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Rockets vs. Warriors: Playoff Seeding Gets Real
We’re down to the wire in the Western Conference, and Sunday night’s clash between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors is loaded with postseason implications.
Houston enters with the chance to solidify the No. 2 seed, while Golden State is surging with hopes of home-court advantage and possibly avoiding the play-in altogether.
Let’s break down why this is a can’t-miss matchup that could shift the playoff picture overnight.
Rockets Have Eyes on No. 2 in the West
With a record of 51-27, the Rockets are one win away from securing at least a tie for second place in the West. They’ll be keeping a close eye on the Lakers-Thunder afternoon matchup. A Lakers loss, paired with a Houston win, gives the Rockets breathing room ahead of their critical head-to-head with L.A. on Friday.
Brooks Returns, Sengun Locked In
Houston’s 125-111 win over Oklahoma City on Friday was a major statement—delivered without Dillon Brooks, who sat out due to a suspension for technical fouls. He’s expected back Sunday, adding his defensive edge to a team already playing with intensity.
But the standout story? Alperen Sengun, who was in full playoff mode:
“I was just locked in. I wanted to dominate,” Sengun said. “I was making myself mad before the game—that was my mentality.”
That fire paid off, and it’ll be critical against a Warriors squad that has owned the Rockets for years.
Track the Rockets’ playoff odds and standings
Warriors Riding Wave of Post-Butler Surge
When the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler III from Miami in early February, there were doubters. Fast forward a couple of months, and Golden State is 21-5 since the trade. They’ve hit a groove, with Butler settling in and Stephen Curry playing his best basketball of the season.
In the team’s 105-98 road win over the Rockets in their last meeting, Curry had 27 points and Butler added 19. But it’s been more than just those two carrying the load.
Podziemski’s Breakout Fuels the Streak
Since returning from a back injury, Brandin Podziemski has been a revelation. He’s now started alongside Curry and Butler in the last nine games—and Golden State has gone 7-2 with that trio.
During the current five-game win streak, Podziemski has:
- Scored 26+ points in three games
- Hit 20-of-38 from deep (52.6%)
“Me, Moses, JK, Quinten—our impact lets Jimmy and Steph get more space,” Podziemski said. “When I draw top defenders, it helps Steph feast.”
Meanwhile, Curry has averaged 41.7 points in his last three games, fully taking advantage of the spacing and movement.
Check Golden State’s player props and stats
The Matchup: Recent History Favors Golden State
This season, the Warriors have taken three of four from the Rockets, continuing a dominant run dating back years. In fact, Golden State hadn’t lost to Houston at home since February 2020—a game where James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for 50, and Stephen Curry was out with a broken hand.
That streak includes playoff heartbreaks and regular-season dominance, making Sunday’s game a chance for the Rockets to change the narrative.
Season Series Recap:
- Warriors lead series 3-1 in 2024
- Golden State has won 14 straight at home vs. Houston
If Houston wants to shake that ghost, now’s the time.
Explore Western Conference predictions
Keys to the Game
For Houston:
- Rebound Battle: Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. need to win the glass
- Brooks’ Defense: Can he disrupt Butler or Curry?
- Transition D: Slow down the Warriors’ quick-strike offense
- Bench Contributions: Keep pace with Golden State’s depth
For Golden State:
- Protect Home Court: Keep the streak alive
- Curry’s Heat Check: Will his insane run continue?
- Podziemski Efficiency: If he’s hot, Houston will be in trouble
- Turnover Control: Limit mistakes, especially with the Rockets forcing high turnovers per game
Seeding Watch: So Much at Stake
If Rockets Win:
- Could clinch at least the No. 2 seed
- Put pressure on Lakers ahead of Friday showdown
- Snap long losing streak in San Francisco
If Warriors Win:
- Could leapfrog Denver into No. 4
- Pull even with Lakers in the loss column
- Extend win streak to 6 and season series to 4-1
The domino effect on the entire Western playoff bracket could hinge on this one game.
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Final Thoughts: This One’s About More Than Seeding
Sure, playoff positioning is on the line—but this is also about pride, momentum, and legitimacy. The Rockets are the surprise risers of the West. The Warriors are the seasoned vets who’ve retooled for one more run.
This could be a Western Conference playoff preview, or it could be a playoff elimination trigger, depending on how the next week plays out.
One thing’s for sure: the winner of this game leaves with more than just another W—they leave with momentum, confidence, and a little psychological edge.
