36.7 percent from deep. This has the feel of a shootout, making timely stops crucial.

THE BENCHES: Warriors reserves lead the league in net rating (9.1), with the Rockets No. 2 at 7.5. The bench players on the Warriors are shooting a league-best 52.9 percent from the field, while the Rockets are 11th, at 45.4 percent. Though both benches are shooting below 34 percent from deep. The Warriors should benefit greatly from the return of Iguodala, who did not play Wednesday in Dallas.

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