:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43675342/454044229.0.jpg)
It's sad that this is a Saturday game. Had it been during the week, it would get a ton of attention and ESPN would be all over it. As it stands, we know the game will be ignored unless the Rockets lose. In that case, ESPN will talk about it for weeks.
I kid, sorta.
Obviously, only one team can theoretically go 82-0, and both of these teams will look to win this game and then knock off the Memphis Grizzlies on their way to perfection. So look out for that.
Both teams in this game have scored at insane clips and have been defending very well. Unstoppable force meets unstoppable force tonight.
Tip off is at 7pm CST.
Matchups:
Point Guard: Isaiah Canaan vs. Stephen Curry
Canaan got the start against the Celtics and Rajon Rondo, but the rest of the Rockets were able to make up for this difference. Tonight will be Canaan's first true test because Curry can get his in a way that Rondo can't. So while the matchup at shooting guard will get the headlines, this is the key matchup of the game.
Advantage: Warriors
Shooting Guard: James Harden vs. Klay Thompson
Huge tests for both of these guys. Thompson has been proving that he's worth his near-max extension and Harden has been incredible as the focal point of the offense on his way into the MVP conversation.
Here's another real test for Harden's improved defense. We might see Ariza guarding Thompson, but it's inevitable that Harden will have to guard Klay.
Advantage: Even
Small Forward: Trevor Ariza vs. Harrison Barnes
Ariza finally looked mortal against the Spurs, but a bounce-back game looks to be in order against the Warriors.
Advantage: Rockets
Power Forward: Donatas Motiejunas vs. Draymond Green
Green is averaging 13/7 through the four games for the Warriors.
D-Mo has been terrible so far. The Rockets might have to call on the services of K-Pap early, but if D-Mo can post up Green and be successful down low it could really give the Rockets a boost.
Advantage: Warriors
Center: Dwight Howard vs. Andrew Bogut
Bogut is averaging 7/10 with a couple of blocks so far this season. The Rockets need Howard to have a big game against him since the perimeter will either be a wash or a Warriors advantage.
Advantage: Rockets
Bench
Rockets: Propeller Plane, Tarik Black, Kostas Papanikolaou, Troy Daniels
Warriors: Festus Ezeli, Shaun Livingston, Leandro Barbosa, Andre Iguodala
Advantage: Warriors
Prediction: Rockets lose first game of the season 108-102.
Warriors vs Rockets coverage