HOUSTON -- For much of the NBA regular season, a long playoff series between the Warriors and the Rockets seemed inevitable. Now, after Golden State took the first two games of the teams' second-round series in Oakland, Houston hopes to get back on track Saturday night in Game 3.
Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 4 p.m. with "Warriors Outsiders," followed by "SportsNet Central: Warriors Edition" at 4:30, and a scheduled 5:30 pm tip-off on ABC from Toyota Center.
Through the first two games of the series, role players have stepped up for the star-driven Warriors. But with Game 3 requiring a defining performance from the back-to-back defending champs, a good showing from a star player will be more than welcomed.
Here's everything you need to know about Game 3.
Projected Lineups
Warriors
F Kevin Durant
F Andre Iguodala
C Draymond Green
G Klay Thompson
G Stephen Curry
Sports
Rockets
F PJ Tucker
F Clint Capela
G Chris Paul
G James Harden
G Eric Gordon
Injury Report
Warriors
Centers DeMarcus Cousins (left quadriceps tear) and Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) are out.
Rockets
None
Rotation Outlook
Warriors
Curry has struggled against the Rockets, averaging 19 points, five rebounds and four assists on just 39 percent shooting from the field, including a 6-of-16 performance in Game 2 after he dislocated the middle finger of his left hand.
After dominating the Clippers in the first round, Durant's performance has trailed off as well, as he's shooting 42 percent through two games. Still, the Warriors have been able to keep the Rockets at bay with the Hamptons 5 lineup and solid performances from Green and Iguodala.
In eight playoff games, the Warriors have posted a 129.7 offensive rating when Iguodala is on the floor -- a number that drops to 107.1 when he goes to the bench.
Rockets
Despite seeing blurry images for most of Game 2 after Green poked him in the eye, Harden poured in 29 points, keeping the Rockets in contention for much of the matchup. Still, Harden has struggled throughout the series, shooting 37 percent from the field.
After struggling in Game 1, Capela finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.
Down 2-0, the Rockets are expected to come out with a sense of urgency as the series shifts to South Texas. If not, this series could be wrapped up by early next week.
