Golden State vs Houston Preview – December 11

The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets will battle in an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday night at the Toyota Center. Both teams are no strangers to high-pressure games, having contested several playoff classics in recent years. With a spot in the semifinals in Las Vegas on the line, this game promises to be intense and competitive. While the Warriors bring their championship pedigree, the Rockets are eager to prove they belong among the NBA’s elite this season.
The Warriors are riding the momentum of a hard-fought win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Rockets are coming off a convincing victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Both squads have demonstrated resilience and depth this season, making this matchup a clash of contrasting styles and strengths. The winner will face either Dallas or Oklahoma City in the next round of this exciting tournament.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State continues to rely on its dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, both of whom made significant contributions in their recent win over Minnesota. Curry’s 30 points and eight assists highlighted his ability to dominate on offense, while Green’s all-around game showcased his leadership on both ends of the court. The Warriors’ success often hinges on these two veterans, and their presence will be critical against Houston.
The Warriors have dominated this matchup historically, winning 15 straight games against the Rockets, including a nail-biting 99-93 victory earlier this month. However, Golden State has struggled with consistency this season, especially when Curry or Green are unavailable. With Andrew Wiggins day-to-day due to an ankle injury, role players like Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield will need to step up to keep the Warriors’ momentum alive.
Houston Rockets
Houston enters this game as one of the league’s hottest teams, boasting a 16-8 record and impressive performances from rising stars like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Green poured in 31 points in their win over the Clippers, while Sengun and rookie Amen Thompson combined for 10 assists to keep the offense flowing. Coach Ime Udoka’s emphasis on balanced scoring and defensive intensity has paid dividends, especially in games where key players like Fred VanVleet are unavailable.
VanVleet, who has been nursing a knee injury, is expected to return for this high-stakes matchup. His veteran presence and ability to control the pace will be crucial for the Rockets, who are looking to end their losing streak against the Warriors. Houston’s depth and versatility will be tested, but they have shown they can adapt and thrive even without their full roster available.
Pick and Prediction
This game sets up as a classic battle between experience and youth. The Warriors’ ability to execute in high-pressure situations gives them an edge, but the Rockets have the talent and momentum to pull off an upset. Houston will need a strong defensive effort to contain Curry and force Golden State’s supporting cast to carry the load. On the other hand, Golden State’s championship DNA could be the deciding factor in crunch time.
While the Rockets have been impressive this season, the Warriors’ track record and the return of their core players tilt the scales in their favor. Expect a close game with Golden State eking out a narrow victory to advance to the semifinals.
- Prediction: Golden State Warriors 112, Houston Rockets 109