Warriors vs Rockets Game 6 Preview: Golden State Looks to Close Out Series at Home

15 hours ago
7 7 minutes read
Rockets vs Warriors Game 6
Rockets vs Warriors Game 6


San Francisco, CA (WE) — The Golden State Warriors are back home for Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. The stakes are high. The Warriors are close to advancing, but their 131-116 loss in Game 5 left them with a bitter taste. That loss trimmed their series lead to 3-2. Game 6 is set for Friday at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Golden State’s veteran core is determined to close out the resilient Rockets and take another step toward their championship goals.

Game 5 Recap: Rockets Dominate as Warriors Rest Starters

Game 5 of the Western Conference playoff series was an intense ride, with the Houston Rockets seizing control early. By the third quarter, the Warriors were trailing by 29 points with just 5:50 remaining. In a bold move, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr pulled all five starters and sat them for the rest of the game. None of the Warriors’ starters played more than 26 minutes, as Golden State looked ahead to the crucial Game 6.

Kerr’s strategy, seen as risky, was a calculated decision. With the game slipping away, the Warriors focused on saving their key players for the next game. Meanwhile, the Rockets capitalized, pushing their lead further and withstanding a fourth-quarter rally from Golden State’s reserves.

“It’s not ideal to play that amount of minutes because if we’re winning, you play way more,” said Draymond Green, who logged just 18 minutes in Game 5. “But we (Kerr and the veterans) had a quick conversation, and he said, ‘I don’t think we should chase it,’ and I said, ‘Cool. We’ll give it five (or) six minutes, and if we can’t turn it, pull the plug.’”

Rockets’ Resilience Shines in Game 5

The Rockets were simply the better team on the night. Their fast-paced offense and relentless defense put pressure on the Warriors from the opening whistle. The Rockets took an 18-point lead in the first quarter, using their superior athleticism to dictate the flow of the game. Houston’s game plan of pushing the pace early and often paid dividends, and they never allowed Golden State to establish any rhythm.

Houston’s head coach Ime Udoka recognized that his team was finding its stride in the series, particularly in their ability to wear down the Warriors over the course of the game. “It feels like we’re getting more consistent recognition of what they’re doing throughout the series as it goes on,” said Udoka. “Trying to wear them down and taking away certain actions, and we did that. Try to make them make plays and not run their plays. If they have to beat us one-on-one, we feel that’s to our advantage.”

The Rockets were fueled by a standout performance from veteran guard Fred VanVleet, who scored a game-high 26 points. VanVleet, who has been instrumental in leading Houston’s young squad through the ups and downs of the playoffs, was a calming presence on the court. His leadership helped the Rockets avoid the temptation to let the moment overwhelm them.

“May not always get it right, (and) definitely far from perfect at times, but being able to bounce back and have a short-term memory is one of the best things about being a young team,” said VanVleet, reflecting on the Rockets’ ability to recover after their Game 4 loss. “We’ve played some good basketball in this series. The margin for error is so small that you don’t want to get carried away when you fall short. You’ve got to bounce back.”

Warriors’ History of Bouncing Back

Despite the loss, the Warriors remain confident. Golden State is no stranger to adversity. They’ve faced elimination before and came out victorious. In the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals, the Warriors suffered a 39-point blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5. However, they rallied to win the series in Game 6 at home. This history of resilience has been a key feature of the Warriors’ dynasty, and their veterans know how to handle the pressure of a pivotal Game 6.

“There’s definitely something you can look back on as part of the journey, but that’s all well and great to talk about,” said Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ star guard. “You have to go do something about it on the court. We talked about our group trying to do this for the first time together, and I love that challenge because we have an opportunity to write our own story in how we bounce back. We’ve had a pretty resilient group over the last two months, and it has to show on Friday.”

Curry, who has been the face of Golden State’s success, understands that the series is far from over. Despite the pressure of a potential Game 7, he remains confident that his team can rise to the occasion and close out the series on their home floor.

