NBA Playoffs: Rockets Big Underdogs Heading Into Game 5 Against Warriors

USA Today

The Houston Rockets will face elimination for the second straight game on Wednesday night with James Harden and company traveling to the Bay Area to take on Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors in Game 5. Although the Rockets were able to hold off the Warriors in Game 4, Kevin McHale’s squad will find it extremely difficult to extend the series away from the Toyota Center against the best home team in the NBA.

Oracle Arena will be packed on Wednesday night with the Warriors faithful cheering on their team. Golden State will advance to the NBA Finals with a win to face LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. As of right now, Golden State is heavily favored to come out on top in Game 5 with a -10 point spread, according to Sportsbook.ag.

With the Rockets having their backs against the wall in the second-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers down 3-1, Houston was able to rally from behind and win the final three games to advance to the Western Conference Finals. That being said, it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that the team can pull off another incredible comeback, but it is highly unlikely considering the competition.

Game 5 will tipoff at 6 p.m. Pacific tonight with everything on the line for the Rockets. Curry is coming off a scary fall in Game 4 in which many felt he sustained a concussion. Fortunately, after being evaluated by the Warriors training staff, Curry was able to return and will play tonight in the potential series-clinching Game 5.

It seems like a foregone conclusion at this point that the Warriors advance to the NBA Finals. Houston may be able to steal Game 5 if able to have the momentum from Game 4 carry over, but it appears inevitable Golden State will move on to compete for an NBA title.