Golden State basketball is on the way! Come join our game thread and chat about tonight’s matchup here.
The Golden State Warriors will get another chance to close out their first-round series against the Houston Rockets when the two teams meet for Game 6 on Friday night. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM PT in San Francisco, and the game will be broadcasted on ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Previously with the Warriors:
Golden State came out flat in Wednesday’s 131-116 blowout loss in Houston. After falling behind by 27 at halftime, head coach Steve Kerr gave his starters a chance to turn things around in the third quarter—but the group couldn’t gain any traction. Kerr eventually pulled them and turned to his bench for the remainder of the game.
While the reserves trimmed the deficit to 13 points and forced Houston to bring its starters back into the game, the damage was already done. The Warriors’ starting unit was outscored 101-40 in a game that Kerr admitted he didn’t have his team ready to win.
Steve Kerr: “I didn’t have them ready to play clearly.”
He said there was a halftime conversation with Draymond Green to give the starters five minutes to make a run and pull the plug if they didn’t pic.twitter.com/BThLDI51SL
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 1, 2025
What to watch for tonight:
Fortunately, the Warriors will have Game 6 at home to make things right. While Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for just 21 points on 6-of-22 shooting in Game 5, both veterans remain confident in the team’s ability to close things out heading into Friday’s matchup.
“We’re fine. Our confidence isn’t gonna waver any.” ️
After tonight’s loss, Jimmy Butler is looking forward to another opportunity in Game 6 pic.twitter.com/LlNHQeRyjU
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 1, 2025
Curry, who has been playing through a lingering right thumb injury, shot just 4-of-12 from the field. After the game, Rockets wing Dillon Brooks admitted to targeting Curry’s injured hand—adding fuel to the physical tone of the series.
Steph was asked about the picture circulating online of his swollen thumb:
Steph: “Got the feds on me? What are you talking about?”
*Someone explains the picture*
Steph: (LAUGHS) “I love this league so much.” pic.twitter.com/oWbMOhj9Aq
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 1, 2025
Dillon Brooks on whether he’s trying to get at Steph’s thumb:
“If I had an injured ankle, I would attack that ankle every single time. So, whatever they’re saying on the broadcast, they can keep saying it” pic.twitter.com/j3SwixMdDQ
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 1, 2025
Also causing problems is Houston’s Amen Thompson, who has been a defensive pest to Curry and the Warriors all series long. He finished Game 5 with five steals and three blocks to go along with his 25 points—second highest on the Rockets.
At this point in the series, Golden State should be used to the physicality and needs to come in with a tougher mentality. Game 6 is a must-win for the Warriors, and they would be smart to take advantage of that or face a do-or-die Game 7 in Houston.
Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!!
Projected Starters
Warriors: Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green
Rockets: Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun
How to watch NBA Playoffs First Round Game 6
Who: Golden State Warriors (3 – 2) vs. Houston Rockets (2 – 3)
When: Friday, May 2nd, at 6:00 p.m. PT
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
TV: ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area (available on fuboTV)