The Rockets’ Youthful Energy

While the Warriors rely on their championship pedigree, the Rockets’ youthful energy has been a key factor in keeping the series competitive. Houston’s young core, led by Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr., has not backed down from the challenge. In fact, their ability to stay composed and execute under pressure has impressed many around the league.

“The youth of this team has been a huge strength,” said Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr.. “We don’t know what it’s like to be nervous in these situations. We just play basketball and trust each other. That’s what has helped us stay competitive in this series.”

The Rockets have proven that they are not to be underestimated, and with another shot at a Game 6 upset, they will be looking to continue their high-energy play and capitalize on any mistakes the Warriors might make.

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Game 6 Preview: What to Expect

Heading into Game 6, the Golden State Warriors aim to close out the series at home. Steve Kerr’s decision to rest his starters in Game 5 gives the team fresh legs, especially for key players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. The Warriors will need to tighten up their defense and limit the Houston Rockets’ fast-break opportunities. Houston’s youth has shown it can thrive in transition.

For the Rockets, Game 6 is a must-win to keep their season alive. Their ability to maintain their pace and pressure Golden State’s offense will be crucial. Houston has shown flashes of brilliance, but they must execute consistently. They cannot afford the lapses that plagued them in Game 5.

The Warriors’ experience will likely be a deciding factor. Golden State has been here before, and with Curry leading the charge, they are focused on closing out the Rockets in front of their home crowd. However, the Rockets will fight tooth and nail. Their young team has the talent to pull off an upset and force a Game 7 back in Houston.

Where can I watch Warriors Rockets game 6?

Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors is scheduled for tonight, Friday, May 2, 2025, at 8:00 PM Central Time (9:00 PM Eastern) at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Here’s how you can watch and listen to the game:

TV Broadcast

  • National Coverage: The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, featuring commentators Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Richard Jefferson, and Lisa Salters.Houston Chronicle
  • Local Coverage:
    • Houston Market: Viewers in the Houston area can watch the game on Space City Home Network (SCHN).
    • Bay Area: In the San Francisco Bay Area, the game will be available on NBC Sports Bay Area (NBCS-BA).Houston ChronicleSportsTalk 790+1FOX Sports+1

Streaming Options

Radio Broadcast

Game Details

  • Date & Time: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 8:00 PM CT (9:00 PM ET)
  • Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
  • Series Status: Warriors lead 3-2; Rockets aim to force a Game 7.

Who is Favored to Win, Rockets or Warriors?

As of Friday, May 2, 2025, the Golden State Warriors are favored to win Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets. According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Warriors are 5.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -235. This indicates a 70.59% implied probability of victory. The Rockets are listed at +196 on the moneyline, reflecting a 33.78% implied chance of winning.

The over/under for the game is set at 207.5 points, suggesting expectations for a moderately high-scoring contest. The Warriors’ status as favorites is boosted by their home-court advantage at Chase Center in San Francisco and their extensive playoff experience. Notably, Golden State has won 11 of 12 Game 6s since 2015 when Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were active.

Despite a 131-116 loss in Game 5, where the Rockets’ starters outscored the Warriors’ starting five 101 to 40, Golden State’s decision to rest key players in the second half could give them a freshness advantage in Game 6. The Rockets, led by veteran guard Fred VanVleet, have shown resilience and athleticism throughout the series. They are aiming to force a decisive Game 7.

Final Thoughts

As Game 6 looms, both teams have a lot at stake. The Warriors are looking to avoid a series extension and capitalize on their home-court advantage. Meanwhile, the Rockets aim to extend their playoff run and keep their championship hopes alive. The game promises to be exciting, filled with drama and intensity.

For the Warriors, victory will depend on executing well on both ends of the floor. They will also need to stay composed. For the Rockets, success means maintaining their energy and intensity. Their youthful confidence will be key in pushing the Warriors to their limit.

With so much on the line, Game 6 is set to be a thrilling encounter. It could determine the future of both franchises in this year’s playoffs.

15 hours ago
7 7 minutes read
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