HOU • Guard • #5
Sunday’s series opener was brutal for the Rockets’ starting guards. VanVleet and Jalen Green (7/8/2 in 31 minutes) combined to shoot 7-of-34 from the field overall and 2-of-17 from beyond the arc. Neither was an efficient shooter during the regular season, with VanVleet making 37.8 percent of his attempts and Green slightly better at 42.3 percent. That said, neither reached those levels in Game 1, which was a significant reason why Houston lost. VanVleet and Green will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.
about 18 hours ago
April 21, 2025 4:10 AM
HOU • Center • #12
about 18 hours ago
On a night when their backcourt struggled mightily, the Rockets received solid contributions from their reserve bigs. Adams led the way with 12 rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. didn’t miss a shot and finished with 11 points, six rebounds, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 25 minutes. Houston also took the approach of pairing Adams and Alperen Sengun when Stephen Curry was not on the court, but this had minimal impact on the action due to Houston’s guards struggling to hit shots. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #9
about 18 hours ago
Having scored 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting in Houston’s April 6 win over the Warriors, Brooks likely entered Sunday’s series opener with ample offensive confidence. While he did have a better night shooting-wise than starting guards Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green, Brooks offered limited offensive value, and the defensive stats weren’t there, either. He and Amen Thompson (8/9/6/1/1 in 33 minutes) will have their hands full in this series, and they’ll need to provide some offense as well. The Rockets will look to even the series at 1-all in Game 2 on Wednesday.
HOU • Center • #28
about 18 hours ago
Sengun was one of the few Rockets who managed to get going offensively in Sunday’s series opener, shooting over 50 percent from the field. The two-big lineup of him and Steven Adams did not significantly impact the action, but that’s an approach the Rockets will take when Stephen Curry is not on the floor. However, more important will be getting consistent production from the guards, as Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green shot a combined 7-of-34 from the field in Game 1. Life will become far more difficult for Sengun if the guards are unable to space the floor effectively. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
MIA • Guard • #2
about 2 hours ago
Rozier reportedly injured his ankle during an optional workout and will be listed as questionable for Game 2. However, Rozier fell out of the rotation in March and didn’t see the floor at all during either play-in game and Game 1 of this series. His status won’t impact Miami’s rotation or gameplan.
Source: Anthony Chiang
MIL • Guard • #0
about 4 hours ago
Nehm quotes head coach Doc Rivers as saying that, “He’s close. He looks great to me.” When asked about Dame’s availability for Game 2, Rivers was non-committal, opening the door for a potential return earlier than expected. For now, we’ll consider Lillard questionable for Game 2. Keep a close eye on his status ahead of Tuesday’s tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Source: Eric Nehm
GSW • Guard • #2
about 18 hours ago
Only three Warriors reached double figures in Sunday’s 95-85 victory, with Podziemski joining Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Making his first postseason appearance, the second-year guard offered solid value in rebounds, assists, steals and three-pointers in Game 1. Podziemski isn’t part of Golden State’s “big three,” with Draymond Green owning that seat next to Curry and Butler. But his contributions are essential, especially in a series that may be low-scoring due to the defensive ability of both teams. The Warriors will look to extend their series lead to 2-0 on Wednesday.
