OAKLAND - When the Warriors left Oakland a week ago with a 2-0 lead over the Houston Rockets, most NBA observers predicted the Western Conference Semifinals would be wrapped up fast.
Now, after two straight wins in Houston, the Rockets travel back to the Bay Area looking to take a stranglehold of the series in Game 5 Wednesday night.
Pregame coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 6 p.m., with Warriors Outsiders, followed by SNC: Warriors Playoff Edition. Tipoff of the TNT telecast is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.
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The Warriors come into the matchup battered as Shaun Livingston is questionable (hip soreness) and Andre Iguodala is dealing with a knee injury. For much of the season, the Warriors have said they'll bring their A-game when the stakes are the highest. If that's the case, Wednesday will be the best chance to prove it.
Here's everything you need to know about Game 5.
PROJECTED LINEUPS
Warriors
F Kevin Durant
F Andre Iguodala
C Draymond Green
G Klay Thompson
G Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors
Rockets
F PJ Tucker
F Clint Capela
G Chris Paul
G James Harden
G Eric Gordon
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins (Left Quadriceps Tear) and Damian Jones (Left Pectoral Surgery) are out.
Rockets: None
ROTATION OUTLOOK
Warriors
Thompson has struggled in this series, shooting just 38 percent from the field. Following Game 4 in Houston - after a 5-of-15 performance, Thompson said he'd been rushing his jump shot and promised a renaissance in Game 5.
Golden State will also look to improve its second-quarter performances. Over the last two games, the champs have been outscored 69-49, including a 33-23 drubbing in Game 4.
Iguodala hurt his knee late in the second half of Game 4, in what was called a "hyperextension" by Warriors coach Steve Kerr Tuesday afternoon. Iguodala is a vital piece of Golden State's defensive effort against Harden and Paul and his output will be vital Wednesday night.
[RELATED: Looney believes Warriors bench will improve]
Rockets
In two games in Houston, the Rockets dominated the glass, outrebounding the Warriors 105-78, including a 55-35 performance in Game 3. Tucker has been particularly good on the boards, finishing with 10 combined offensive rebounds in Games 3 and 4.
Harden has accumulated 79 points over his last two games, including 38 point, 10 rebound performance in Game 4.
Tucker is averaging 10 points, 7.6 rebounds on 43.5 percent from 3-point range.
For the second season in a row, Houston has a chance to take control of a series against the Warriors in Game 5. Last year, Houston took a 3-2 lead after a Game 5 win before the Warriors won in seven games. Now, the Rockets have another shot and could put the Warriors season on the brink once again.
Officials: Ken Mauer (#41), Jason Phillips (#23), Kane Fitzgerald (#5), Alternate: Scott Wall(#31)