Golden State visits Houston with 3-2 series lead
Golden State Warriors (57-25, first in the Western Conference during the regular season) vs. Houston Rockets (53-29, fourth in the Western Conference during the regular season)
Houston; Friday, 9 p.m. EDT
WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Golden State leads series 3-2
BOTTOM LINE: The Golden State Warriors visit the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference second round with a 3-2 lead in the series. The Warriors won the previous matchup 104-99. Klay Thompson scored 27 points to help lead Golden State to the victory and James Harden scored 31 points in defeat for Houston.
The Rockets are 31-10 on their home court. Houston averages 42.1 rebounds per game and is 25-2 when winning the rebound battle.
The Warriors are 35-17 in conference play. Golden State averages 46.2 rebounds per game and is 33-7 when out-rebounding opponents.
TOP PERFORMERS: Clint Capela leads the Rockets with 12.7 rebounds and averages 16.6 points. Harden has averaged 31.3 points and totaled 6.7 rebounds while shooting 41.4 percent over the last 10 games for Houston.
Stephen Curry leads the Warriors averaging 27.3 points and has added 5.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Kevin Durant has averaged 35.3 points and added 5.3 rebounds while shooting 52.1 percent over the last 10 games for Golden State.
DURING THE PLAYOFFS: Warriors: Averaging 118.1 points, 43.6 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 7.0 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points on 44.7 percent shooting.
Rockets: Averaging 108.1 points, 43.2 rebounds, 18.0 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.1 points on 43.3 percent shooting.
Rockets Injuries: Danuel House Jr.: day to day (toe).
Warriors Injuries: DeMarcus Cousins: out (torn right quad), Damian Jones: out (torn left pectoral), Kevin Durant: day to day (calf).
