Four players listed on the injury report ahead of Warriors versus Rockets Game 7
The Houston Rockets are gearing up for a thrilling Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors, with both teams relatively healthy. Steph Curry will be suiting up, despite the nagging thumb injury that's bothered him throughout the series. The Rockets have been relentless in targeting Curry's thumb, and they show no signs of letting up in this make-or-break game.
Gary Payton II and Jimmy Butler are also expected to play, with Butler back after missing Game 3 due to a pelvic contusion. On the Rockets' side, they will be without Jock Landale and Jae'Sean Tate. Landale, dealing with a knee contusion, has only managed five minutes in the series, while Tate has been sidelined with an ankle injury since April 9.
A Change in the Tide
The Warriors seemed to have the upper hand in the beginning stages of this series with their veteran star power. But the Rockets have turned the tables in the last two games, thanks to their stifling defense, Steven Adams' resurgence, and Fred VanVleet's scorching offense.
Adams has been a force inside, giving the Warriors no answers to his massive presence. VanVleet, who was initially struggling, has redeemed himself by making everything count, giving the Rockets' offense a significant boost. The Warriors' role players also underperformed in Game 6 at home, leaving Steve Kerr scrambling for solutions.
The Question of Jonathan Kuminga
With Houston's size, physicality, and athleticism, it seems like Jonathan Kuminga might finally get a shot in Game 7[1][3][4]. Given the urgency of the situation, Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that using Kuminga is "100% on the table". Kuminga's regular-season stats (15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG)[2] indicate his potential, although he's averaged only 9.0 PPG in this playoff series[2]. However, his inconsistent role under Kerr suggests that any increased minutes may be situation-dependent rather than a starring role.
Game 7 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET in Houston.
[1] Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr on whether Jonathan Kuminga could see more playing time in Game 7[2] Jonathan Kuminga's statistics for the 2022-2023 NBA season and playoffs[3] NBA experts discuss potential lineup changes for Game 7 between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors[4] Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga and injuries: Will he play in Game 7 against the Rockets?[5] Steve Kerr's handling of Jonathan Kuminga's playing time stirs debate among Warriors fans
- The Rockets' strategy in Game 7 is to continue targeting Steph Curry's thumb, with no signs of relenting.
- Gary Payton II and Jimmy Butler are expected to play for the Golden State Warriors, while Jock Landale and Jae'Sean Tate will be absent for the Houston Rockets.
- The Rockets' stifling defense, Steven Adams' resurgence, and Fred VanVleet's scorching offense have turned the tables in the recent games.
- The Warriors would potentially consider increasing Jonathan Kuminga's playing time in Game 7, given the urgency of the situation, according to coach Steve Kerr.
- The match between the Rockets and the Warriors in 2025 could be an exciting one, given how closely contested their games have been this season.
- Despite Curry's thumb injury, fans and experts alike are looking forward to his performance in Game 7, with many tipping him to make a significant impact on the game.
