The Western Conference Semifinals continue in Houston on Friday as the Warriors look to close out the series.
Warriors vs. RocketsFriday, May 106:00 p.m.Toyota CenterHouston, TX
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SEALING THE SERIES
Riding the heels of a crucial victory on Warriors Ground, the Dubs head into Houston leading the series 3-2 and having a chance to close out the Western Conference Semifinals in Game 6 on Friday. Though riding a wave of momentum into the next one, the Dubs will be without Kevin Durant, who will miss the rest of the series to rehab a strained calf. The Warriors' will look to fill the gap left by the All-Star and become the first team in the series to win a game on the road.
LAST TIME OUTThe Warriors protected Warriors Ground in Game 5 on Wednesday as the team recorded a 104-99 victory over the Rockets and take a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference Semifinals.
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MATCHUP AT A GLANCE
LAST GAME'S STARTERS
GSW: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Andre
Iguodala
HOU: Chris Paul, James Harden, Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker and Clint Capela
INJURY & ROSTER NOTES
GSW: Kevin Durant (right calf strain), DeMarcus Cousins (left quadriceps tear) and Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) are out. Team Notes
HOU: None. Team Notes
LOONEY TO THE RESCUEAfter being a key contributor in the final seven minutes of Game 5, the Warriors sung praises for Kevon Looney when filling in for the injured Kevin Durant down the stretch. Klay Thompson acknowledged Looney’s hard work, simply saying: “Kevon Looney, can’t say enough about his performance. Five offensive rebounds, that’s just heart right there.” With the absence of Kevin Durant, Looney will likely be a big contributor in the Dubs’ rotation for Friday’s contest. In what has been a highly physical series, Looney’s tenacity will be key off the glass in helping the squad gain as many extra possessions as possible.
TEAM PLAYOFF LEADERS
HOUSTON SCOUTING REPORTThe Rockets are undefeated at home this postseason (5-0), going nearly two months since their last loss on their home court, which came at the hands of the Dubs on March 13. A lot has happened since the Rockets launched their current 12-game home winning streak, but the one constant has been James Harden. He has led Houston in scoring in each of their playoff games this season and has averaged 34.8 points per game in this current series. Harden’s performance will surely impact the Rockets’ overall play, but another area of focus should be rebounding. So far in this series, the team that has won the rebounding battle has won the game, and that’s also true in terms of offensive rebounding. That’s where P.J. Tucker is a wildcard. In the three Warriors wins this series, Tucker has had just one offensive rebound, but in the Rockets’ two wins – each of which were in Houston – Tucker pulled down a combined nine offensive rebounds. The Rockets’ backs are against the wall and figure to be the aggressors in all areas of the game. After all, they have nothing to lose. If the Warriors can temper the storm on the boards, that can potentially create early offense opportunities for the Dubs.