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During Game 1, multiple outlets reported that Kuminga was unlikely to crack the Warriors’ rotation unless there was a need to adjust the game plan. That adjustment was forced on Wednesday, as Brandin Podziemski was ill and Jimmy Butler exited during the first quarter with a pelvic contusion. As a result, Kuminga was back in the rotation after sitting out Golden State’s last three games. While the stat line wasn’t impressive, the Warriors may have to rely on him for Game 3 on Saturday, depending on Butler’s availability.

One of the interesting decisions in the first two games of this series was Houston assigning Alperen Sengun to Moody defensively. After attempting four three-pointers in Game 1, Moody put up six on Wednesday, making three. According to the TNT broadcast during the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr wants Moody to attempt at least eight per game with Houston using Sengun to defend him. With Jimmy Butler’s (pelvis) status for Game 3 undetermined, Moody’s willingness to put up shots could be crucial. The series resumes on Saturday in San Francisco.

The Rockets managed to keep Curry in check on Wednesday after he went off for 31 points in Sunday’s series opener. However, it’s important to note the impact of Jimmy Butler’s (pelvis) exit during the first quarter. The Warriors were left to search for answers offensively, with 12 players logging rotation minutes before the outcome was no longer in doubt. Curry’s task of putting up points becomes far more challenging without Butler on the court, making Thursday’s MRI for Jimmy a potential turning point in this series. Game 3 is on Saturday.

Initially questionable for Game 2, Podziemski attempted to play through his stomach illness. He played the first eight minutes before having to exit, and the second-year guard did not return until 6:11 remaining in the third quarter. Mercifully, Podziemski was shut down for good with 9:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, as he was not physically up to the challenge. The good news for Golden State is that Game 3 is not until Saturday. Hopefully, that’s enough time for Podziemski to return to full health.

Through the first two games of this series, Brooks has shot 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. While that isn’t necessarily great, he’s done enough to keep the Warriors honest thus far. Brooks will need to continue to do so as the series moves to San Francisco, whether Golden State has Jimmy Butler (pelvis) or not. Game 3 is on Saturday night.

The lone Rockets starter to excel in Sunday’s series-opening defeat, Sengun had plenty of help in Game 2. Although the point total decreased, his rebounds and assists were significantly better than in Game 1. With the Warriors using Draymond Green as their starting “center,” Sengun will have a size advantage more often than not. Some nights, that may mean more scoring, but on Wednesday, it was about the rebounds and assists for the young Rockets center. The series shifts to San Francisco, with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday night.

After struggling mightily in his playoff debut on Sunday, Green looked far more comfortable in Game 2. He became the fifth Rockets player in franchise history to score 30 points or more in a playoff game, aged 23 years or younger, and Green also tied the Rockets’ record for three-pointers in a playoff game. While Green can’t be expected to threaten 40 points every night in this series, the Rockets will need a consistently productive version of him to advance. Game 3 is on Saturday in San Francisco.

Herro had yet another strong scoring performance on Wednesday, reaching at least 20 points for the 14th consecutive game, and 30 points for the fifth time in April. The All-Star led all scorers in this game and also tallied the third-most assists for the Heat. Miami will hope Herro stays hot as the team heads back to Miami in search of a Game 3 victory on Saturday.

While Adebayo was limited in the scoring department, the eight-year pro led the Heat in assists and rebounds while being one of three Heat players to register a steal. In addition to his work on the boards and ability to serve as a go-to facilitator, additional scoring would greatly benefit a Miami team trying to keep pace with a dangerous Cavaliers offense. Adebayo will have a chance for more production in Game 3 on Saturday.

Butler took a hard fall when Rockets wing Amen Thompson inadvertently undercut him during the first quarter. While he remained in the game in the immediate aftermath, Butler gingerly walked back to the locker room after a few possessions. Diagnosed with a pelvic contusion, he will not return to Game 2, with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday. Jonathan Kuminga, who did not play for nearly two weeks, has entered the rotation, as has Pat Spencer. Butler is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday.