HOUSTON - For much of the regular season, a long postseason series between the Warriors and Rockets seemed inevitable. Now, after Golden State took the first two games of the Western Conference Semifinals in Oakland, Houston will get the series back on track Saturday evening in Game 3.
Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 4 o'clock with Warriors Outsiders, followed by Warriors Pregame Live at 4:30 and a scheduled 5:30 pm tip-off on ABC from the Toyota Center.
Through the first two games of the series, it's been role players who have stepped up for the star-driven Warriors. But with Game 3 requiring a defining performance from the 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
F PJ Tucker
F Clint Capela
G Chris Paul
G James Harden
G Eric Gordon
INJURY REPORT
Sports
Warriors: 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 from the field, including a 6-of-16 performance in Game 2 after dislocating 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 XX percent through two games. Still, the Warriors have been able to keep Houston at bay with the Hamptons 5 lineup and solid performances from Green and Iguodala.
In eight playoff games, the Warriors are posting 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, 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.
