Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets: GAME TIME on ESPN!

Warriors (15-8) vs Rockets (13-10)

TV: ESPN + CSN Bay Area | Radio: KNBR 690

Venue: Roaracle

Tip-Off: 7:30pm PST

Blog Buddy: The Dream Shake

Two nights ago when the Warriors were down 18 at home to the Dallas Mavericks I bet many of you (myself included) were wondering if the Dubs would even make the playoffs this season. Well thanks to a little Stephen Curry pump fake, it's all good.

But let's look at the conference standings in the Wild Wild West for a minute. If the regular season ended today the Warriors would be tied for the 8th and final playoff spot with the Dallas Mavericks. Now the injuries and 14 road games are easy things to point to, but when the season began would anyone consider 13-10 a good record?

Part of me is of the mentality, just get into the playoffs and anything can happen (see 2007 WE BELIEVE and 2013 WE ARE WARRIORS), but many of us were expecting more in this regular season. Now more home games and Andre Iguodala's looming return will definitely help, but tonight against the Rockets on national TV is a great time to get this party started.

The Rockets are coming off a loss last night on TNT to the surprising SHOCKING Western Conference leading 19-4 Portland Trail Blazers. It'd be great to send the Rockets off into the sunset to Sacramento with a 2 game losing streak.

Andrew Bogut + David Lee: It's time to win the battle of the boards against Dwight Howard.

Klay Thompson + Harrison Barnes + Draymond Green: It's time for some shut down D on James Harden. Remember he likes 3's and taking it to the hole.

Stephen Curry: Another game winner would be fantastic, but hopefully the Warriors can get off to a better start under some solid stewardship at the point.

Tonight's Starting Four

Here's who I've got:

1. Stephen Curry: Big stage. Even bigger night.
2. Klay Thompson: Time for a bounce back game.
3. Draymond Green: Making the most of some good minutes.
4. Hilton Armstrong: Here's hoping for some big minutes from this former 1st rounder.

What's your 4?

Join the Golden State of Mind Group on Start Four and make your picks!

Predictions

• Stephen Curry shows the nation why he's a no-brainer 2014 NBA All-Star.
• James Harden makes 10 free throws.
• Dwight Howard misses 10 free throws.
• Warriors by 3.