Rockets, Warriors Prepare for Playoff Showdown in Houston

The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors are set to face off in a high-stakes, first-round playoff series marked by longstanding tensions and on-court confrontations. Both teams have a history of physical play and personal clashes, including infamous incidents like Draymond Green's kick to Steven Adams and Dillon Brooks' flagrant foul on Gary Payton II. The Rockets enter with home-court advantage after a stronger regular season, but the Warriors have won the season series three games to two. Key to the series will be discipline and composure, as both coaches emphasize the need to manage emotions amid the rivalry. Strategic focuses include the Warriors limiting turnovers to keep the Rockets out of transition and the Rockets leveraging their strong offensive rebounding and defense. Injuries to Houston's Jae’Sean Tate and Jock Landale may influence early matchups, but both teams are preparing intensely for what is expected to be a physical and emotionally charged series.