Rockets vs. Warriors: Game 3 Preview, Predictions, How to Watch

The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors face off in a pivotal Game 3 with the series tied.

The series heads to San Francisco, potentially giving the Warriors the edge. But the outcome of this game, and indeed, the series itself, will depend on the health of Jimmy Butler, who has been diagnosed with a deep gluteal muscle contusion.

UPDATE: Butler will not play tonight, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.

Wounded Warriors

Prior to acquiring Butler in February, the Warriors were a game below .500. After the trade, they closed the regular season 23-8. Without him, they’re simply not a playoff team.

Stephen Curry has done his best to keep Golden State afloat, averaging 25.5 points through the first two games of the series while shooting 50% from three. Without Butler, the Warriors’ margin for error not only shrinks considerably, but the Rockets are simply just a better, more athletic team.

Young Rockets Soaring

The Rockets’ young stars Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have come into their own this postseason, with Green averaging 22.5 points per game and Sengun just behind him with 21.5.

Sengun was just three assists shy of a triple-double in Game 2. He had four during the regular season. With Butler out, Sengun could secure his first in postseason play without the guard’s quick hands and disruptive digs breaking up his post touches and passing lanes.

Houston’s defense has been nothing short of stifling, limiting the Warriors to 94.5 points per game. The Rockets have also commanded the boards, grabbing an average of 49.5 per game — the best in the NBA this postseason.

Butler’s presence may ultimately be the deciding factor in this series. As for tonight, this game is the Rockets’ to lose.

How to Watch Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors

Today’s Rockets-Warriors game tips off just after 8:30 PM Eastern — that’s 5:30 PM on the West Coast. The game will be televised on ABC. That means you can watch it for free using your antenna — as long as you can get reception for your local ABC affiliate.

As with all games that air on ABC, this one will stream not just on the ABC app and website, but also on ESPN’s streaming platforms.