Golden State basketball is on the way! Come join our game thread and chat about tonight’s matchup here.
The Golden State Warriors tip off their First Round series against the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. The game is set for 6:30 PM PT in Houston and will be broadcasted nationally on TNT.
Previously with the Warriors:
Golden State secured the seventh seed in the Western Conference after beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament, 121-116. The Grizzlies kept things close, especially in the third quarter where they outscored the Warriors 36-27. However, Golden State’s star power ultimately proved too much as Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 75 points. Curry was phenomenal in the fourth quarter, delivering in the clutch by scoring 15 of the team’s final 19 points.
️ “We got a hell of a batman in Steph.”
Jimmy Butler III (38 PTS) after another memorable Chef Curry performance (37 PTS, 6 3PM) in the #SoFiPlayIn! pic.twitter.com/1qZSFlCc3o
— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2025
What to watch for tonight:
In a classic postseason contrast, Game 1 pits the Warriors’ veteran experience against the Rockets’ youth and athleticism. Golden State will continue to lean on its core trio of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green who have plenty of playoff success throughout their careers.
Butler, in particular, has lived up to his “Playoff Jimmy” reputation with back-to-back performances of 30 points or more. He’s given the Warriors exactly what they hoped for when they acquired him and they look forward to seeing more of it in Game 1.
“Yeah, he’s different. You could just see a whole different intensity level and focus. I’m a basketball fan, so I’ve watched it on TV for years. To see it up close and personal, it’s a real thing.“
Draymond has been mightily impressed by Jimmy Butler’s big performance. pic.twitter.com/a9S3hDtFmM
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Houston enters the series as the second seed in the West after finishing the regular season with a record of 52-30. They’re fueled by a strong defense that ranks fifth in the NBA with a defensive rating of 110.3.
Amen Thompson, one of the most athletically gifted young stars in the NBA, has already shown he can disrupt the Warriors’ offense. In their last meeting, he helped limit Curry to just three points on 1-of-10 shooting. While that matchup came right after a grueling six-game road trip for Golden State, it nonetheless highlighted Houston’s immense defensive potential.
Turnover number vs Rockets has been the talk around the Warriors. They had 20 in their recent loss to Houston.
Moses Moody: “Their defense is their best offense.” pic.twitter.com/onHfW8qzJZ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 20, 2025
Size will also be a factor in tonight’s game. The Rockets led the league in rebounding at 48.5 per game, anchored by center Alperen Sengun (10.3 RPG). The Warriors, who ranked seventh in rebounding percentage themselves, must hold their own on the glass and limit careless turnovers to stay in control of the pace and maximize their offensive possessions.
With four days of rest and preparation, Golden State enters tonight’s game with no excuses. Stealing Game 1 on the road would not only flip home court—it would set the tone for the series and remind everyone that the Warriors’ championship DNA still runs deep.
Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!!
Projected Starters
Warriors: Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Draymond Green
Rockets: Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun
How to watch NBA Playoffs First Round Game 1
Who: Golden State Warriors (7th Seed) vs. Houston Rockets (2nd Seed)
When: Sunday, April 20th, at 6:30 p.m. PT
Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
TV: TNT (available on fuboTV)
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