Warriors vs. Rockets Game 1 watch guide: Lineups, injuries and player usage

OAKLAND — Since last year's epic seven-game series in the Western Conference Finals, the Rockets and Warriors have been destined for a rematch. 

Eleven months later the basketball gods granted us just that, as the two teams will begin Western Conference Semifinals Sunday afternoon. 

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Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 11:00 a.m. with Warriors Outsiders, followed by Warriors Pregame Live at 11:30 a.m. and a scheduled 12:30 p.m. tip-off on ABC from Oracle Arena. 

As the Warriors struggled to put away their first-round series against the Clippers, injuring Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry in the process - the Rockets got into the Bay Area Friday afternoon and should be well rested following a five-game series against the Jazz. 

It remains to be seen if Curry and Thompson will play in Game 1 or if fatigue will play a factor Sunday. For now, let's get you ready for the matchup. 

PROJECTED LINEUPS

Warriors
F Kevin Durant 
F Draymond Green
C Andrew Bogut
G Klay Thompson
G Stephen Curry

Rockets
F PJ Tucker
C Clint Capela
G Chris Paul
G James Harden 
G Eric Gordon

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: Stephen Curry (right ankle sprain) and Klay Thompson (right ankle sprain) are both questionable. Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) and DeMarcus Cousins (left quad tear) are out. 

Rockets: None

ROTATION OUTLOOK 

Warriors

During the postseason, Golden State has seemingly been two teams based on their location. In three home games, they're giving up more than 120 points per game, losing two in dramatic fashion. On the road, the Warriors have locked in, holding the Clippers to 106 points per game at Staples Center. 

Now, with Rockets in town, the defensive strategy will be centered around stopping James Harden. In his last three games against the Warriors, Harden has averaged 33.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists, including a game-winner at Oracle Arena Jan. 3.

With Klay Thompson potentially out for Game 1, Golden State's work will be cut out for them. 

Rockets

For almost a year, Houston has made it known they wanted a rematch with the champs and for good reason. Over the seven regular-season matchups between these two teams, the Rockets have won five, including the season series the last two years. 

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Harden averaged 27.8 points, 8.0 assists, 6.8 rebounds, 2.20 steals and 1.4 blocks in the first round, while Houston's defense has been stout, posting a 99.2 defensive rating, giving up just 97.8 points per game.

Officials: Zach Zarba (#15), Josh Tiven (#58), Courtney Kirkland (#61) Alternate: Tre Maddox (#73)