OAKLAND – The Warriors and Rockets settled the Western Conference Finals less than five months ago. It’ll be a much different vibe when they meet Thursday night.
For one, it’s a preseason game, with the stakes decidedly lower. For two, the Rockets taking the floor at Oracle Arena won’t be the Rockets you are accustomed to seeing.
While the Warriors plan to go with their usual starters, Houston has decided to bring only one of their starters to Oakland. No James Harden, no Dwight Howard, no Ty Lawson and no Trevor Ariza. Power forward Terrence Jones is the only starter expected to play.